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#17 of 22 lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tau Game Lodge is a 5 star Game lodge Situated in “Big 5”- Malaria Free Madikwe Reserve. Accessible by scheduled flights, or a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg. Each of the chalets ensures privacy with its own viewing deck, the main lodge offers a Curio shop, Swimming pool as well as a lounge, bar, and dining area, all partially outdoors.The convention centre offers state-of- the-Art meeting facilities. At The Spa Oasis, guests are offered rejuvenating spa treatments, surrounded by the beauty of the African Bush.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
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Nestled in a prime wildlife haven, Tau Game Lodge stands out for its exceptional value, particularly during the low season when its spa services are a steal. The lodge's amenities, from the comfort of the well-equipped rooms with their private balconies to the exhilarating game drives, are frequently celebrated by guests.
The service at Tau Game Lodge earns rave reviews for the staff's heartfelt professionalism, enhancing visitor stays. Cleanliness is another highlight, with travelers consistently lauding the spotless, charming rooms that offer unique outdoor showers and continuous game viewing.
Rooms
Charming
Value
Affordable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Abundant
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Arrival was quite smooth and everyone was pleasant. Our chalet was nice and roomy, we chose one with the extra living area. All chalets have great views of the animals...as they all look out over the water areas the animals come to drink and bath in daily. Our guide was fantastic and very knowledgable. The amount of animals we saw daily exceeded our expectations. The jeeps were very comfortable and we appreciated the cover on them; since we saw some other lodges vehicles did not have covers/shade. We were not that crazy about the buffet style meals and would prefer a menu with more made to order options; but the variety was plentiful if you like buffets. Dinner was served a little late for our liking; since we usually try to eat before 7pm at the latest daily; but since you don't return from evening drive until 730pm..we understood why it was so late. The New Years Eve party was nice and all seemed to enjoy it. We feel the check out process could have been arranged a bit better, since our private charter plane was not until 230pm and we were made to leave the room and wait outside in the reception area for 2 hours. We would have chartered the plane for much earlier in the day if we would have been notified by one of the TAU staff before hand that we would be stuck sitting out in the heat for hours waiting to be taken to airstrip. All and all, the stay at TAU lodge was nice ....and again, the animals and our ranger (Ryan "Jack") made it a great trip!
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Date of stay: December 2019
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from taugame, Manager at Tau Game Lodge
Responded 16 Jan 2020
Thank you for taking the time to post your review, we greatly appreciate it. We are delighted that you enjoyed the visit and that you saw such good game. We take note of your point made about the buffet, as we do alternate between buffet style and menu options, depending on the amount of people we are hosting on a particular day. However this being a peak season period, we normally have to serve buffet style over Christmas and New year. We are concerned to hear that there was some inconvenience to you on the day of departure before departing for your charter flight. Our check-out time is 11 am, in order for the Housekeeping department to clean and prepare the chalets for the new arrivals again. Unfortunately that means that the rooms need to be vacated by that time, but guests are still very welcome to use the Lodge facilities; have a drink in the bar, relax around the swimming pool or to observe the animals at either the waterhole or at the game viewing lounge. Thank you for your comment about Ryan, he is delighted that you enjoyed your drives with him and we would love to see you back some day!
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I have just stayed 7 days at Tau Game Lodge in the Madikwe game reserve. Every morning after a cuppa hot tea and some fresh muffins we went on a safari adventure at 6.am. Each morning the park delivered a very different and unique set of animals and interaction that would be a life changing experience. The Rangers set up a morning tea break in the park with all the wildlife around while keeping a safe distance, the morning views are incredible. We returned to the Tau Game Lodge around 8am each day.
After game drive the was an amazing buffet breakfast at the Genius Cafe consisting of the best quality fresh local mostly organic produce sourced direct form the farmers. The veggie omlette was the best I have ever tasted and so I had it almost every morning of my stay. The coffee machine produced very tasty cafe coffee that would be equal to if not better than that serving in the big city cafes. All while overlooking the waterhole as animal came in to drink, swim and eat.
The rest of the day would include a massage at the spa while nourishing your body with some well deserved sleep just before the lunch buffet was served.
The next safari departed at 4pm (thats right two safaris each day!) Big cats, many Elephants , Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala, Waterbuck and Rhino and this is just outside the front gate. The rest of the safari we would see Giraffe, abundance of birds and interactions with all the animals listed . We were fortunate enough to see a fully grown male Lion roaring out to the territory he dominates and then him meeting up with the main Tau pride the next morning.
At sunset stopped for sundowner again in the park with a beautifully positioned set up from the Tau rangers we enjoyed Amarula, beers and gin and tonics. We seen the most expansive sunset I have ever seen with so many colours and patterns to boggle the human imagination.
On the drive back to the lodge after dark the universe opened up and a true connection to heaven and earth was observed. MUST be seen to be believed. The sunsets in the Madikwe are superb.
After arriving back at the lodge to the finest buffet diner and desert with a vast range of food and a cold beverage from the Genius bar it was time to retire to our rooms fulfilled and exhausted anticipating the next day.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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Room Tip:All rooms backed onto the Tau Game Lodge waterhole so the animals can be seen from your bed!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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So we joined with other families with young children. We were told Tau is one of the few lodges that welcome children. Yes it is very expensive. We were very thankful to take advantage of discounts. The room was lovely and the view of the watering hole and animals was priceless. The itinerary was great and my only regret was that there wasn't more time just to sit outside. It was lovely to sit outside, read, meditate and just take in God's creation.
A few of us booked spa treatments there. The facilities were so calming and the specialists professional and kind.
Just before the 6 a.m. safari drive coffee and delicious muffins are provided. Then at the end of the morning and the evening safari drives the rangers set up drinks and snacks. The rangers are top tier. It is very clear why Ernie is the senior ranger. He is professional, knowledgeable, froendly, patient and friendly. Please tip your ranger..whoever you are assigned because they work hard at what they do. Daniel, the other ranger our group was assigned was also good, patient and focused.
I would suggest you bring your own wine/alcohol to store and enjoy in your chalet and on that wonderful balcony.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a great time at Tau Lodge overall. We took advantage of the relaxation of travel restrictions and as we had not visited Madikwe before decided to splash out. The staff were excellent, the food was fantastic and Game Guide excellent. Tau is situated on a large waterhole visited by hundreds of animals and large numbers of elephant. Even for us as experienced gamers we felt it was an fantastic experience. The big disappointment however was the Family Unit. Tau demands high prices for accommodation and even at a special rate the quality of accommodation does not match up. Its very much a poor attempt at updated 1980's chalets. Small, dark and dingy. We complained and to Tau's credit we were moved to the Family Suite which was a much more upgraded accommodation more in line with the price. Would I go back to Tau yes, would I pay the regular price for accommodation absolutely no, unless they do a significant upgrade, it certainly isnt 5 star luxury as professed. Its a pity something as simple as spending a bit of money to modernize lets the lodge down.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Renate Oostmeijer, General Manager at Tau Game Lodge
Responded 09 Sept 2020
Dear Fraser Lamond, thank you for your honest feedback, we are so glad to hear that you enjoyed the food, the game drives and the interaction with our staff, as well as all the game viewing the Tau Waterhole has to offer. We are sorry to hear that you were disappointed in the family unit. Room renovations were actually planned to commence in May this year, but unfortunately due to the countrywide lockdown, we were unable to keep to that timeline. We are however pleased to report that some of our rooms will be renovated and redecorated before the end of this year and we are looking forward to hosting you again one day soon and to showing you the new and improved family unit.
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I truly believe that Tau Game Lodge has the best location in Madikwe. I've stayed there twice and absolutely love the active waterhole at the lodge which is frequented by wildlife all day, providing great photo opportunities. Both the comfortable rooms and the public areas have great views of the waterhole. The lodge is also easy to access compared to most of the other lodges, with a very short stretch of gravel. See my detailed review on my blog. Link in bio.
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Date of stay: August 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The ranger knows a lot and has a feeling for the perfect picture
The rooms are located bear the pool and give you stunning views of the wild walking by
The food they serve is delicious.
Thank you all, our Tau family!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2019
Value
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from taugame, Manager at Tau Game Lodge
Responded 03 Jan 2020
Dear Debby, Thank you for your review and your kind comments! Many thanks for staying with us, we are delighted that you enjoyed the visit and we hope to see you back one day!
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Tau is situated within the Madikwe game reserve overlooking a waterhole which attracts a variety of animals and birds. The accommodation was excellent with great views overlooking the waterhole, whilst the staff was proffesional and friendly. We did find though that on our second night that unfortunately the food was not up to standard compared to what we ate on the first night.
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Date of stay: March 2020
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apologies in not writing this review earlier. Our visit to Matla was one of the best holidays we have ever had. The staff were wonderful, the animals were amazing, we loved our accommodation and we are already talking about our return visit! We were excited to be going but our expectations were far exceeded. Big thank you to Jo, James, Ollie and the rest of their team (Ollie made sure that we were never thirsty and well looked after). There were no issues with anything that we needed, and in particular a couple of our dietary requirements were especially looked after with great quality and yummy food. Before even hitting the safari drive, the views from Matla were just gorgeous.
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Date of stay: December 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from taugame, Manager at Tau Game Lodge
Responded 05 Feb 2020
Dear Leanne and Tony, Thank you for your review and your kind comments! We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit over the Christmas holidays. The entire team would love to welcome you back soon, please let us know when you are planning your next trip to South Africa!
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From start to finish it was great. Loved doing the small and different things. Personalized water bottle, dinner with ranger, turn down, water hold view. It was great and thank you very much! I will most certainly spread the word of Tau
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left the staff were incredible and always willing to help. The food was delicious, COVID rules were strictly adhered to and rooms were stunning with a view of the waterhole. Every morning and evening you would get to experience all the elephants drinking at the waterhole. One of the most beautiful views is the morning sunrises and sunsets on the game drives. Remarkable and a view you don't get anywhere else. On your game drives you will get to see all the wildlife in the nature reserve which is a true South African safari experience.
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Date of stay: March 2021
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Room Tip:best views from the rooms
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenrothes, United Kingdom38 contributions25 helpful votes
Vehicles were land cruisers, high at the back with canvass roof. Not sure how many people they can take in total. We were a party of seven and there was still room
Good day, you can tip by credit card or cash, either way will be much appreciated by the Rangers. (a guideline is around R 150.- per game drive per room, but this is completely at your discretion)
Just read your question. I am glad that you can already stay in Tau. So they managed to receive visitors even with the main building down. At Tau the waterhole is amazing to see hurdes of animals. The food was very nice. Of course the Tau lodge is bigger than the or there Matla lodge. This is a beautiful big house with a very small waterhole in comparison to Tau. I think they receive at maximum 10 or 12 visitors. Game drives are in the same park... so I think you have a hard choice to make. But no matter what you choose there are benefits and....
Enjoy your vacation and the amazing nature
Greats from Nadine
There are more places to choose from in the Madikwe Game Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
R 10,130 - R 19,457 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
tau game hotel madikwe game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaNorth-West ProvinceMadikwe Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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