Does an African safari feature on your list of experiences? If not, it should! The continent has so much to offer, from friendly people, spectacular scenery, to cultural treasures and more. But above everything, it is the wildlife and safari lifestyle that will keep drawing you back. We recently visited the South African luxury safari lodge – Tau Game Lodge – situated on the far northern border of South Africa and had the finest wildlife experience.

Our stay was authentic in the midst of natural wildlife, supplemented by great game viewing, good food, luxury private facilities, and more. The lodge is in a malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve – the 4th largest game reserve in the country.

Luxury game viewing lounge

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

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 tranquility of the rugged surroundings of the diverse bushveld. The family suite and unit consist of two bedrooms which are semi inter-leading and share a comfortable lounge.

Swimming pools

Tau offers infinity pool located in close proximity to the game viewing lounge, with stunning views of the remarkable wildlife passing through from the Big 5 to the smaller antelope and birdlife.

We couldn’t help it but took to a plunge in the pool situated on the far end of the lodge with thrilling close-up views of the wildlife frequenting the waterhole. The main lodge area also features a pool for guests who prefer to enjoy their drinks in the water not far from the main facilities.

The spa

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. Guests can indulge their 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.

Curio shop

Tau Game Lodge has a 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. Guests can 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. Guests can purchase anything from either child and/or adult clothing, through to postcards, batteries, wild animal “soft” toys and books.

The Safari

Over 27 major species of game roam the nature reserve, making Tau Game Lodge the ideal place for a safari holiday, offering Big 5 game and bird-watching safaris. During our visit, we have seen the magnificent animals including breeding herds of elephants, white and black rhinos, lions, cheetahs spotted and brown hyenas, buffalos, leopards, zebras, endangered wild dogs, giraffes, ostriches, warthogs and more.

We also saw various antelope species roaming the Madikwe Game Reserves such as impalas, springboks, kudus, waterbucks, wildebeests, elands, blesboks, nyalas, sable, and more.

Madikwe is a prime wildlife reserve and safari destination with a choice of excellent luxury accommodation venues such as Tau Game Lodge. It is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and hosts an incredible diversity of species, offering some of the best South African Safaris.

The reserve borders Botswana and is located in North West Province of South Africa, 90km north of Zeerust – about 4-hour drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng. It is also just about 40km from Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, offering a welcome addition to your Botswana tour. It is easily accessible from O.R. Tambo Airport, the base for South African Airlines.

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few wildlife reserves in Southern Africa that is malaria free. Besides many other wildlife species, the Big 5 can also be found in the reserve. Brown Hyena, Cheetahs and Aardwolf are some of the rarest animals and can be seen at Madikwe Game Reserve.

The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of African animals and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities. Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species and more than 300 resident and migrant bird species. Of all the South African Wildlife safaris offered, Madikwe’s is the easiest to reach by road or air. Apart from the Big 5,

The safaris are organised in such a way that when a sighting has been found, the other vehicles are radioed in and the other vehicles also get a chance to view the sighting. This has a huge effect on the pleasure of a safari.