Tau Game Lodge

Malaria free • Thatched chalets • Game-viewing • Bird watching • Child friendly • Privately owned lodge • Spa •

Enjoy the South African wildlife and the tranquility of nature right on your doorstep while staying in our comfortable and luxury accommodation. Deep in the rugged bushveld, in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, lies Tau Game lodge, an oasis of tranquility and hospitality.

On the far northern border of South Africa lies a beautiful area known as the Great 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 Great Marico dust. 

Privately owned 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 50 minutes daily scheduled flight from Johannesburg International airport, Tau "The Place of the Lion" can host and accommodate up to 60 people. This luxury South African safari lodge was designed to reflect the natural surroundings and makes use of the natural resources wherever possible. The main body of the Lodge is two-leveled and has a comfortable lounge, a conference room, 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 verandah next to the plunge pool and dinner is served in one of the cosy boma's under the stars, or in the lapa next to the main lodge.

Tau Game Lodge is part of a unique wildlife project. 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.

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. Besides good birding, one is likely to encounter a fair range of larger African game. The area is also of great cultural interest, with the old school building where Herman Charles Bosman taught in the reserve, and the outline of Abjaterskop looming just beyond the western boundary.

The décor and furnishings of Tau Game Lodge are Africa-inspired and the rooms are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Thirty rustic 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. Each chalet has its own wooden game viewing deck, which allows one to experience the bush in privacy and is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and open-air shower. Each of the two corner units, have been linked with the next-door unit by a communal outdoor lounge. These chalets can be utilised for two couples traveling together or for parents with small children sharing the room.

Relax, revitalise and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the uniquely African surroundings of Tau Game Lodge...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 is 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.

[ Contact us to plan your safari ]