Tau Game Lodge

Stayed with two children aged 11 and 14 for 2 nights. It was an expensive trip but worth every penny. The lodge itself was perfect for us, relaxed enough to feel comfortable and the view over the watering hole provided endless entertainment. The food was delicious and we were never hungry. The staff were just the right amount of attentive and so friendly and helpful, we felt very welcome. The game viewing was amazing, we saw 4 of the big 5 and many other big mammals as well as hyenas and african wild dogs. Our guide, Rose, was excellent and worked really hard to help us see as much as possible, giving us fascinating information about the animals and the park. Sundowners out on the drive was a lovely touch too. Loved the pool and the outdoor showers and our two rooms joined by a shared lounge was ideal our family as well.

Tau Lodge is absolutely spectacular. We stayed for 3 nights and honestly, I can’t think of a single bad thing to say. Everything — and I mean everything — was perfect. Starting with the staff, who go above and beyond to make your stay unforgettable. They’re incredibly helpful and genuinely lovely people. The food is divine — every meal we had was absolutely delicious. The rooms are comfortable and spotless (we stayed in the family option, which has two bedrooms and two bathrooms connected by a lounge). The bed was super comfy, we even had two baboons visit our deck, and the outdoor shower was such a treat! Of course, being in the middle of the African bush, you’ll spot a few little insects here and there, but they’re harmless. Housekeeping comes by once a day, and in the evening they lower the mosquito nets, so the room always feels clean. Something we really loved is how Tau makes an effort to match guests with the right group. For example, our jeep had another Aussie family with kids the same age as ours — it was perfect! We became great friends, met up again in Cape Town, and are already planning to catch up in Melbourne. It might sound like a small thing, but it made the experience even more special. And I’m sure it wasn’t by chance — Tau clearly puts thought into creating great groups. Our ranger, Honest, was absolutely fantastic — super experienced and did everything possible to give us the best safari experience. And wow, did he deliver! On our very first drive, we witnessed a “National Geographic” moment — an elephant chased a pride of lions, and then the lions (with their cubs!) spent about 20 minutes right next to our jeep, the little ones playing while we all sat there in awe. Then three rhinos showed up and sent the lions running — all just a few metres away from us. Honest positioned the jeep perfectly so we could watch it all unfold. Every single safari was amazing, thanks to the abundance of wildlife and Honest’s incredible skill. The lodge restaurant overlooks a large waterhole, and during every meal we had the most amazing view of animals. One lunch we counted 28 elephants, heaps of kudus, five baboons, zebras, a crocodile, and more. Tau Lodge is about a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg airport, but it’s worth every minute of the journey. Huge thanks to the entire team for what was truly one of the best holidays we’ve ever had. If you get the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to stay at Tau — we already miss it so much!

An incredibly beautiful safari experience with the friendliest staff imaginable. Highly recommended, especially with children! We stayed at the lodge for 5 nights with our two children, aged 10 months and 3 years. From the room to the food, safaris, and babysitting, everything was perfect!

Our stay could not have been better! The lodges are absolutely perfect - incredibly comfortable and private with a phenomenal view from the terrace (we had elephants 3 metres away!). The staff were incredible. They were so kind and thoughtful and made the stay so memorable, including by preparing a cake and singing for my partner's 30th birthday, which was just so special. The food throughout was also amazing, with lots of choice and fantastic local food too. The watering hole is also amazing and has so much wildlife throughout the day, including elephants, crocodiles, rhinos and all kinds of antelopes. Our game drives were brilliant. Tanya was our guide and she was so knowledgeable and fun. I would highly recommend Tau. Everything was just perfect and everyone who works there makes it such a special place to stay. We would absolutely go again! A huge thank you to everyone at Tau who made our trip so memorable!

This was my second visit to Madikwe Reserve, the Reserve is full of beautiful animals you would expect to see on safari. The first lodge we stayed at was great (Madikwe River Lodge) but it was closed due to flooding. We discovered Tau because our driver accidentally took us to Tau on our first safari (when we booked at Madikwe River Lodge) and I was immediately impressed at the reception we received at Tau, even though it was short lived and we proceeded to Madikwe River. Remembering the reception we received at Tau, I knew I had to book there on my second visit to Madikwe. The reception was as I remembered it, a walk through tour of the lobby and restaurant and an explanation of game drive times and orientation of the grounds. What is different about Tau vs Madikwe River (a beautiful property in itself) is the balcony used to dining. Tau sits against a watering hole where all the animals come throughout the day and night. We ate an incredible lunch while looking at zebra, impala, wildebeest, elephant, kudu, baboons and more as they came to drink. It reminded me of the scene from Jurassic park, it was absolutely incredible. The rooms are also situated against the water and you can spend the day looking at all of these animals while sitting on your balcony. It was incredible. The chalets are incredible, the only complaint I have is the smell of fresh paint/laquer in the room, but I guess that means they take pride in keeping the property up. The game drives are amazing and upon arrival to the lodge, you are greeted with warm hand towels for a quick refresher. That was such an unexpected but wonderful detail Tau does that keeps them above the rest. Book Tau. You won’t regret it. Yes it’s expensive but you leave truly appreciating every penny you spent.

Our stay at Tau was absolutely wonderful! We got even more than we expected. The team went above and beyond to make everything perfect – they truly turned our stay into a fairytale. Highly recommended