North West
Tau Game Lodge

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Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent Big Five sightings, Tau’s prime waterhole setting regularly attracts elephants, buffalo and a variety of other wildlife throughout the day.

Set in the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Tau Game Lodge is a traditional safari lodge overlooking a busy natural waterhole, offering outstanding wildlife viewing directly from the lodge.

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Facilities & Activities

The main lodge centres around its spectacular waterhole-facing viewing deck, where guests can relax in the lounge, dining area or swimming pool while watching wildlife come and go throughout the day. Additional facilities include a traditional boma, safari boutique and the Spa Oasis with three treatment rooms.

Activities focus on exploring Madikwe’s exceptional wildlife, with twice-daily game drives led by experienced guides, as well as birdwatching, photographic opportunities and stargazing under the clear African skies.

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Abi

Founder & Director

Emily

Worldwide Travel Consultant

Amy

Africa Travel Manager

Dining

Dining at Tau Game Lodge combines hearty South African flavours with international influences, served in a variety of memorable settings overlooking the lodge’s busy waterhole.

Guests can enjoy meals in the main dining area, on the open-air deck, or around the traditional boma fire, where lantern-lit dinners create an authentic safari atmosphere.

Weather permitting, special bush dinners can also be arranged, offering the opportunity to dine in the heart of the reserve surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Rooms

Tau Game Lodge offers 30 traditional luxury chalets spread out on either side of the main lodge, each positioned to maximise privacy and views of the busy waterhole. The rooms feature classic safari-style décor with warm African touches, comfortable furnishings and private wooden viewing decks where guests can relax and watch wildlife from their room.

All chalets are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, a minibar, safe and en-suite bathroom with a bath and open-air shower. The lodge offers a range of accommodation options, including Standard and Deluxe Chalets, as well as spacious Family Units and Family Suites for those travelling with children.

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Family

Tau Game Lodge is one of the most family-friendly lodges in Madikwe, offering a range of accommodation options designed for families of different sizes.

The best option for larger families is the Family Suite, which comprises two interleading bedrooms connected by a shared lounge and can accommodate two adults and up to four children under 12.

Smaller families may prefer the Family Unit, which sleeps two adults and two children, while the spacious Deluxe Chalets can accommodate two adults and up to two children under 12 sharing in one room.

Children aged 3–5 can join the complimentary Tau Cubz Club, which includes mini game drives, treasure hunts, arts and crafts, wildlife activities and a special ranger-themed welcome pack. Babysitting services are also available, and younger children can enjoy dedicated kiddies’ safaris, making Tau an excellent choice for families seeking a safari experience tailored to all ages.

Sustainability

Through the Tau Foundation, the lodge contributes to local projects in nearby communities, including educational programmes, school improvements and job creation initiatives. Guests can also participate in the Tau Tree Fund, which promotes the planting of indigenous trees to support habitat restoration and environmental conservation. By operating within the community-based conservation model of Madikwe Game Reserve, every stay helps support wildlife protection, sustainable tourism and the long-term economic development of local communities.

Location

From Johannesburg, the journey is typically around 4.5 hours by road, heading via the N4 through Rustenburg and Zeerust before joining the R49 towards Madikwe. Guests usually enter via the Derdepoort Gate and continue on a short reserve transfer to the lodge.

Alternatively, a far more seamless option is a one-hour scheduled flight from OR Tambo International Airport to Madikwe Airstrip, followed by a short road transfer arranged by the lodge.

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