I’ve just returned from my second stay at Needles Lodge, six years after my first. Our first experience of staying here was so good, that when planning a return trip to Kruger – there was no question about whether to visit Needles Lodge again.
I assume you’ve landed on this page as you’re wondering where to stay in or near Kruger National Park. Or perhaps you’ve read my detailed guide to Kruger here.
We first found Needles Lodge after realising that the southern portion of the Kruger Park would be the best part of the park for us. I then came across the Marloth Park area. And then after plenty of time on Google and reading of TripAdvisor reviews, I landed on Needles Lodge. My first stay here was a multi-generation trip, with my parents and my partner. My second stay was just my husband and me, but both visits were absolutely perfect and Needles Lodge met our needs perfectly.
Not only does the lodge quickly feel like a warm, friendly, family home, but the spaces are perfect for downtime, the food is excellent and the staff are just the right level of attentive. Room rates start from around £124 per night (inclusive of breakfast and dinner). Check the latest rates for your dates here Needles Lodge.
Overview
Location and first impressions
Needles Lodge is located in Marloth Park, which is a small village just 25 mins from Crocodile Gate. Having done two stays in Marloth Park now, we really love the area.
The lodge is just a 1 hour drive from Nelspruit airport and feels like a staying at a family home. From the decking area, you can see all kinds of wildlife – some that roam right up to the edge of raising dining area!
We’re also always amazed by the wildlife that can be seen on walks down to the Crocodile River.
On one midday walk in early May, we saw a large male kudu, a small family of bushpigs, over a dozen hippos and a crocodile on the river, as well as a herd of elephants on the river banks. Just within a minute of the lodge, we came face to face with a huge giraffe as well dozens of impala. I was initially quite hesitant about walking on the tracks around Marloth Park but I saw others walking and running, and felt more confident. It was actually fine, and I do strongly recommend exploring the local area on foot or mountain bike. Needles Lodge has mountain bikes to rent, and Denis, the owner, is an excellent source of knowledge for all the local wildlife and how to best explore the area.
What kind of guests stay at Needles Lodge?
Needles caters really well for couples, groups and families, although it’s worth noting that children need to be over the age of 6 to stay.
The team are excellent at adapting activities, itineraries and even meal options for families.
The lodge is perfect for those travelling alone, especially solo female travellers. The setup is really safe, the room rate is great value, and the dinners are served communally at long tables. So you can be social with the other guests (if you want).
The team will also try and help you with making your trip more economical. For example, advising on flight times into Nelspruit so that you can jump into a transfer with other guests, rather than paying for a private transfer. Or adding you onto activities already booked by other guests, as most tours need 2 pax to run.
I worked remotely on my laptop in Marloth Park too, and the lodge’s WiFi is excellent and super fast, even by the pool or court on the terrace, so you can work surrounded by nature.
For a couple of months a year, they also run yoga and safari retreats in partnership with Soul Sanctuary Safaris.
Rooms
There are 8 rooms at Needles Lodge. Of these, 7 are double rooms located near on ground level with terrace doors opening up on to the grounds and pool area. One of the rooms is a triple, and located upstairs.
All of the rooms are really well equipped. You’ll sleep well in the king poster bed with mosquito nets draped across! There is also a well as a mini fridge, safe, and plenty of hanging/shelf space.
The bed is incredibly comfortable, and the aircon and fan works great for the warmer nights. And then in the winter when it’s cooler, the duvet/comforter is really cosy and there’s a big blanket if you need.
Facilities at the lodge
Social spaces
Away from the rooms, there is a large central lodge area with plenty of sofas for relaxing and reading. Here there are also dozens of local interest and wildlife books so that you can read all about your amazing wildlife spots from the day. You’ll also find board games and a telescope.
The large terrace is where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Part of the terrace is covered by a large thatched roof, and part is out under the canopy of the trees and stars. If the weather is a little inclement, the lodge has large shutters that can come down so you can still eat outside. Dining outside for each meal was amazing and you never know what wildlife will come by. I loved dinner time when the friendly bush babies would come and swing over your heads.
Food and drink
Oh my, the food is just excellent.
One night, the team made traditional South African Apricot Sosaties (a kind of kebab). They were so delicious! When I asked if they had the recipe, they shared the PDF with me over email when I got back home, so I can recreate a taste of Kruger whenever I feel like.
The staff
Well, they’re just the best and part of what makes Needles Lodge so special. Denis is the owner and Lyn is the General Manager. Together they make a formidable pair, on hand to help with anything but also super relaxed.
Another team member, the lovely Philip, is on hand throughout the day for whatever you might need. He also brings drinks to the pool or wherever you’re relaxing which is the best! The meal staff whip up an absolute storm in the kitchen, and don’t be surprised if they erupt into song and dance once or twice during your stay.
Excursions and activities on offer
Needles really does make the perfect for Kruger explorations. The lodge’s location, near the southern Crocodile Gate, gives incredible access to Kruger National Park, but also dozens of other locations. In fact, the Mozambique border is just a very short drive away and you can even drive to Eswatini for a day trip too! Needles Lodge makes it really easy to organise all kinds of day trips.
Some activities, such as a full day game drive, is with one of Needles’ qualified professional safari guides. Other Kruger activities, such as sunrise or sunset drives or even a thrilling morning walk in the bush, are organised with official rangers from SANParks.
Lastly, a few other activities that are well worth considering include tiger fishing on the nearby Komati River, or even a day trip to the incredible Blyde River Canyon.
If you’re looking for some relaxation after all the adventure, then the lodge can also arrange massages with a local qualified therapist from the UK who now lives in Marloth Park.
The Verdict
I highly recommend Needles Lodge for anyone looking for a great value, welcoming and relaxed stay. Everything is so well thought out, but yet nothing is too fussy. The team are so chilled out, but never miss a trick in ensuring the guests are well catered for.
Deciding where stay in Kruger National Park isn’t an easy task. But personal recommendations can really make the difference so I do hope my guide to Needles Lodge here proves helpful!
Check rates for Needles Lodge here
If you’re looking for more information on visiting Kruger National Park, make sure to read my complete guide here.
Feel free to drop me a line if you would like any advice or further recommendations for planning your safari in Kruger National Park.
Disclaimer: This visit to Kruger National Park was paid for by myself. However Needles Lodge did invite us back with a special offer after our first stay. However, and as always, this is an independent guide and all views are my own.
