Needles Lodge

SIMPLY AMAZING My family stayed at Needles recently. We were traveling with my three daughters. The stay with Needles was fantastic, it not only met, but far exceeded our expectations Being a small lodge, we were welcomed like valued guests. Lyn was our host for the four nights we stayed, she was absolutely delightful. Evening meals were a highlight, sharing our meals with other guests and Needles staff and owners was fabulous. Food was always local and very well prepared and presented We booked the four night package, which included two full day Kruger safaris and an early morning rangers walk through the park, along with four nights stay at the lodge. We found this package to be great value for the family. The lodge arranges the private tours with their inhouse comfortable trucks. Our guide, Tiaan, was passionate, knowledgeable and very professional. He ensured our Kruger experience was beyond expectations. Thank you Dennis, Lyn, Philip and the team for a great stay Kind Regards Ian, Lucia, Molly, Ella and Saoirse Melbourne Australia

We had the most amazing stay at Needles Lodge in Marloth Park. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was so welcoming, warm and highly social, it truly felt like a home away from home. The staff were absolutely awesome and made our trip so special. A special mention to Phil, Lyn and Dennis. Phil and Lyn went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and always looked after. They were so friendly, accommodating and wonderful to chat with throughout our stay. Dennis, the owner, also went above and beyond when my daughter became unwell, he left in the middle of dinner service to fetch her a nebuliser, which we were so grateful for. Such genuine kindness and we also shared many laughs with Dennis throughout our stay. The food was outstanding every single night and the puddings were honestly my favourite! A huge thank you to the amazing chefs, Thobi and Natasha, who are incredible cooks. Every meal was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious. We also want to mention the wonderful staff who looked after us so well during our stay, Mpume, Ukhona. Everyone made us feel so welcome and at home. The lodge itself was spotless, beautifully maintained and set in the most amazing natural surroundings. The beds were so comfortable, making it easy to completely relax after a day exploring. Seeing kudu, warthogs, zebras and mongoose wandering freely around the lodge was such a special experience. And we can’t forget the stars of the lodge, the bush babies that appeared on the balcony at dusk each evening! If you are visiting Marloth Park or Kruger, you absolutely must stay here. Highly recommend Needles Lodge, we cannot wait to come back.

We had a wonderful stay at Needles Lodge. The rooms are rustic, comfortable, and very clean, creating an authentic bush experience. The communal dinner was a great way to meet other guests and enjoy delicious food together. The staff were exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and hospitable, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a relaxing and authentic safari stay.

Our stay at Needles Safari Lodge was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the entire team made us feel incredibly welcome. Every staff member was warm, friendly, and genuinely committed to ensuring we had the best possible experience. Their hospitality went above and beyond our expectations, and nothing was ever too much trouble. The team was extremely accommodating throughout our stay and helped us arrange our full-day safari excursions. Their local knowledge and attention to detail ensured everything was perfectly organized, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the experience. The safaris were absolutely incredible. We were fortunate enough to see all the animals we had hoped to see and even more. The guides were knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about the wildlife, making every game drive both exciting and informative. Needles Safari Lodge offers the perfect combination of outstanding service, beautiful surroundings, and unforgettable safari experiences. We left with wonderful memories and cannot thank the team enough for their kindness and dedication. Overall, an excellent experience from start to finish, and we would highly recommend Needles Safari Lodge to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable safari getaway.

Had a great stay here for three nights. I enjoyed all guests and the hosts eating together, especially traveling alone. It's located about 30-40 minutes from the two gates to Kruger. So you have to add that transport time when visiting the park. Good communication with the lodge and wonderful hosts.

We only stayed for two nights, but what a nice place to be. Beautiful spatial rooms, excellent breakfast and very tasty diner, sitting with all the other guest at a long table having a good time. The zebra's, Nyala's and mangoests were just visiting us in the morning. Except for the nice location in the bushes, it is also a nice place to do a safari in Kruger. We loved being there

✨ A Heartfelt Stay Filled With Warm Hospitality & Unforgettable Experiences ✨ From May 3rd to 13th, 2025, I had the pleasure of staying at Needles Lodge while attending a Safari & Yoga Retreat hosted by Soul Sanctuary Safaris. This lovely little establishment is located in the quaint area of Marloth Park, a sizable wildlife estate neighboring Kruger National Park. There were several aspects of Needles Lodge that truly made it stand out. The rooms were comfortable, cozy, and had everything you could need. They were enclosed with traditional African thatch roofing, and the king-sized bed was incredibly comfortable. Each room was well-equipped with a fridge and a kettle for making coffee or tea. In addition to the shower, there was a lovely oval-shaped bath, perfect for relaxing after our active days in Kruger and beyond. The rooms overlooked the back of the property and were located on either side of the main lodge building. From the comfort of your room or out on the expansive deck, you can witness resident game such as giraffe, kudu, nyala, zebra, warthog, banded mongoose, and a variety of bird species. The deck also served as the perfect location for the yoga and meditation sessions during the retreat. While the aesthetics were wonderful, the true highlight of Needles Lodge was the incredible staff and service. Despite being a boutique, intimate B&B in terms of size, price, and offerings, the team delivers top-class service that goes above and beyond what you'd typically expect from such a place. Owners Dennis and Gail are very hands-on with their business, and it was a pleasure getting to know them, along with the front-of-house staff, Lynne and Philip. They went above and beyond to ensure that our stay during the retreat exceeded expectations. Beyond the owners and front-of-house staff, the team of ladies at Needles Lodge truly made the experience unforgettable. Their warmth, energy, and vibrant personalities brightened every interaction. From their beautiful singing in the kitchen to their laughter and constant cheerfulness, their positive energy left a lasting impression on my heart and spirit. One standout feature worth mentioning is the cuisine. It was absolutely out of this world!!! During the retreat, we enjoyed a different menu each day, tailored specifically for our group. The variety, quality, and flavors were incredible. From freshly baked breads to meats cooked in various ways, delicious desserts, and vegetarian dishes for lunch, we went on a culinary journey through South Africa and beyond. Every meal was hearty, nourishing, and made with love. Another special feature of the lodge is the resident game in Marloth Park, which is quite habituated. You can safely feed pellets to the antelopes, who will approach the back deck for a visit. The lodge also has a small home built for a resident bushbaby family, so a nightly treat is watching the lesser bush babies come out at dusk to begin their routine in the wilderness. Our fantastic Kruger activities were provided by Southern Kruger Safaris (see my review for details about my experiences with them on their respective profile). The sunset safaris and guided bush walks were arranged directly with the Kruger Park Rangers. If you're looking for a warm, homely, and inviting establishment with top-notch service and excellent proximity to the Southern section of Kruger National Park, this is the place for you. You’ll be welcomed and looked after by an incredible team dedicated to ensuring your visit to this part of South Africa is life-changing.

The lodge is peaceful, very intimate, and surrounded by nature, with wildlife often visible right from the deck. It’s a great spot to unwind and feel close to the bush without sacrificing comfort. The staff were friendly, and the lodge had a relaxed, welcoming feel. Rooms were clean and comfortable, and the food was tasty and generous. We came to Kruger with high expectations, having already experienced several game drives in Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana. Unfortunately, our safari outing with a guide named Doctor (booked through Needles) didn’t live up to those standards - his lack of engagement and warmth made the experience less enjoyable than we’d hoped. That said, our time at the lodge itself was pleasant, and we’d consider returning, just with a different safari guide next time.