A spring safari at Tau Game Lodge, the place of the lion, is an experience everyone who worships the Big Five, and all the smaller game, including nesting birds now reflecting some 300 different species, should experience at least once in a lifetime.
This is the time when new life emerges in its natural habitat, where man is a mere visitor, and the wild things own the bush.
Ever seen a cheetah with her offspring, cautiously avoiding interaction with other predators, whilst traversing the bush for hunting opportunities to feed her cubs?
Born with a mantle to enable them to hide in the flora from predators, the cubs learn stealth from their incredible mothers and spend up to 24 months learning to defend, protect and hunt for themselves before embarking on their own journey in the wild.
Imagine being close enough on a guided, conservation-conscious game drive, when the ranger quietly points out a lioness and her cubs as the skilled ranger has already identified the high-pitched mews, squeaks, and adorable growls of the cubs. Don’t be fooled and even consider getting out of the safari vehicle to get close to the fluffy cuties as their vigilant mother would be close by to protect her young from humans and other predators.
Then there is the prolific species of antelope. Ever seen a springbok take its first steps and bonding with its adoring mother?
After a game drive, the action of the wilds doesn’t end once guests are safely returned to the lodge. Venturing onto any given 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 be lucky enough to spot a family of African wild dog, not to mention 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. A nature photographer’s dream come true.
Conservation is a priority at Tau in the Madikwe Game Reserve of South Africa, which borders the wilds of Botswana.
This is what the highly respected Lodge Manager at Tau, Ben Molotsi, says about preserving and nurturing the game, environment, and the surrounding communities.
“At Tau Game Lodge, we believe that 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 and conservation levies.
“Madikwe Futures Company was established some years ago and is responsible for Game Reserve Security, Maintenance, and Wildlife Management.
“Financial support through guest donations to our Tau Foundation enables initiatives within the local community by involvement with the local schools.
Tau also initiated the Tau Tree Foundation, where guests buy a tree and plant it in the Madikwe Tau Concession as a valuable contribution and part of giving back to the environment.
“Tau uses the funds raised from the tree foundation to assist the local community schools in proximity to Madikwe Game Reserve, with educational equipment, creating local employment, and support in agricultural initiatives. This, in turn, helps us educate future generations about the importance of wildlife conservation as well as respect for our land.
“Tourism influences the following:
- it creates employment,
- it supports anti-poaching efforts, and it
- provides meaningful benefits to neighbouring communities.
“When visitors leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the conservation experience offered at Madikwe Game Reserve through Tau Game Lodge’s game viewing and hospitality experiences, they remain part of our heartfelt protection initiatives of the natural landscapes and wildlife habitat long after their safari has ended. This demonstrates that well-managed conservation tourism delivers measurable benefits for both biodiversity and people.”
In its 30 years as a globally respected game lodge, Tau has kept up with international hospitality trends to welcome new and return guests with its warm hospitality, comfortable luxury, delicious cuisine, a caring lodge team, and authentic bush charm.
The most recent completed refurbishments include updating most guest chalets to the elevated comfort of the Luxury and Family Suites, whilst further soft refurbishments have resulted in positive reviews from return and new guests.
The lodge has a world-class Conference Centre, which is separate from the main lodge, a Tau Spa Oasis overlooking 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 for future generations.
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