Tau Game Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve
North West Province
Features
- Tau is a luxury South African Game Lodge situated in the Madikwe Game Reserve in close proximity to Gauteng, the Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City.
- Tau Game Lodge is located on the far northern border of South Africa & Botswana, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country.
- Privately owned Tau Game Lodge can accommodate up to 60 guests and offers an ideal South African bush conference venue as well as an idyllic wedding venue with a fully equipped Spa overlooking a natural, active waterhole.
- Perfect for small conference group getaways, individuals, couples or family holidays with an interactive childrens programme called ‘The Cubz Club’
- Big FiveYes
- Off RoadYes (for Big 5 Sightings Only)
- Camp FencedYes
- Child PolicyAll ages welcome
- PoolMain Lodge - Plunge Pool & Game Viewing Lounge - Infinity Pool
- SPAFull Spa
- AirconYes
- Cellphone SignalYes
- Malaria AreaNo
Location
Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province
Getting There
4 hour drive from Johannesburg. Charter flights & road transfers available on request.
Accommodation
20 Standard Chalets
6 Deluxe Chalets
1 Family Unit (2 rooms and lounge)
1 Family Suite (2 rooms and lounge)
Rates & Special Offers
Deals By Date
Please note:
- All rates are subject to availability.
- Proof of SADC residency may be required at the time of booking or upon check-in at the lodge.
- Surcharges may apply on rates over peak holiday periods and long weekends.
- No date changes are permitted on the above special offer rate.
- Unless otherwise stated, all rates listed are based on a minimum 2 night stay. Surcharges may apply for a 1 night booking.
- Rates quoted are only applicable to South African Residents. Discounted special rates for International Residents are available on request.
- SADC Residents Special Last Minute – book within 14 Days rates are subject to availability and NO dates changes are permitted on booking dates.
- Gate Fees to be paid directly at the Lodge: R 180 per person per stay.
- Rhino Conservation Levy of R 190 per adult per night & R 95 per child per night (2 – 11 years) applies. The fees will be added to the invoice for the accommodation at the time of booking. Subject the change and valid until further notice.
- Madikwe Guest Conservation Contribution Fee from 15 April 2024:
- SADC Residents R 225 per adult per night & R 115 per child (under 12 years) per night applies. The fees will be added to the invoice for the accommodation at the time of booking. Subject the change and valid until further notice.
- An airstrip landing fee of R 60 per person and airstrip transfer of R 240 per vehicle one way – (maximum 10 guests per vehicle & subject to change).
- A Government/Bed Levy of R 10 per person per night applies. The fees will be added to the invoice for the accommodation at the time of booking. Subject the change and valid until further notice.
- Single rates are available on request. Please contact your BushBreaks & More consultant for a quote.
- ROOM SHARING AND CHILD POLICY:
- The standard chalets are suitable for 2 adults only and 3 adults per room are not accepted.
- 2 adults and 1 infant/child aged 2 years or under per chalet is accepted.
- 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 years) are accepted only in a deluxe chalet or family unit/suite.
- 2 adults and 1 child and 1 infant per chalet are accepted only in a deluxe chalet or family unit/suite.
- 2 adults and 2 children per room are not accepted in standard chalets. They are accepted in deluxe chalets and 2-bedroomed family unit / suite.
- 2 children per standard chalet is accepted.
- 3 or 4 children per chalet are not accepted in standard chalets. They are accepted in 2-bedroomed family unit / suite and in deluxe chalets.
- PRICING STRUCTURE FOR CHILDREN:
- Infants 0 – 2 years: Stay free of charge in a cot – not allowed on safaris (standard chalet).
- Children 3 – 5 years:
- Cannot be accommodated in the Standard Chalets, therefore the next room type would be a deluxe chalet and will be charged on the deluxe chalet rates.
- Child 6 – 11 years, sharing with 1 adult: pay 50% of the adult rate (standard chalet).
- 2 Children 6 -11 years, occupying their own standard chalet:
- Oldest Child pays adult sharing rate, other child pays 50% of the adult Rate. (With exception of the peak holidays, Easter, Christmas & New Year period: then charged as adults)
- 2 Children under the age of 12, occupying 1 room of the family unit: Both children pay adult sharing rate.
- Children under the age of 12, occupying 1 room of the family suite: Both children pay the adult sharing rate
- 2 Children under the age of 12, sharing a deluxe chalet with 2 adults: Both children pay 50% each of the adult rates. If this room is requested and only 1 child shares with 2 adults, that child pays the full adult sharing rate, as the room rate for these units is the equivalent of 3 adults sharing.
- 1 Child 6 – 11 years, occupying his/her own chalet/family unit room: Pays the full adult rate.
- Children 12 years and over Pay the full adult rate.
- GENERAL INFORMATION RELATING TO CHILDREN
- Child minders are available in the evenings as well as during the game drives, at a nominal charge. Child minders are booked on arrival at the lodge and fees are payable at the lodge on departure.
- Rates include special child activity package, as per the rooming allocations and child policy.
- Early dinners for children can be arranged with the lodge caterer.
- The kiddies club house is in the playground area which is locked, due to safety and security reasons and opened on request OR permanently open during peak holiday periods. A child minder is available at the playground at no extra cost. Activities around the club depends on the amount of children in-house.
- Children 6 to 11 years of age are permitted on standard game drives.
- Children 3 – 5 years can join Cubz Club and are accommodated on a short Kiddies Safari.
- Child minders are available in the evenings as well as during the game drives, at a nominal charge. Child minders are booked on arrival at the lodge and fees are payable at the lodge on departure.
About Tau Game Lodge
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.
This luxury safari lodge was designed to reflect the natural surroundings and makes use of the natural resources wherever possible. Privately-owned Tau Game Lodge was built in 1995 and overlooks a vast natural waterhole, which attracts a variety of game, as does the diverse vegetation which thrives in the fertile topsoil.
The decor and furnishings of Tau Game Lodge are Africa-inspired and the rooms are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans. The 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.
The Tau Spa Oasis offers guests deep relaxation and rejuvenating spa treatments, surrounded by the beauty of the African bush. Our extensively trained spa therapists are specialised in treatments ranging from authentic African treatments to specialised hydrotherapy treatments.
Guests can create their own spa experience with our treatment options or they can choose from our specially designed Spa Package options. Guests are encouraged to stay after their treatments to enjoy some peaceful time at our secluded relaxation Sala. The Bush Spa also offers wonderful gifts to spoil yourself or a loved one with a memory of your experience.
Ten thousand animals of 27 major species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant, were re-introduced to the Madikwe Game Reserve over a six year period with animals coming from various reserves and breeding centres. Game viewing is now at its prime.
Caring for the Cubs at Tau Game Lodge – The Cubz Club (Children’s Programme)
Children aged 0-2 years sharing with parents stay free and baby-sitting services are on offer at an extra charge.
Children aged 3 to 5 years automatically become members of the Tau Cubz Club, a children’s programme which is great fun and works best over school holidays,. It includes a short game drive after breakfast just for the kids. After their game drive, children are entertained with treasure hunts and arts and crafts activities. The children are provided with their own Cubz Club backpacks, which are filled with a wildlife activity booklet, which includes an animal sticker checklist, a deputy ranger sticker badge and certificate, (which is signed off by their personal ranger) as well as a special Tau T-shirt.
The Cubz Club is especially welcomed by families visiting during school holidays, providing parents the opportunity to enjoy some adult safari time, knowing the kids are well taken care of as well as stimulated and entertained. The bush is the ideal environment in which families can share relaxation time together, provided they are disciplined and respect the rules of the bush. Tau is discreetly electrically fenced around the living area for added safety. A playroom is also reserved for children’s arts and crafts and other supervised activities. The chef offers additional child-friendly food to complement the adult meals, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Children between 6 and 11 years old can join the adult safaris, they will however also be issued with a special Cubz Club activity booklet and are welcome to join their siblings during the Cubz club activities.
Enjoy the South African wildlife and the tranquility of nature right on your doorstep while staying in our comfortable and luxury accommodation.
Additional Faciities and developments at Tau Game Lodge following a devastating fire in 2017:|All facilities are back in place, The lodge has a main lodge overlooking the natural waterhole situated in beautiful lush gardens. The main lodge comprises of a hospitable welcome reception area, a courtyard to link reception to the Restaurant & lounge and a cosy bar which services the pool area as well as the outside seating decks around the main lodge. In addition, the lodge now also has a second infinty pool, which is situated next to the recently erected safari viewing lounge.
DELUXE CHALETS
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 breathtakingly beautiful tranquillity of the rugged surroundings of the Madikwe Game Reserve.
FAMILY SUITE & FAMILY UNIT
The Family suite and Family unit both consist of two bed rooms and are semi inter-leading and share a comfortable lounge
About Madikwe Game Reserve
Herman Charles Bosman has woven many a tale about Abjaterskop and the Marico River. It is perhaps he that best describes the vast area where enselsberg rise from the savannahs and an area that is given life from the Marico River. This is the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, 75 000 hectares of unique topography and breathtaking beauty, it is also the home to the big 5, wild dog, cheetah and a large variety of mammal and bird life.
This 75 000 hectare reserve is situated in the North-West province of South Africa, on the border with Botswana. The large diversity of vegetation and ecozones allows for a rich diversity of game and bird species to inhabit the reserve.
HISTORY OF THE MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
The Madikwe Game Reserve was proclaimed in August 1991, but officially became the estate of the North-West Parks Board on the 31 October 1991.
The reserve is one of very few in the world that was proclaimed purely on the grounds of it being the most appropriate sustainable land use for the area in which the reserve lies. Studies done through independent consultants clearly showed that wildlife-based tourism would be the most beneficial option for an area that was in an economic depression. The vision for Madikwe was to have a joint venture run by the North-West Parks Board, private investors and the local communities living in the surrounding area. The reserve has now become a role model for many similar ventures country wide due to the successes achieved within the reserve.
Prior to the park being proclaimed, work had already begun on clearing derelict farm buildings, fencing, and a number of alien plant species. The park has a number of old buildings that were spared from demolition and now serve as The Parks Board headquarters. There were other game scout outposts built to house game scouts and other reserve staff.
The perimeter was fenced with approximately 150km of electric game fencing, which is electrified to prevent the escape of the larger game species. In the park local business and labour was used to demolish buildings, erect fences and to construct roads, dams and lodges.
Lodge Features
Boma
Kids Programmes
Lodge Pool
Curio Store
Spa
Waterhole/ Hide/ Riverfront Feature
Getting There
FROM PRETORIA
- Take the N4 direction Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Groot Marico and Zeerust.
- From Johannesberg travel via Fourways to Hartebeestpoortdam,
- following the signs to Suncity to begin with and once on the N4 continue this toll road to Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Groot Marico and Zeerust. Toll fees ± R 250.00
- In Zeerust, turn right at President street onto the R 47 to Gaborone.
- You’ll reach the first Madikwe Game Reserve gate approximately 90km from Zeerust.
- Pass all the gates indicating Madikwe and travel to the Kopfontein border post going towards Gaborone
- Turn right onto the Derdepoort Gate road, just before the border post and follow the road for approximately 10 km to the Tau lodge gate.
FROM JOHANNESBURG / SANDTON
- Take N1 North to Pretoria
- Take split from N1 to Pietersburg/Polokwane
- After the ‘Zambezi-offramp’ (north of Pretoria) take N4 toll road to Rustenburg and once on the N4 continue this toll road to Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Groot Marico and Zeerust. Toll fees ± 100.00 per vehicle.
- In Zeerust, turn right at President street onto the R 47 to Gaborone.
- You’ll reach the first Madikwe Game Reserve gate approximately 90km from Zeerust.
- Pass all the gates indicating Madikwe and travel to the Kopfontein border post going towards Gaborone
- Turn right onto the Derdepoort Gate road, just before the border post and follow the road for approximately 10 km to the Tau lodge gate.