TRAVEL PROMOTION Special: Tau Game Lodge North West Province November 7, 2003 On the far northern border of South Africa lies a beautiful area known as the Great Marico and it is in this spectacular setting, in Malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, that Tau Game Lodge is situated, an easy 3.5 hours driving distance from Johannesburg. The jumbled hillocks of Tshwene-Tshwene and the dramatic ridge of the Dwarsberg Mountains expose rocks of up to 2630 million years old and artefacts of the Stone and Iron Ages are still found in the Great Marico dust. Privately owned Tau Game Lodge was built in 1995 and overlooks a vast natural waterhole, which attracts a variety of game, as does the diverse vegetation which thrives in the fertile topsoil. Tau has recently undergone some renovations to the main lodge and rooms to ensure that a visit to the lodge is even more unforgettable! The lodge was designed to reflect the natural surroundings and makes use of the natural resources wherever possible. The main body of the Lodge is two-levelled and has a comfortable lounge, conference facilities, bar and dinning-room which are semi open-air and overlook the waterhole. The lodge is decorated with unusual African artefacts, masks and large rugs. Vivid animal-print fabrics brighten the settees in the upside bar. Delicious buffet breakfasts and lunches are generally served in the main building or on the veranda next to the plunge pool and dinner is served in a cosy boma under the stars. The chalets décor and furnishings are also Africa-inspired and the rooms are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans. The thirty rustic thatched chalets are spread out in U-formation on either side of the lodge, offering excellent views of animals approaching the water from the opposite bank. Each chalet has its own wooden deck, which allows one to experience the bush in privacy and is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and open-air shower. Each of the two corner units, on either side (and furthest away from) the lodge, have been linked with the next-door unit by a communal outdoor lounge. These chalets can be utilised for two couples traveling together or for parents with small children sharing the room. Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the country’s fourth largest game reserve. It is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the spectacular Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, the Marico river to the east. The diverse habitat in the Madikwe Reserve, from acacia savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species such as springbok, gemsbok, sable and impala. The birdlife is spectacular and it is also one of the few "Big 5" reserves in South Africa that is malaria free. Wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo, leopard, elephant, impala, springbok, kudu, waterbuck, wildebeest, eland, blesbok, nyala, sable, giraffe, ostrich and warthog are among the magnificent animals that roam the reserve. Madikwe is also home to a bird population of over 250 different species. Early morning and night game drives are conducted in open four wheel drive vehicles by knowledgeable game rangers, who also conduct informative bush walks. Rates include all meals, game drives and walks. Suites R 1300.00 per person, per night sharing. accommodation, all meals and game drives (Must book within 7 days of travelling) Single Surcharge: R 350.00 (Valid From: 01/11/2003 to 30/11/2003 Standard Price: R 2050.00) Other specials ·Savanna Private Game Reserve & Lodge, Mpumalanga ·Old Joe's Kaia Country Lodge in Mpumalanga ·Motswari Game Reserve & Lodge, Limpopo/Northern Province ·Umlani Bushcamp Game Lodge in Limpopo/Northern Province ·Tau Game Lodge North West Province ·Umlani Bushcamp Game Lodge in Limpopo/Northern Province ·Mkuze Falls Game Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal ·Irene Country Lodge Country Lodge in Gauteng