Return to Tau

Panoramic View from the back deck of my hut

Early last week we were looking for a little getaway. Just some place to enjoy the outdoors and maybe see something new. After some consultation with (our new best friend, travel agent) Mandy, we decided we’d return to Madikwe in South Africa and stay again at Tau Lodge. Little did we know just how good a decision that was…

Chocolate lava cake (dessert on last day lunch)

As we pulled up to the Lodge midday on Saturday, our Game Driver Patrick (from two weeks ago) was there to greet us along with cold homemade lemonade and a great big smile. I think we actually “squealed” with delight knowing Patrick would once again be our game driver and take us on our safari adventures! Our room assignments are given to us and we headed to lunch.

Lunch at Tau is bountiful. The buffet greets us with numerous salads and hot dishes. I head for my favourites: chicken pie, spinach and beef salad and a smattering of fruit. Dessert, which must be noted, consisted of a chocolate caramel tarte, passionfruit panacotta and tiramisu. Every bite was heavenly.

Part of what is so incredible about Tau is their spa. Jackie and Evelyn are the sweetest and most talented aestheticians. As I did on our last visit, I opt for a hot stone massage. Evelyn whispers quietly to met\ to ensure I am comfortable. How could I not be? The hot stones are warm and so calming,  I fall into a short  nap…

Afternoon game drive immediately provides one lone and majestic elephant. I have to say, even though I’ve been on four game drives now, it is a new experience every time – even in the same reserve. I will never tire of seeing elephants or the baby lion cubs. Patrick never disappoints. He combines the intel provided by other game drivers (by radio) and tracks animal prints and poops on the roads. I love seeing Patrick slow the truck down, stare at the ground, reverse the vehicle and switch direction – when he does this, you know you’re about to be in for a treat!

For example, we spent a good twenty minutes Saturday afternoon, ohhh-ing and ahhhh-ing at two lion cubs. They were hidden under a cluster of tall bushes; adorable little cubs, probably only four weeks old. One looked at us curiously, while the other slept without notice of us. It was incredible to see…and from time to time, we realized that mama lion, might not be so far away, and that we should watch our backs!

Later that afternoon we came upon 9 female lions of different ages and sizes. Around the same

9 Female Lions

spot, we also spied two large ostriches in the distance…We followed for a while, watching the lions notice the ostriches and start to walk slowly in their direction. We thought, for a moment, that we might get to see a “kill”! Not this time… instead we continued to follow the lions, watching them walk, stop, lie in the tall grass and play with one another.

We had an amazing elephant encounter with the very large grey beast, who came right up beside our truck…we all held our breaths…some caught it on video, almost missing the event in “real life”. Saying it was amazing, does not seem to do the experience justice. But what more can I say? It was amazing…

My Outdoor Shower

While at the lodge, you worry for nothing. Nothing. This time my hut was closer to the watering hole and I spent some time sitting outside, listening to the sounds of birds, the soft trampling of the antelope and the splashes of the alligators. Each hut has a little soaker tub, complete with bath salts and an outdoor shower. Showering bathed in the light of a full moon and a sky full of stars is absolutely unreal. Similarly, showering in the sunshine, with a view of the watering hole is something I will not soon forget.

The lodge’s servers (David), staff (Tumi), front desk staff (Poppy & Rebone), bar man (“President”), spa staff (Evelyn & Jackie) and pastry chef (didn’t catch her name) are all amazing. Everyone remembered us from our previous visit (albeit it was only two weeks ago), and made us feel special.

One absolutely special treat. Rebone, who works at the front, told me she had a special gift for

Patrick gives us a lesson on animal tracks

me. I was told not to open it until we were out of the park. I didn’t open the package until back home in Gabs. It wasn’t from Tau Lodge. The present was from Patrick, our ranger (who is actually sub-contracted, we requested him on our bookings for this trip because we loved him so much two weeks ago). Patrick had given me a wood carving of a giraffe.

He remembered they were my favourite.

Absolute sweetness.

Every meal with a view of the Watering Hole

Relaxing on my deck...

a stop for coffee and rusks (kinda like biscottti)
on morning game drive