Tau Game Lodge

Tau is a South African luxury safari lodge situated on the far northern border of South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country. 27 major species of game roam this South African nature reserve, making Tau Game Lodge the ideal place for a safari holiday, offering Big 5 game safaris and bird-watching safaris.

Tau Game Lodge, situated in the North West Province, can accommodate up to 60 people and offers an ideal South African conference venue as well as an idyllic wedding venue overlooking a natural waterhole.

Enjoy an authentic South African safari vacation in the midst of natural wildlife, complete with great game viewing and luxury private facilities, at our South Africa luxury safari lodge. Our luxury South African safari lodge was designed to reflect the natural surroundings and makes use of the natural resources wherever possible.

The main Lodge has a comfortable lounge, bar and dining room which are semi open-air and overlook the waterhole. Delicious buffet breakfasts and lunches are generally served in the main building or on the lapa and dinners are served in one of the cosy boma’s under the stars, or in the lapa next to the main lodge.

On the far northern border of South Africa lies a beautiful area known as the Groot Marico and it is in this spectacular setting, in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, that Tau Game Lodge South Africa is situated.

The jumbled hillocks of Tshwene-Tshwene and the dramatic ridge of the Dwarsberg Mountains expose rocks of up to 2630 million years old and artifacts of the Stone and Iron Ages are still found in the Groot Marico dust.

Tau Game Lodge South Africa was built in 1995 and overlooks a vast natural waterhole, which attracts a variety of game, as does the diverse vegetation that thrives in the fertile topsoil.

Situated at an easy 4 hours driving distance from Johannesburg or a 50 minute daily scheduled flight from Johannesburg International airport, Tau “The Place of the Lion” can host and accommodate up to 60 people.

ACCOMMODATION
The décor and furnishings of Tau Game Lodge are Africa-inspired and the rooms are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Thirty luxury thatched chalets are spread out in U-formation on either side of the lodge, offering excellent views of animals approaching the water from the opposite bank.

All Chalets have views of the game approaching the water hole. Each chalet ensures privacy with its own viewing deck, en suite bathroom, open-air shower. The more spacious Deluxe chalets with comfortable seating areas, can accommodate parents and children wishing to share the same room.

The sliding doors allow for spectacular views of the breathtaking beautiful tranquillity of the rugged surroundings of the diverse bushveld. The Family suite and Family unit are both consisting of two bedrooms which are semi inter-leading and share a comfortable lounge.

PRIVATE MEMBER SUITES
The Private members suites offer a luxurious alternative for either a group of friends, a small business getaway or for a larger family preferring to be hosted separate from other visitors or for any special occasion.

This private venue is perfect for the discerning traveler, as it balances the wild pulses of the surrounding bush with a style that is distinctly African, delivering the ultimate personalized service and attention to detail from the moment you arrive.

An exciting secluded getaway, for those who appreciate exclusivity and privacy, warm personalized service, healthy and delicious cuisine and some of the best game viewing that Southern Africa has to offer.

The design concept combines private sanctuaries and luxurious and cozy communal spaces. The warmth, charm and comfort reign supreme, with all-round spectacular views of the surrounding bushveld as well as the frequently animal populated waterhole.

The living spaces; A dining area with Bar, fireplace lounge, spacious furnished deck and swimming pool and small gym area, raised above the bush and pool are yours to enjoy, along with the splendid views over the savannah.

Booking the suites for private groups of 8 – 10 visitors is ideal, as It is the flexibility that makes the Private members suites the perfect safari destination for small groups and the daily program can be more or less adjusted and tailor-made to the group’s requirements.

The safari drives offer a unique African Wildlife experience, conducted in a safe and yet wild and exiting environment, nothing can prepare you for the thrill that you will experience while being in nature, as well as the close encounters with its natural inhabitants on game drive.

THE LUXURY SUITES
The 5 Luxury Suites are situated on either side of the main area and are connected via a raised wooden walkway along the front side of the suites.

The walkway guides the guests through and above lush gardens and gives a sense all boundary’s broken, while experiencing the true African bush. This also optimizes the opportunity to spot wildlife passing by on their way to the water hole in front of the main area.

The luxury suites are tastefully furnished and each suite is decorated according to the African animal theme the specific suite is named after. All suites comprise an en- suite bathroom, outdoor shower, a tea and coffee station and a private deck offering a relaxing view of the beautiful landscape and all the wonders the bush has to offer.

The Private member suites are situated within a short drive from Tau Game Lodge and Spa treatments can be arranged by appointment in one of the Tau Spa Oasis treatment rooms.
Children of all ages are welcome.

Regrettably this Private Member suite room type is not yet listed on our online booking system. For any enquiries and further information in connection with tariffs and availability, kindly contact our reservations office.

DINING
The delicious and colorful genius meals are a healthy and nourishing experience, created to give vitality to your body and elevate your mind. Dining at the Private Members suites is a treat; not only for the taste-buds, but also for the eyes and soul.

A sumptuous selection will be on offer and dietary requirements are catered for when indicated in advance. Some of the vegetables and herbs are grown on the property and this fresh produce is used to add flavor and color to the menu.

The table settings are family style and are served in one of the stunning dining areas; be it either while overlooking the African bush on the viewing decks, under the mesmerizing milky way of the African sky, next to a roaring fire, or in the formal dining area.

FAMILY SUITE
The Family Suite consists of 2 adjacent Deluxe chalets joined by a semi-interleading lounge area. It is thus suitable for larger families of 2 adults and max 4 children below the age of 12 years, 1 bedroom is equipped with a double bed and the other with twin beds, sleeper couches can be put into the rooms to accommodate the additional 2 children. 1 Family suite only

THE SPA
Deep in the rugged bushveld, in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, lies Tau Game lodge, an oasis of tranquillity and hospitality. Relax, revitalise and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the uniquely African surroundings of the Tau Game Lodge Spa Oasis.

On entering the Spa you are transported into another world – a calm sanctuary that reflects the soul of Africa with its natural surroundings enhancing your experience. Indulge your senses in a unique fusion of different therapies designed to replenish and soothe body, mind and soul.

The spa body treatments are specifically designed to detoxify the body, revitalise the skin and calm the mind. A range of massages are available to reduce tension and relieve the cumulative effects of everyday stress. This serene environment is aimed at assisting you to unwind in the natural and tranquil surroundings.

Africology incorporates energy therapy into treatment formulations. The active energetic essences of plants are always respected in formulations, giving nature an opportunity to work in harmony with the body’s energy field.

The use of radionics to transfer energetic patterns to the Africology products is another special way of keeping the treatment products constantly alive.

To embody Africa’s untamed spirit and majesty, healer and skin care therapist RENCHIA DROGANIS uses indigenous ingredients in her unique body treatment products. She prefers to stay away from harsh chemicals, and is always focusing on creating a therapeutic experience on the body.

Taking care of our body and skin is a first step towards self love. Africology contributes to the well-being of Africa’s people, their land, and the species that share our planet. Our extensively trained Spa therapists are specialised in treatments ranging from authentic African treatments to specialised hydrotherapy treatments.

Guests can create their own Spa experience with our treatment options or they can choose from specially designed Spa package options and they are encouraged to stay after their treatments to enjoy some peaceful time at our secluded relaxation Sala. The Spa oasis also offers wonderful gifts to purchase.

A SAFARI WEDDING DESTINATION 
The Lodge can host and accommodate smaller, intimate wedding parties of up to 60 people. Taking over the entire Lodge for a wedding has definite advantages, in that the whole day can be designed to suit the couple’s needs and guests don’t have to drive home afterwards.

We offer a personalised and professional service for the event and a flexible package to suit both your budget and personal style. This exciting, romantic setting with beautiful African sunsets and sunrises will make the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable occasion.

There is a licensed bar in the main building and an outside bar in the Boma, where any wine or liquor can be made available on request (bar purchases are extras).

Although there is no formal Chapel, the Lodge’s buildings have served the purpose on many occasions, while Wildebeest, Impala or Kudu witnessed the wedding from the far side of the waterhole.

For the more adventurous bridal couple there is an option of a bush ceremony which takes place at a beautiful selected site in the Reserve, the standard set up for this ceremony includes a gazebo, red carpet and chairs with white chair covers.

We will be able to give you contact numbers for a florist, photographer and minister (these services are not included in the package). This very special, and often fairly stressful day, can be turned into an extraordinary occasion, focused on spending quality time with dear friends and close family in a relaxed environment at our South African wedding venue in the wild.

GAME VIEWING LOUNGE
The African inspired game viewing lounge area situated at close proximity to the infinity pool allows for guests to meet for morning and afternoon drinks prior to game drive departure.

The cosy bar area serves both the swimming pool and the game viewing lounge from where guests can enjoy a daily parade of amazing wildlife passing through from the big 5 to the smaller antelope and bird population.

THE SWIMMING POOL
Tau offers a new infinity pool located in close proximity to the Game Viewing Lounge, with stunning views of the amazing wildlife passing through from the Big 5 to the smaller antelope and birdlife.

We also have the relaxing plunge pool situated at the main lodge area, for those guests who prefer to sit around the pool and enjoy their drinks with a spectacular view of the waterhole.

CONFERENCE CENTRE
The main hall of this South African conference venue (270m2 in total) is made up of three sub-halls, each of which can operate independently or together via a touch-screen control system. (11m x 7.6 m each)

High quality, strategically placed equipment has been installed in the 3 sub-halls and all systems have been integrated and configured to maximize performance and enhance aesthetic qualities.

THE SHOP
Our curio shop is situated at the entrance of the lodge and is one of the first lodge features one will notice on arrival when walking through to the reception and entrance hall.

Once you are comfortable and have more or less settled into your new home we encourage you to have a good look around and discover some delightful items created by skilled craftsmen, traditional ornaments or handcrafted jewellery as well as useful safari gear.

Unique items of memorabilia are also on sale carrying the Tau Game lodge logo as a reminder of your African safari; making the bush memories linger long after your return back home.

We also offer elegant fashion inspired by the beauty of the bush as well as quality outdoor gear, such as peak caps or broad brimmed hats. Guests can purchase anything from either child and/or adult clothing, through to postcards, batteries, wild animal “soft” toys and books.

THE KIDS CLUB
Children aged 0-2 years sharing with parents stay free and baby-sitting services are on offer at an extra charge.

Children aged 3 to 5 years automatically become members of the Tau Cubz Club, which is great fun and works best over school holidays,. It includes a short game drive after breakfast just for the kids. After their game drive, children are entertained with treasure hunts and arts and crafts activities.

The children are provided with their own Cubz Club backpacks, which are filled with a wildlife activity booklet, which includes an animal sticker checklist, a deputy ranger sticker badge and certificate, (which is signed off by their personal ranger) as well as a special Tau T-shirt.

Additional Cubz entertainment options are for sale in the Tau Curio Shop, including a wide variety of children’s goods. These items also make for ideal children’s gifts.

The Cubz Club is especially welcomed by families visiting during school holidays, providing parents the opportunity to enjoy some adult safari time, knowing the kids are well taken care of as well as stimulated and entertained.

The bush is the ideal environment in which families can share relaxation time together, provided they are disciplined and respect the rules of the bush. Tau is discreetly electrically fenced around the living area for added safety.

A playroom is also reserved for children’s arts and crafts and other supervised activities. The chef offers additional child-friendly food to complement the adult meals, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Children between 6 and 11 years old can join the adult safaris, they will however also be issued with a special Cubz Club activity booklet and are welcome to join their siblings during the Cubz club activities.

MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the country’s fourth largest game reserve. It is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the spectacular Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, the Marico river to the east.

Madikwe, a South African private game reserve created in 1991 from 75,000 ha of farmland, which had been extensively degraded by overgrazing, was chosen as the site of Operation Phoenix.

The government-sponsored, biggest-ever game- relocation programme in Africa involved re-stocking and conserving flora and wildlife, which had long since disappeared from the region.

Ten thousand animals of 27 major species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant, have been re-introduced to the Madikwe Game Reserve over a six year period with animals coming from various reserves and breeding centres and game viewing is now at its prime.

Northwest Parks Board (formerly Bop Parks) has adhered to a strict policy of introducing only those species, which once occurred in the area). Madikwe is run as a three-way partnership between the State, the local communities and the private sector.

Madikwe, therefore, should not be looked at as solely a protected area or tourism destination, the reserve acts as a major social and economic core and engine around which the development of the region can be based.

The name of Operation Phoenix is appropriate: like the mythical bird that burnt itself to a crisp on the pyre and then rose from the ashes to live again with new vigor, nature has regained a stronghold on the land and the programme has been hugely successful.

Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the country’s fourth largest game reserve. It is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the spectacular Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, the Marico river to the east.

The diverse habitat in the reserve, from acacia, savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species such as springbok, gemsbok, sable and impala. The birdlife is also spectacular, and this is one of the few South African private game reserves that are malaria free.

THE WILDLIFE
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few reserves where one can come for a truly South African safari holiday and view an unusual wide variety of South African wildlife.

Madikwe is also home to a bird population of over 250 different species. A spectacular diversity of South African wildlife is conserved at Madikwe Game Reserve and you can enjoy the wildlife and the tranquility of nature right on your doorstep while on your South African safari holiday at Tau Game Lodge.

GAME WALKS
Please note that game walks can only be done with guests aged between 16 – 60 years old and that should you have a pre-existing medical condition, a doctors certificate is required to confirm that you are able to do the walk.

We have qualified rangers who take guests in small groups on game walks. These game walks are confirmed while at the Lodge with Lodge Management. (so not in advance)

THE TAU FOUNDATION
Contribute to the Tau Foundation. Donate, pledge, fundDonate to our current project, online via GoFundMe. Madikwe has the distinction of being one of the few game reserves in the world to be proclaimed purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land use for an area.

It further represents an extension to this philosophy in that it is run as a joint venture between the state, the private sector and local communities. The aim being, to wherever possible, involve the local community in wealth creation through tourism, skills and training and to involve the local communities directly in the benefits of wildlife tourism and the protection of the natural environment.

In line with this philosophy, the founder (Robert Gerard), set up the Tau Foundation to fund the community project and encouraged his overseas business visitors to contribute and make donations towards this non profit organisation.

Since its inception The Tau Foundation, driven by Tau’s Director, has implemented a number of impressive projects in the local Supingstad community and we are proud of what the Tau Foundation has achieved so far.

The social responsibility programme is delivering tangible results at the various local schools. This includes the fencing and safe keeping of the school properties and upgrading of the school sports fields and play grounds.

THE TAU TREE FUND
The Tau Tree Fund is aimed at giving our guests an opportunity to contribute back to the environment. With trees now days being a precious, renewable, natural resource it has become of growing importance to plant more indigenous trees. Especially the more endangered species, trees such as the Maroela (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra).

We have also managed to acquire eight Bushveld Red Balloon trees (Erythrophysa traansvaalensis). These trees are extremely rare and less than 50 of them are known of in the greater Madikwe area. So far we have planted over 50 trees in and around the Tau Lodge area.

With the ever-growing pressure that is put on the environment by man, and domestic and wild animals, it is essential that we start making a concerted effort to conserve our natural surroundings. The Tau Tree Fund was started to allow visitors to the Tau Game Lodge the opportunity to plant protected tree species and to learn a little about the trees that they are planting.
Information supplied to the guests includes the medicinal purposes, African folklore, natural habitat, ecology, animal and plant relationships etc, of their chosen tree.

There is a selection of indigenous trees to choose from. At the moment we have a variety of tree species to choose from, but as the fund grows we will be able to increase the amount of species we are able to purchase. Basically how it works is that the guests can choose what tree they wish to plant.

The guests and their guide will choose a suitable area to plant it and dig the hole. A photo is taken to document the guest involvement in planting the tree and placed in a photo album, which has its home on a stand in the main lodge.

There is also a plaque that states the name/s of the people that planted the tree, the tree species and the date it was planted, which is added to a board above the photo album. The fund is open to other lodges in Madikwe and anyone else who would want to plant a tree in the reserve.

We are working closely with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and our supplying nurseries, so that from time to time when the trees seed, they are able to collect seeds for further regeneration.

Website: www.taugamelodge.co.za

Rooms: 30

Price: from 581 EUR per night