Week end hotspot

TAU LODGE:

FIND IT

TAU is 10km along a dirt road leading to the Derdepoort gate of the Madikwe Game Reserve, close to the Kopfontein border post with Botswana.

ACCOMMODATION

Chalets for two, and two family suites, are huddled around a watering hole that is visited by impala, warthogs, waterbuck and other wildlife throughout the day. The rooms are air conditioned, and simply but tastefully furnished. A four-poster bed, clothed in fine linen and draped in a mosquito net, sets the scene for an "Out of Africa" experience, helped by a private viewing deck. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, and the fragrant bath salts in a large pewter dish on the bath make for a heavenly soak.

All meals are served in the dining room or boma of the lodge, but each room has a mini bar and tea- and coffee-making facilities. You won't want to spend much time there, though, because the pool is too inviting in the northern heat and the spa offers many a pampering treat.

Morning and evening game drives with a dedicated ranger are included in the tariff and their three-hour duration seems over all too quickly because there is a lot of wildlife to be seen. All this activity, and the vast amount of food you are constantly grazing, will ensure that those luxurious pillows will be hit pretty early.

FOOD

I have to admit to being slightly disappointed that the food was all buffet-style, though there was no faulting the cuisine.

The fare was delicious and the service at meal times impeccable, but it would have been nice to have been treated to an à la carte kudu steak in this five-star setting.

EXTRAS

The game drives won't disappoint you as you drive right up to lion, wild dog, rhino or other wildlife, getting a fantastic view. There is a wide array of birds and we even spotted tortoises and shongololos making their way across the tracks.

The African foot and hot-stone massages at the spa were a real treat for us city-weary souls.

The Tau Cubz Club for children is a real winner and a baby-sitting service ensures that parents get to enjoy their game drives in full.

DETAILS

Call 011-314-4350 or visit www.taugamelodge.co.za