Needles Lodge
Location: 341 Bushpig Avenue, Marloth Park, za
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Property Type: Lodges
About this Property
Luxurious Accommodation with Traditional Style
Experience the charm of Needles Lodge in Mpumalanga with traditionally-styled rooms featuring wooden patios and air conditioning. Each room boasts a private bathroom with premium amenities.
Gourmet Dining and Relaxation
Indulge in a full South African breakfast and 3-course dinner daily at Needles Lodge. Unwind in the country-style lounge or by the poolside terrace with a selection of local wines and beverages from the honour bar.
Activities and Excursions
Explore the nearby Kruger National Park with activities arranged by the tour desk, such as game drives and hiking. Relax in the tropical garden, sun deck chairs, or indoor lounge area with satellite TV and books.
Book now to experience the ultimate blend of luxury and nature at Needles Lodge!
Important Information
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Check-out: 10:30 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Safety deposit box
- Fax/photocopying
- Tour desk
- Ironing service
- Car hire
- Massage services
- Packed lunches
- Private check-in/check-out
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Board games/puzzles
- Shuttle service (additional charge)
- Concierge service
- Outdoor furniture
- Coffee Shop on site
- Shallow end
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Food delivered to guest room
- CCTV outside property
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Access to health care professionals
- Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
- Face masks for guests available
- 24-hour security
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Security alarm
- Thermometers for guests provided by property
- Television in common areas
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
- Beach umbrellas
- Free pool cabanas
- Pool sun loungers
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Game drive nearby
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Wine release events
- Exercise/lap pool
- Japanese garden
- Secured parking
- Fishing nearby
- Swimming nearby
- Bicycle-friendly property
- Charcoal grill
- Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
- Vegetarian menu options available
- Accessible shuttle
- No accessible shuttle
- Accessible train station shuttle
- No accessible train station shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Standard Twin Suite
The air-conditioned rooms have a large sliding door that open onto the wooden patio overlooking the pool and bush surroundings.
All are equipped with a sofa, desk and wardrobe. Each room has a private bathroom with a large bath, shower and free toiletries.
Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Additional toilet
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Alarm clock
- Executive lounge access
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
-
Deluxe Triple Room
This triple room features a hot tub. The spacious triple room features air conditioning, a coffee machine, a safe deposit box, as well as a terrace. The unit has 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Fan
- Coffee machine
- Terrace
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
-
Standard Double Suite
The air-conditioned rooms have a large sliding door that open onto the wooden patio overlooking the pool and bush surroundings.
All are equipped with a sofa, desk and wardrobe. Each room has a private bathroom with a large bath, shower and free toiletries.
Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Additional toilet
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Alarm clock
- Executive lounge access
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
Guest Reviews
- Rowe (9/5): -
- Susan (9/5): Lovely lodge, staff and meals, visiting animals were a nice bonus. I would definitely stay here again - The owner and staff were so nice. Their care and hospitality went above and beyond.
The meals were exemplary, I loved every dinner we had. Everyone sat at one large table, very social and just made for a nice evening. Nothing
- Marina (9/5): - Отличный гостеприимный лодж в окружении живой природы! Замечательная доброжелательная команда отеля ! Вкуснейшие ужины при свечах в кругу друзей с ресторанной подачей! Отличная организация сафари и всех экскурсий !!!! С приветом из России !!!! Огромное спасибо за эмоции !!!
- Marinus (10/5): -
- Lena (10/5): - Es war einfach wunderschön.
Ich war während der starken Regenfälle dort, zunächst hatte ich Angst überhaupt zu fahren, aber ich bin sehr froh, dass ich es doch gemacht habe.
Auch ohne den Kruger Nationalpark ist die Needles Lodge eine Reise Wert und absolut zu empfehlen.
Besonders das gemeinsame Abendessen war etwas ganz besonderes.
Ich hoffe, dass ich irgendwann wiederkommen kann.
Als alleinreisende habe ich mich total wohl gefühlt.
- Tahsin (9/5): -
- Thomas (10/5): -
- brice (8/5): Un séjour chaleureux et authentique. - Nous avons apprécié la piscine, la proximité avec la nature, et les animaux du parc. Les repas sont particulièrement bons et copieux. Le personnel est attentionné et efficace. L’ambiance générale est familiale et chaleureuse. Le Lodge est un peu vieillissant et mériterait un petit rafraîchissement.
- Alexander (10/5): -
- YANTING (10/5): -
- Christina (9/5): ein Aufenthalt in familiärer Atmosphäre mit tollen Erlebnissen im Krüger-Park - Es war ein Aufenthalt in sehr familiärer Atmosphäre. Sehr liebevoll gestaltete Lodge im Marloth-Park. Wir hatten einen atemberaubenden ganztägigen Game-Drive durch den Krüger-Park geführt von John. Kredenzt wurde uns an einem wunderschönen Platz ein sehr umfangreiches Frühstück. Darüber hinaus haben wir die Big 5 und dank John noch sehr viel mehr gesehen. Besonders schön waren die Abendessen an einer langen Tafel auf der Terrasse zusammen mit allen anderen Gästen. Und das Essen war super lecker. Ein herzliches Dankeschön für diesen wunderschönen Aufenthalt. Es sollte einem bewusst sein, dass man 30 Minuten bis zum Crocodile-Gate vom Krüger-Park benötigt.
- Phil (10/5): We shall return - Needles is an excellent lodge in every way - helpful, friendly staff and the owners make a point of meeting everyone and enjoy the evening meal with all guests. Marloth Park is a great venue just outside the Kruger NP Gate and there are walks and hides opposite the Park with no worry about lions or dangerous animals. Birding is very good from hides and most stock animals walk freely among the area. . Nothing to dislike
- Maximilian (10/5): -
- Jennifer (10/5): Wir kommen wieder :) - Es war wirklich wundervoll. Selten erlebt man so tolle Gastgeber wie in der Needles Lodge. Alle sind super nett und man fühlt sich ab der ersten Sekunde wohl. Das gemeinsame Abendessen ist einfach fantastisch. Nicht nur das exzellente Essen, sondern auch die Atmosphäre ist wirklich toll. Wir haben eine Fullday-Safari gebucht und Lucky war wirklich ein toller Guide. Er hat ein extrem gutes Wissen und kann das auch sehr gut rüberbringen. Wir können es wirklich nur von Herzen empfehlen! Ich war froh, dass dies die letzte von insgesamt 4 Lodges war, da das einfach schwer zu topen ist.
- Yvonne (8/5): Goed verblijf met heerlijk eten - Zeer vriendelijk personeel, persoonlijke betrokkenheid, proberen je het naar de zin te maken, en zijn belangstellend We hadden een 3 pers kamer geboekt met terras.
Echter liep het personeel ook over het terras naar hun kantoor die naast de kamer grenst.
Hier stond de hele dag de deur open, dus je had niet echt het gevoel dat je privacy had.
Ook de badkamer was nogal gedateerd.
- Joelle 888 (10/5): - L accueil très sympa
Le dîner et le petit-déj * aussi à emporter si vous partez tôt en safari.
Les animaux qui se balladent autour du lodge Rien
- Mark (9/5): -
- Nadine (9/5): Wir haben tolle 3 Tage dort verbracht. Würde jederzeit wieder buchen. - Eine sehr schöne Anlage. Man hatte alles was man braucht. Es gab jeden Tag neue Getränke und Knabbereien aufs Zimmer. An der Rezeption stand immer eine Schale mit frischem Obst bereit. Es gab ein kleines Frühstücksbuffet. Die Warmspeisen wurden a‘ la minute zubereitet.
Beim Abendessen gab es eine lange Tafel, die immer sehr schick eingedeckt war. Hier saßen alle Hotelgäste zusammen und konnten sich über ihren Tag austauschen. Eine sehr gute Idee. 👍🏼 Natürlich wurde bei der Anreise gefragt, ob dies in Ordnung wäre.
Die Lodge bietet eine eigene Safari zum Kruger National Park an. (die ich nur empfehlen kann)
Unser Guide war ausgesprochen nett und hat uns soviel über die Lage und Tier berichtet. Somit haben wir gleich am ersten Tag die BigFive zu Gesicht bekommen.
Es war traumhaft 😍
Danke Lyn und dem Rest des Teams.
- Gwyneth (9/5): Superb -
- Gwyneth (10/5): Great stay with friends to relax, unwind and enjoy nature - Well equipped, great food, clean, friendly staff and cosy
- Katherine (10/5): Loved my stay at Needles Lodge! - I had an unbelievable stay at Needles Lodge! They take care of every little detail and as a solo traveler, it made my Kruger NP trip very stress-free! The food is amazing, the beds are next level comfortable, and the staff are so kind and hospitable they feel like family by the end of the trip. And seeing wildlife on and near the grounds is an added bonus! Total 10/10 experience in a beautiful setting in an amazing part of the world! I hope to be back some day ♥️ 🦒 🦓
- Marius (8/5): Marloth at its best after the rain!! - The long table dinner with all other guests and management. Room somewhat dark and sombre
- Sheila (10/5): Exceptional -
- John (10/5): Home from home. - Like home from home. Lovely accommodation and excellent food. Staff went above and beyond to make the stay memorable. Nothing regarding Needles but it’s a 25 minute drive to Kruger entrance.
- Manaka (10/5): What a fantastic place - Eating dinner on one table with all the guests Nothing. I loved everything
- Valeria (10/5): We just left and miss this lodge already! - The property sits in Marloth Park, in the outskirts of Kruger park. The lodge is precious, can host max of 18 guests and it feels like home away from home.
Dennis, Phil and Linn did everything to make us feel well cared of. The food is delicious and the guests sit together at dinner so if you are a solo traveller you will be in good company! Rooms are big enough, clean. All the staff is kind.
Definitely we’d like to go back! Nothing, it was perfect.
- Marius (8/5): Very good -
- Mkb26 (10/5): Exceptional - The food was amazing, the staff is great and the lodge is beautiful! We absolutely enjoyed our stay!
- Peter (10/5): - Great lodge near Kruger. Comfortable, quiet and clean. Wonderful food too. Friendly staff. We had a marvelous time. And a special thank you to Glen who was our game drive guide. Tremendous experience. Lots of fun. Five stars all around!
- Dion (1/5): Bad -
- Alba (10/5): Exceptional -
- August (10/5): Exceptional -
- Florence (10/5): Exceptional - Cozyness of the place, very nice food and drinks, very friendly staff and animals in the surroundings :)
- Max (10/5): Exceptional - The dinner was very tasty and prepared with love. The rooms are perfectly air-conditioned, large and nicely furnished. The grounds of the lodge itself offer sun loungers, a pool and occasionally animals drop by and are fed a little from time to time. In addition, the staff and the owner were incredibly committed to helping us with a problem with our further vacation plans. Without their advice, we would have had a real problem. All in all, we can only strongly recommend the lodge and if we are in the region again, we will definitely go there again. -
- Richard (7/5): We liked Needles. - The fun with other guests, dine together and exchange stories. Dinner was very tasty. Vegetarian food for me was deliciously prepared. Impala, warthogs and mongooses walked in front of your door. What we didn't like was that we didn't know that you had to let them know in the morning that you wanted to have lunch at Needles. And that you have to book all tours in advance, there was nothing we could arrange on site.
- Donovan (9/5): everyone should experience the lodge.. loved it. - fabulous stay, staff were really helpful and went beyond the norm... Owner sold me a brochure which he said was the cheapest around so we brought it only to find out the next day that it was overpriced by 40R....... :-(
its nothing, but it left a sour taste in my mouth..
- Lauren (9/5): Superb - Wonderful Hosts, Delicious Food, Good Location, and 5* bedding. Our stay was Superb!! Dinner around the table was great chatting to people from around the world enjoying our beautiful country :) Highly recommend
- Steven (10/5): 2nd time in three years my girls loved the Bush Babies and Zebras at breakfast - Everything! The quality is relentless!! Food, staff, service it just doesn’t stop!!
Dennis and Lynne work tirelessly to fulfill guests wishes.
Glen the guide was superb my best Game drive in 8 years of visiting Kruger! Nothing to dislike
- Monika (10/5): Beautiful places, super friendly service, delicious food - Very professional and nice service. We felt treated very special. Nice clean rooms cleaned every day. Delicious breakfasts and dinners, I highly recommend it. Very nice location, contact with nature. I highly recommend the Safari trip, my kids and I were delighted.
I have nothing to complain about :)
- Kate (10/5): Stayed one two night rebooked for a week later. You’ll love it. - Very friendly lodge, small however big enough to get space. Nothing
- Samir (9/5): Superb -
- Daniel (9/5): Great place to stay. Denis and Lynn make all guests feel very welcome. - Was not able to try to full breakfast as was always leaving early to enter the park at opening times, so was provided with a great packed breakfast instead. Dinner is a 3 course meal served at 7 with all the other guests and it is a great affair with fantastic food. The team were very helpful in arranging tours and game drives. The location in Marloth park is as good as any and its lovely to have the animals come to the property while you are eating or at other times. For me, I think there is a slight bit of the magic of safari lost when you do not stay in the Kruger park itself. But this is not a flaw of this accommodation its-self per say.
- Mbuzi (10/5): Exceptional -
- JEAN MARC (10/5): - Very professional service, the welcome is good, the rooms are comfortable, the food is excellent, and the atmosphere is friendly. In addition, the boss speaks excellent French.
- Bonisiwe (10/5): Unmatched holiday experience - Needles Lodge is a real Home away from Home and not just a lodge. They are really a notch above your normal 4 Star establishment. They are perfecting this thing called hospitality business. Their meals, dinner and breakfast are beyond reproach. Dennis and Lynn are a team to beat in this business. Keep it up guys. We really enjoyed our conversations during the family dinner with wonderful and extremely palatable grapes 🍇🍷. Keep it up guys. We will certainly be back at your establishment in our next visit to the Kruger National Park. Nothing,everything exceeded our expectations!!
- Jabu (10/5): had a great time at needles, highly reccommend! - the bedrooms were very spacious and clean, fantastic facilities and very friendly staff! really enjoyed having dinner with people from all over the world in the evening whilst sipping South African wine!
- Hugo (8/5): Very good -
- Dr (10/5): Tee & Zee - The hospitable host, the friendly staff,the palatable meals from the Amazing chef, and the tranquil location There is nothing not to like
- Anastazja (10/5): unique safari experience - This place has a true safari soul and people who run it are extremely nice, understanding, helpful and prepared. Rooms are big, comfortable and charming. Food is absolutely out of this world delicious. Great guided safari tours. Animals like zebra and kudu coming to the lodge. Having dinner at one big table to get to know other guest is a brilliant idea. Absolutely unique and extraordinary experience. Thank you both for having us!
- Carlos (10/5): Wonderful stay in a beautiful lodge - The welcome and service were wonderful. The lodge was very cute, the dinner and breakfast were excellent and we loved seeing the bush babies, zebra and warthogs right in front of us. Definitely a place to visit again!
- Charlotte (10/5): Exceptional - good location near the Kruger gate. excellent food every morning and evening. lovely rooms and staff. animals freely room nearby so you can have breakfast on the deck with the zebras.
- Brian (9/5): Superb -
- Amanda (10/5): Exceptional -
- Karl-Heinz (10/5): Ein kleines Paradies - Wir waren auf unserer Südafrika-Rundreise für 6 Tage Gast in dieser sehr persönlich vom Inhaber Dennis und seinem „guten Geist“ Lyn geführten Lodge und sind beeindruckt von der Gastfreundschaft des gesamten Teams - Kompliment an alle Beteiligten, insbesondere auch an die jungen Guides John und Tammy! Absolutes Highlight waren die ganztägigen Game Drives, durchgeführt direkt von der Lodge im offenen Landrover, in den besonders wildreichen südlichen Teil des Kruger Nationalpark, wo wir neben unzähligen anderen Tieren auch sämtliche Big 5 zu sehen bekamen, besonders eindrucksvoll ein Rudel Wildhunde auf der Jagd nach Impalas; die Lodge selber liegt im Marloth Park, ca. 30 Minuten vom nächsten Gate zum Kruger Park entfernt, mit frei herumlaufenden Giraffen, Zebras, Kudus und Warzenschweinen, die bis an die Terrasse der Lodge herankommen und einen zum Frühstück oder Dinner besuchen; die Lodge hat lediglich 8 Zimmer, entsprechend familiär ist die Athmosphäre; das Dinner wird gemeinsam mit den Gästen aus aller Welt und den Besitzern auf der offenen Terrasse eingenommen, alle Sonderwünsche werden berücksichtigt; Frühstück und Dinner sind reichlich und von guter Qualität; ein reichhaltiges Angebot an nicht alkoholischen und gepflegten alkoholischen Getränken verfügbar; die Zimmer verfügen über einen hohen Standard und ein großes Bad mit Wanne und separater Dusche; alles in allem ein ausgezeichnetes Preis/Leistungsverhältnis, ein sehr empfehlenswertes Haus, in das wir gerne zurückkomme
- Richard (9/5): very good - rooms, main seating area and evening meals it’s a long drive in Marloth park from the main gate to the site.
- Penelope (10/5): A welcomed taste of luxury after long journey through Mozambique. - Breakfast and dinner were fantastic. The food is really exceptional. Bed linen is luxurious and the beds are very comfortable. We felt safe and very welcomed by Lyn and Denis, they went the extra mile even helping us reverse our trailer the morning of departure.
- Dennis (10/5): Exceptional - Beautiful Lodge in close proximity to the park. Well designed, clean and big rooms. Very friendly staff and Denis the owner is a great host. We especially liked the group dinners, the perfect way of getting to know each other. Breakfast and Dinner were delicious. Thank you for the great time! Nothing
- Moefi (8/5): My stay at Needles Lodge was superb. Me and my wife enjoyed - I liked everything about the property,even the host treated us so well and we developed friendships There’s nothing
- Matthew (10/5): Exceptional -
- Sarahjane (10/5): Best spot to visit the kruger - Excellent value for money. The hosts we're so friendly and welcoming. We loved the fact that we ate dinner at one table with all the other guests and got to meet people from all over the world. Also loved the fact that the wildlife and bush babies would come right up to the deck.
- Darrin (10/5): Dennis and Lynn made us feel so at home. They are exceptional hosts. Will most certainly be back - Everything. Diner was a real treat.
- Oksana (10/5): - My stay at Need was amazing! No need to look further!
- Mhlungu (8/5): Very good -
- Nokuthula (10/5): Awesome 😍 - Friendly environment ,peaceful and delicious food and would love to come back again Toads made a noise late at night but overall m happy with the place
- Kumalo (10/5): We had so much fun at Needles. The service was great and the staff pay attention to detail :-) - I liked the presentation of the food, the state of the room when we arrived and I also thoroughly enjoyed the pleasantness of the staff. Our stay was most enjoyable and we would definitely visit Needles again, if we are in Mpumalanga. There wasn't much to complain about... I think what is important to note if you're going to be doing Safari is that you need to wear something warm on top, and something cool and light underneath. It does tend to get a bit dry in the Kruger, so if you're taking the game drive during the dry months, expect that the drive will be dusty. But other than that, which are all things that are to be expected, there is nothing to complain about.
- Jacques (10/5): Fantastic place to stay for a couple of nights - The hosts, the pre dinner drinks around the fire, the conversation, fine wines and an excellent dinner. The ambiance and feeling of being in the bush with game next to the dining area was a great experience.
We will definitely return on our next visit to the Kruger
- Iris (9/5): Superb - great rooms with very comfortable beds, friendly staff and owners, a great 3 course diner with a good wine, surrounded by animals and very close to Kruger! nothing, it was very good.
- Quinn (10/5): Exceptional -
- Josh (10/5): Exceptional -
- Craig (8/5): Glad we chose Needles as our stop over on the way to the Kruger Park - The lodge was very accommodating in putting us in the best suite to add an extra bed for our son.
Nice spot. You feel like you are miles away from your nearest neighbour because of the bushes and screens.
Kudu's walked right past our deck during dinner. Very peaceful. No complaints
- Anna (10/5): An amazing stay with incredible, kind staff and delicious food! - Needles Lodge was absolutely amazing; by far the best accommodation experience I have ever had. The lodging and amenities themselves were wonderful with an excellent, convenient, and easy-to-find location. The staff, however, was what really set it apart, as they were always going above and beyond to ensure guests had a comfortable, perfect stay. The dinner and breakfast served at the lodge were also incredible - with copious amounts of delicious food! I also really enjoyed the communal aspect of meals and the activities - as a solo traveler, the other guests were very friendly and kind, and I had a great time. The game drives could all be arranged and paid for through the lodge, which was very convenient and transport to/from the park was also done by the lodge for each excursion. I was so sad to leave and will definitely be back. If you are looking to visit Kruger National Park, please look no further - Needles Lodge should 100% be your go-to stay. Nothing; a perfect stay!
- L Aesthetics (10/5): - The stay was amazing….Dennis and Gail are super hosts and the lodge is situated nicely tugged away in the bushes. The staff are super friendly and the food was as good. A really enjoyable trip amd stay we had at Needles
- Jamie (10/5): Intimate, Delightful Safari Lodge - Needles Lodge is a fantastic option for a small, intimate safari experience on the edge of Kruger National Park. The rooms are clean and comfortable with sliding doors that look out at the bush in the backyard where zebras, monkeys and wildebeests often gather. Meals are delicious, multi-course family-style affairs with scintillating conversations with guests from around the world. The owner, Dennis and manager, Colin, do everything possible to ensure a wonderful stay.
- David (10/5): Fantastic, peaceful lodge. - Everything about Needles Lodge was excellent. From our room, which was spacious and beautifully finished, to the unbelievable food served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We loved having the animals wander by and spent hours by the delightful pool. The lodge's main areas are great too with lots of books for reading about the animals. The staff were really helpful and kind, it was just the most wonderful few days and we can't wait to return!
- Verified traveler (10/5): - + Ein sehr leckeres Abendessen war inklusive. Tiere kamen bis zur Terrasse. Ein super Schönes Erlebnis.
Die Zimmer waren schön eingerichtet, unser mit Blick auf Pool. WiFi war vorhanden.
Entfernung zum Crocodile Bridge Gate nur ca 50 Minuten
Diese Lodge kann ich absolut empfehlen.
- nichts
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Excellent food, wildlife visits and close to Kruger.
- Ram (10/5): Charming lodge in Marloth Park - Charming lodge, rooms and host. Excellent breakfast and wine selection. Zebra visits to the lodge was a nice touch. Location in Marloth park is interesting - this is a very unique project to combine human neighborhood with a quasi safari. Dinner was just OK and the idea of a shared table to all guests and hosts is not to everyone's taste, but this shouldn't affect the high rating. We stopped there after our Kruger visit, but the guests who used the lodge for the Kruger safaris seemed happy with the lodge as their basis.
- Riccardo (10/5): - Perfetto per soggiorno vicino al Kruger Park. Personale molto cortese e professionale.....la gita in jeep nel parco con Patrick esperienza imperdibile!
- Robson (10/5): Fantastic stay! - What a stay we had at Needles Lodge! Outstanding service team, great room and the food...ah food...one of the best we`ve ever had! Thanks to everyone...Dennis, Colin, Gail, Manny, Willem, Patrick and all the girls who serves incredibly well and keep the fantastic atmosphere!
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Unvergesslicher Aufenthalt! Super nette Besitzer, die Abends bei dem gemeinsamen Abendessen stets dabei waren. Sehr nette Atmosphäre mit interessanten Gesprächen, tollem Essen und leckeren Weinen! Das Preis-Leistungsverhältnis stimmte! Wir würden definitiv wiederkommen.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Needles was a great place to stay. We were afraid it was going to be in a developed town but it's in a protected area with wildlife coming through the area as well. We saw Kudu, giraffe, a genet, and a bushbaby just on the grounds.
Dennis and Gail were gracious hosts and as Dennis is a guide, he knew everything about birds, wildllife, and the park.
Whatever you want is really the order of the day. Needles can arrange morning walks, game drives, nearby tours, or you can use it as a jumping off point to Crocodile Bridge (about 30 minutes by car) into Kruger National Park. It's an easy drive up to Lower Sabie camp for lunch but the location of Needles is convenient. On departure, we went from Crocodile Bridge to Malelane in the park and then it was about four hours to Pretoria by car.
We had a great time and would love to return. We're talking to friends about making it a group visit.
- Tony (10/5): - Stayed there for 3 nights at the start of our South Africa holiday, and before spending 4 nights at SANPark lodges in the park. Had we known just how good it was, think we may have spent our entire 7 nights in Kruger there. It more than lives up to the great reviews it gets (which is why we chose Needles), the place is beautiful, the staff amazing, the visiting animals a daily treat, and the proximity to Crocodile River entrance gate does actually mean you could easily stay here, and go into the park for the day (which means you get the 5* benefit of the lodge, with all the animal viewing you could wish for). We had dinner, bed and breakfast, the cooked breakfast was fantastic (best mushrooms I have ever tasted), the dinners a delight sat outside with a glass of Pinotage. Within 30 minutes of arriving we had visits from a huge rock monitor, a family of mongoose and a Kudu. Lots of birds to watch and identify in the nearby trees, Zebra wandering over, the Bushbabies at night, amazing. We did a full day safari by way of introduction to the park, and I would recommend it. Patrick our guide and driver was just brilliant, spotting things well before we did (without binocs and while driving), he promised my wife 30 giraffe and he delivered, as well as lions, buffalo, white rhino, elephants, eagles, hippos (25 species we saw on that one day, plus it gave us great ideas of where to go when we were in the park, like Mpondo Dam). Perfect place to stay in every respect.
- iris (10/5): Fantastic! - Wonderfull hospitality,great atmosphere,fantastic food. It feels like home,thanks to the wonderfull people who run the place.Only thing needs improvement is Wifi,being weak. But after all,we came to dissconnect...
- John (8/5): Wonderful lodge - We had a wonderful time in this beautiful lodge. Staff and owner were very accommodating with our late arrival and had dinner ready for us nonetheless. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
- Verified traveler (10/5): wonderful honeymoon - excellent location. great staff. ask them about kosher options!
- Verified traveler (8/5): Nice lodge, but bit far from Kruger Park for us. - Nice lodge with good food and local setting (local Zebra, Giraffe, Warthog etc). Bit too far from the park though (half an hour drive to Crocodile Bridge).
Staff very friendly and helpful, but join you at your table for dinner...
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