By Tilly Smith Dix
Twenty years ago, I needed to replace a 5-star safari client who took it personally when I’d point out certain flaws every time I visited to review to write a new media release. That client also reacted negatively when international travel media pointed out similar concerns to me, the publicist who sent them to the world-renowned lodge, which I had publicized since its inception.
My point? Even when you become successful, always keep your eye on the ball. When discerning travelers report problems, such as a dreadful meal, a broken bed lamp, a stuck window, investigate and get real.
Back then, I was getting my travel stories published as well as being a 5-star boutique travel publicist. As discerning travel was a passion, this was luxe heaven to me!
So, I received a response from the GM at Tau Game Lodge H/O to come and see her to discuss what I could do for the lodge after I’d reached out to her.
Renate Oostmeijer, who had been at the head of the city-based reservation and administrative office proved a charming, beautiful force of nature. We got along from the get-go.
Born in the Netherlands, this was not her first rodeo, or should I say first safari lodge management gig. Prior to joining Tau in its infancy, she had worked in management with highly respected game lodges, such as Sabi Sabi in the Sabi Game Reserve of Mpumalanga.
So, to continue my take on life being a tapestry, little did I know back on that day when meeting Renate how our paths had been intertwined with people of quality long before we met.
I knew I wanted to work with this woman. A professional with a forthright personality. So, I hoped Tau would be up to parr as having looked after media relations for the Relais & Chateaux members of South Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands for several years, my standards were high. Yes, I was ruined for life, chuckles…
Well, to cut a long story short(er), in the twenty years that I’ve had the privilege of working with Tau, not only has the lodge been successful as an international safari destination, it has also exceeded even my expectations, without ever becoming pretentious or too important to take notice of any constructive feedback. The committed team continues to improve its service, the superb hospitality, and accommodation.
This is why visitors from around the planet return time and again. Authenticity, luxury without pretense, solid ecotourism values, conservation, and style are just some of the many incredible attributes reflected in Tau guest reviews on the net.
Over the years, my every visit proved a triumph, with new elevated hospitality surprises.
So, without my further waxing lyrical, here’s the latest news to celebrate Tau’s 30 years in the 5-star safari business, ever evolving and delivering the safari wow-factor…
Tau Game Lodge has been a preferred five-star safari destination in the Madikwe Game Reserve of South Africa, which borders Botswana, for 30 years, embracing its milestone Pearl Anniversary this year, 2026.
Over the years, Tau has kept up with international hospitality trends to welcome new and return guests from around the world with its warm hospitality, comfortable, understated luxury, delicious cuisine, authentic bush charm, and heartfelt commitment to conservation. Here, humans enter the kingdom of the animals in their native location with respect.
The most recent completed refurbishments include updating all guest chalets to the elevated level of comfort to complement the Luxury and Family Suites. This has resulted in superb feedback and reviews from new and return guests.
Over the years, Tau has paid attention to guest requests and suggestions, resulting in the world-class Conference Centre being completed ten years after the original lodge was opened.
Shortly afterwards, the Tau Spa Oasis, overlooking the verdant bush, opened its doors, where eco-friendly products produced from native plants are used to further complement the Tau belief in conserving the planet for future generations, and the animals.
Management has also been involved in ongoing local community upliftment, education, and employment for many years.
This is not a big resort-style lodge. It offers intimacy and game drives by dedicated, highly qualified rangers, passionate about the bush, its creatures, and the flora.
Both pools, one at the main hospitality deck, the other an infinity pool with a tented bar known for its delicious cocktails, overlook the mesmerising waterhole, which attracts all species of game, including prolific birdlife, with several crocodiles adding to nature’s daily drama. All guest chalets and hospitality areas face the magnificent waterhole too.
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 – two landing strips for light aircraft on the Reserve, bordering the wilds of Botswana.
Head to the 24/7 live webcam for an all-year armchair safari of Tau’s magnificent waterhole via the website at: https://www.taugamelodge.co.za/main-lodge/live-webcam/.
Experience more at www.taugamelodge.co.za