It is a not-so-well-kept-secret that safaris at Tau Game Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve of South Africa’s North-West Province, which borders Botswana, is a place one wants to return to. Once is never enough…
Tau, which means the place of the lion in Tswana, is an experience everyone who worships nature, including nesting birds now reflecting some 300 different species, wishes to return to.
Five-star safaris, with all the bells and whistles, are luxurious indulgences. When we work hard for our money and need to find our core in nature, we owe it to ourselves to embrace the Big Five, and the abundance of game in its natural habitat in the wild to engage with our inner spirit animal.
In its 30 years as a preferred luxe safari lodge, Tau has endeavored to not only hear what guests wished for but gone above and beyond to exceed their expectations. The latest room updates are no exception as new and return guests are not holding back in reporting their delight.
Yet, Tau has never forgotten its core purpose, that of not only providing all the luxuries, including guided safaris and relaxation in the Tau Spa Oasis, but to share its respect for the wilds. No crystal chandeliers here, yet the comfort and quiet luxuries, not to mention the caring Tau team, simply flow into the authenticity of a world-class safari.
An early morning game drive with a conservation conscious ranger, who will not only know where to spot the myriad wildlife but also explain the medicinal benefits of the indigenous flora, will captivate any world-weary traveller.
The early hours of the day are when game are active before the summer heat settles in.
Imagine the skilled ranger quietly pointing out a lioness, or a cheetah, and her cubs as he or she has already identified the high-pitched mews, squeaks, and adorable growls of the cubs. These are creatures in the wild, and humans are mere spectators.
Guests return to the lodge for a scrumptious breakfast, but not before they made a pit stop in a safe area chosen by the ranger to indulge in a hot beverage and snacks, with vistas of the verdant savanna.
On the drive back to the lodge, the prolific species of antelope are always a thrill to observe… perhaps hyena or African wild dogs are spotted along the route…
After breakfast, the action of the wild doesn’t end. Venturing onto any given private room deck, or hospitality decks at the lodge, presents a further carnival of animals gathering 24/7 around the large waterhole that envelopes the lodge.
Elephants trumpet, lions roar, you might even spot those sneaky crocodiles waiting to strike. In short, the Tau Waterhole has been described as addictive and is one of the many reasons guests from around the planet return to this safari haven.
Naturally, birders never leave disappointed after spending time observing the birdlife on the water and in the Reserve.
The sundowner game drives bring a different atmosphere into the bush. Wildlife stirs after the heat of the day, ready to forage before nightfall, whilst the predators start planning their strategy for the hunt. Again, the ranger identifies a safe spot for guests to savour the sounds and scents of the bush with their favourite tipple before returning to the lodge for a hearty lodge or bush dinner.
This is also the time when game, predators and the hunted alike, take their time to quench their thirst at the Tau Waterhole. This reality show never disappoints…
Conservation is a priority and responsible tourism is one of the most important contributors to conservation. Every guest who visits contributes directly and indirectly to the overall protection of our wildlife and upkeep of Madikwe Game Reserve through entrance fees an
d conservation levies.
The lodge has a spacious Conference Centre, which is separate from the main lodge, and the Tau Spa Oasis overlooks the verdant bush, where eco-friendly products produced from native plants are used to further complement the Tau belief in conserving the planet and its creatures.
Both pools, one at the main hospitality deck, the other an infinity pool with a tented bar known for its delicious cocktails, overlook the waterhole.
The lodge is family friendly, whilst ensuring romantic couples are never compromised.
Tau opened its 5-star safari doors in 1995 and offers 30 rooms, from newly updated Luxury Standard & Standard Chalets to Family Suites, for a malaria-free safari. Just over an easy four-hour drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg – and two landing strips for light aircraft on the Reserve.
Head to the 24/7 live webcam for an all-year armchair safari: https://www.taugamelodge.co.za/main-lodge/live-webcam/.
Experience more at www.taugamelodge.co.za