Tau Game Lodge waterhole: the lodge continues to earn exemplary reviews from international and local visitors on TripAdvisor. It’s clear why so many guests praise this experience.
This article features travel professional Richard de la Rey’s thoughts after his recent visit, primarily as he focuses on the sheer spectacle of the Tau Game Lodge waterhole.
‘One of the more unique aspects of Tau Game Lodge is that the lodge overlooks a vast open plain with a huge waterhole right in the middle.’
~ Richard de la Rey, Travel Professional.
While animal traffic makes this breathtaking location one of the busiest in Madikwe Game Reserve, it is the diversity of wildlife that creates such a memorable experience.
Viewing Wildlife at the Madikwe Watering Hole
Wildlife activity at the Tau Game Lodge waterhole creates a true spectacle, day and night.
For many guests, the view is so captivating that they often opt to sit and watch the animals come down to drink and forage—even preferring this to a morning or evening game drive.
Not only do these daily scenes impress animal lovers, but they also provide outstanding photography opportunities, especially for birders. The number of wetland birds is nothing short of spectacular, featuring avocets, stilts, ducks, storks, herons, geese, moorhen, and teals.
Moreover, five resident crocodiles add to this fascinating scene, since these reptiles periodically emerge throughout the day and night, always drawing interest and helping create a truly authentic safari experience.
Live Webcam: Bringing the Waterhole Safari Home
Back in 1988, the team at Tau Game Lodge installed the first webcam—a testament not only to their long-standing commitment to sharing this remarkable view but also to their pioneering spirit.
Over the years, they have replaced it with increasingly sophisticated models, which illustrates just how much technology has progressed.
Now, you can easily access the current webcam through Tau’s website at https://www.taugamelodge.co.za/main-lodge/live-webcam/
This clever feature brings an epic Tau safari into your living room, letting you keep an eye on the waterhole 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In this way, it offers a taste of the exceptional Tau Game Lodge waterhole experience until you can visit in person.
A National Geographic moment
If you are lucky enough to be at Tau Game Lodge in person, the sightings can be phenomenal. Richard recounts a recent jaw-dropping sequence of events that occurred over just a few hours, starting with a dramatic lion kill.
‘A lioness was feeding on a carcass in the late afternoon, only to be chased off by a large male lion… The lioness moved off towards a thicket while the male fed on the carcass. A couple of minutes later, out of the thicket came four cubs into the clearing and headed straight for the carcass. The cubs approached cautiously and started feeding with the male.’
~ Richard de la Rey
The drama continues
The scene at the waterhole quickly escalated into a unique multi-species interaction. As the lions fed, other lionesses joined, only to be interrupted by two rhinos conducting an inspection, sending the cats scattering. Once the rhinos departed, a herd of elephants arrived to investigate, once again forcing the lions to retreat to the safety of the thicket.
‘Eventually, the elephants disappeared into the night, and a calm returned to the scene… Again, one would have thought this would be the end of a very eventful evening at the waterhole, but alas, it was not over.’
~ Richard de la Rey
In the shadows, black-backed jackals waited for their turn, only to be disturbed by an incredibly rare visitor to Madikwe—a brown hyena. In a surprising twist, the jackals teamed up to chase the hyena away, all while seven buffalo bulls arrived to drink and scratch themselves on a rubbing post.
‘This made for further fantastic viewing. All the while the guests staying at Tau had witnessed this from the main viewing deck, or in the comfort of their own suites.’
~ Richard de la Rey
Thirty years of eco-luxury
For three decades, Tau Game Lodge has thrilled visitors near the Botswana border. Regularly refurbished to maintain its 5-star status without losing authenticity, the lodge offers 30 rooms ranging from Luxury Standard Chalets to Family Suites.
‘This is not a big resort-style lodge. It offers intimacy and game drives by dedicated rangers, passionate about the bush, its creatures, and the flora.’
~ Richard de la Rey
Special 2026 Safari Packages
For those inspired to witness the waterhole drama themselves, the lodge has released special rates for the upcoming season.
The 2026 Tau Package: After 5 January 2026, the package for two people sharing is R30,000 for a two-night stay. This rate excludes Conservation and Tourism Levies, as well as Parks’ fees.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family safari, or a unique conference venue, the lodge offers an eco-friendly, malaria-free escape just a four-hour drive from Johannesburg.
For more details and to book your stay, visit www.taugamelodge.co.za.
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