Located in the northern border of South Africa, Tau Game lodge is a luxury safari lodge situated in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe Game Reserve is the fourth largest reserve in South Africa covering a vast area of over 75,000 hectares. The Reserve has a wide range of fauna and flora, surpassing many other game reserves with 27 major species roaming the lodge. Tau Game Lodge is equipped with luxurious deluxe chalets, relaxing spa facilities, a gym, two swimming pools, WIFI, game viewing lounge, helipad, conference centre, a waterhole, daily safaris and exquisite cuisine.

Accommodation includes various exceptional chalets that cater to each guest’s unique needs from a spacious family suite with interlocking rooms including a private jacuzzi, to romantic deluxe rooms for couples looking to spend quality time together or to make special occasions like anniversaries even more memorable. Each room has an amazing outdoor shower, it’s cobblestone theme blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment giving full access to the African sky, well scented toiletry products furnish the bathrooms, bringing the spa experience to each suite , air-conditioning for those hot evenings, a minibar and a balcony that stretches out so close to the reserve, leaving you only a few feet away from the animals you could almost touch the beautiful waterbuck that spend their morning staring through your window and grazing right at the edge of the fence. A key feature of Tau Game Lodge’s accommodation is the most breath-taking scenic view from your room, lounge and deck overlooking an exquisite waterhole where every guest can enjoy game viewing from the moment they open their eyes. During our stay we were honoured to wake up to the view of Impala, Zebra, Ostrich, Wildebeest and even Elephants which roam freely within their natural environment. This makes Tau Game Lodge a luxury 5-star experience with a 5-star rating that we would highly recommended to anyone around the world keen to see South Africa in its best light.

The relaxing spa facilities are nothing short of tranquil. The treatment rooms surround a water feature which emulates the sounds of a trickling stream. Each treatment room allows you to unwind to the view of the untainted environment. With a wide range of massages and treatments, this was truly an opportunity to unwind and for 60 minutes feel the stress and tension leave the body. Other features include a jacuzzi as well as a functioning gym overlooking Mother Nature in all her glory.

The delicious gourmet cuisine is served in the most impressive setting. The restaurant is located at the heart of the lodge where you are able to enjoy your meals as if you’re a part of the reserve’s ecosystem. On our first night we enjoyed a mouth-watering 3-course meal. For starters we selected the butternut soup which was served with freshly baked bread, the main meal included the option of tender impala, lamb or fresh fish carefully paired with a selection of garden vegetables. To end off a marvellous meal we indulged in chocolate and peppermint tart that lingered sweetly on our palates. The chef was sure to uphold decadence and infuse flavours in her meals that left us excited for more.

The highlight of this luxury lifestyle weekend was the safari game drive. Bright and early we were enroute to experience nature at its finest and we were certainly not disappointed. As the sun rose, we were met by several animals, namely: Impala, African wild dogs, Kudu, Springbok, Zebra, Ostrich, Wildebeests, Worthogs, Egyptian Geese, Helmeted Guineafowl, Waterbuck, Elephants and two Lions. We made a pit stop to enjoy some tea and coffee to kick start the day before breakfast. Our afternoon safari was full of suspense, as our guide kept looking for a certain pair of paw prints. He couldn’t reveal which animal they belong to until it was announced on the two-way radio that they had found the animal. Soon enough we stopped for some sundowners as we patiently awaited our turn to discover which animal we would encounter next. To our surprise we were headed for two leopards, found relaxing, enjoying their evening with the most spectacular sunset backdrop over the horizon. On the drive back in the dark, with only a flood light supporting us we spotted a few nocturnal animals, one of them being the Owl.

As we returned to enjoy our dinner, we were treated like royalty as dinner was served by the fireside at the Boma Lounge which is traditionally how African kings are served. The 5-star culinary experience was unforgettable. The service was superb which made our Luxuria Lifestyle Weekend even more exceptional. We enjoyed a selection of meats and vegetables served with pap and the option of cheesecake or malva pudding with warm custard for dessert. Tau Game Lodge offers two swimming pools, one situated near the main restaurant and another private infinity pool situated on the far end of the resort. We spent our final moments cooling off by the private infinity pool, tanning to the calming sounds of the animals grunting and birds chirping. A truly incredible time and wonderful place. We can’t express enough how thankful we are to the amazing team and staff at TAU Game Lodge/Madikwe Reserve & conservation park for all that they do for the animals of South Africa as well as Luxuria Lifestyle for partnering on an unbelievable experience.

W: Tau Game Lodge
A: 2874 R49 Madikwe Game Reserve, 2874, South Africa
T: +27 11 466 8715

Written by Paballo Makupu for Luxuria Lifestyle South Africa