Tau Game Lodge Review

We had barely begun our afternoon game drive with Tau Game Lodge when we stumbled upon a pride of lions feasting on a waterbuck just outside the lodge. The group consisted of two impressive males, two lionesses, and four playful cubs. After gorging themselves, the adults retreated to the shade for their afternoon siestas, leaving the cubs to continue their meal. With surprising strength and determination, the youngsters tore into the carcass, their small but powerful jaws ripping through flesh as they jostled with one another, each vying for the best position.

The following day, we sat mere steps away from a huge male lion as he took a deep breath and opened his massive jaws wide, then released a series of thunderous roars that rolled across the bushveld. Even as seasoned safari-goers, we found the experience exhilarating. However, our companions, an American couple on their very first safari, were completely awestruck, and we reminded them how fortunate they were to have such an incredible sighting on their inaugural game drive. The game-viewing in Madikwe Game Reserve never disappoints!

Some of the wildlife wee saw

Tau, meaning “lion” in the Tswana language, was certainly living up to its name with multiple lion sightings throughout our trip. At night, we could hear the lions roaring from our beds reminding us that we were in wild Africa.

Some of the birds we saw

It was our third visit to Tau Game Lodge, which now feels like home in Madikwe Game Reserve. After a warm welcome on arrival, we sat down to a delicious lunch of grilled salmon and salad, overlooking the waterhole. A herd of elephants marched past us on their way to quench their thirst, lifting their trunks up in the air, as if they were welcoming us.

Elephant Parade

The malaria-free reserve is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa and is home to the Big Five, as well as wild dogs and cheetahs. We’ve encountered all of these — and much more — during our numerous visits. On this trip, as with previous ones, the wildlife was plentiful and appeared healthy, despite reports to the contrary published in the mainstream media last year.

Main Swimming Pool

The five-star lodge is the largest lodge in the reserve, and it was the third lodge to open back in 1995. It overlooks an expansive natural waterhole where there’s a continuous movement of wildlife throughout the day and night. All this activity can be viewed on Tau’s live webcam. The communal areas consist of lounging and dining areas housed in huge canvas tents, a viewing deck, a game-viewing lounge, two swimming pools, and a curio shop.

Our chalet

There are 30 chalets arranged around the waterhole. Our comfortable chalet opened onto a private viewing deck with great views of the wildlife there. Although it was cold outside, the room was heated by electric blankets and air-conditioners. The en-suite bathroom led to an outdoor shower.

Our Chalet

The lodge serves three meals a day. After our morning game drives, we enjoyed Turkish eggs, omelettes, chia seed pudding and pastries for breakfast. Our lunches and dinners consisted of delicious salmon, kingklip and hake while our companions relished eland, ostrich and kudu steaks. These were followed by decadent desserts and preceded by hearty soups at dinnertime.

In between game drives and meals, I chose to indulge my hedonistic tendencies and visited the serene spa. While they offered a unique African stick massage inter alia, I wasn’t brave enough to try it so I opted for my favourite— a relaxing hot stone massage which lulled me to sleep.

The Spa

Tau Game Lodge’s motto is “It takes a pride to serve a king” and the friendly staff took great care of us. Some even remembered us from previous visits. One thing is certain: once the safari bug bites, it never leaves you — you’ll find yourself longing for the open bush, the thrill of the chase, and the magic of the wild, time and time again. I know that I will never tire of it.

For more information, visit Tau Game Lodge, or book here.

See a recap of our stay here:

Good to know

• Tau Game Lodge is in the North West Province, approximately 4.5 hours from Johannesburg, near the Botswana border. The nearest entrance is the Tau Gate, from where it is just 3 kilometres away.
• Rates include meals and game drives but exclude park entrance fees, the rhino conservation levy and the tourism levy.
• The lodge is family-friendly, with family units, a play area and a Cubz Club for youngsters.
• Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge.
• See current specials here.

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.