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Nature Conservation

The Wildlife Warriors: Early Rangers & the Birth of Conservation in Kruger National Park

Posted by Denis on Wed February 11, 2026 in History, Kruger National Park, and Nature Conservation.

First Kruger Rangers © SANParks archives

A story of courage, vision, and sacrifice — discover how Kruger’s first rangers and conservation pioneers saved Africa’s wilderness and shaped the park we know today.

How Herbivores Shape the Bush: The Quiet Architects of the Lowveld

Posted by Denis on Tue January 20, 2026 in Kruger National Park, Marloth Park, Nature Conservation, Fauna and Flora of Kruger National Park, and Needles Lodge.

Zebras and Giraffes in Kruger National Park

Discover how herbivores like elephants, impala, and wildebeest act as the architects of the Lowveld. Learn how they shape the Kruger National Park and Marloth Park.

Top  10 Cape Buffalo Facts

Posted by Denis on Mon December 8, 2025 in Big Five, Gamedrive, Safari, Kruger National Park, Nature Conservation, Wildlife Photography, Fauna and Flora of Kruger National Park, and African Wildlife.

Discover the top 10 fascinating facts about the Cape buffalo—Africa’s powerful, social, and surprisingly strategic giant of the savanna. Read more now.

Footprints of the Ancients: San Rock Art & Lowveld Archaeology

Posted by Denis on Mon November 24, 2025 in History, Kruger National Park, Nature Conservation, and Needles Lodge.

Explore San rock art and archaeology in South Africa’s Lowveld. Discover hidden sites near Kruger National Park and Marloth Park while staying at Needles Lodge.

Butterflies of the Lowveld: Jewels of the Bushveld

Posted by Denis on Tue October 28, 2025 in Kruger National Park, Nature Conservation, Insects, Fauna and Flora of Kruger National Park, Needles Lodge, and African Wildlife.

Discover the butterflies of the Lowveld — colourful, resilient, and vital to the bushveld ecosystem around Needles Lodge and Marloth Park.

Guest Reviews

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... Read More

- Ian , December 2025

Melbourne Australia
A wonderful experience

Although we were here for one night, it was a wonderful experience. The rooms were luxurious, well-maintained and welcoming, with special attention to detail. Food was excellent and hearty. Denis and Philip really bring the whole place together. Memorable stay!

- Shalaka Deshpande, June 2025

India
What a fantastic place!

What a fantastic place to spend some time in South Africa. The location is beautiful, the rooms are splended and very tasteful. The service is excellent, nothing is lacking at Needles Lodge. Cosy living room setting in the evening while enjoying delicious meals. We would love to come back again. Thank you so much for your hospitality.

- Familie Levering en Kerkhof, May 2025

The Netherlands
Needles is our home away from home

We have been coming to Kruger regularly for years and in 2020 Needles was recommended to us by a friend. In October 2020, the only month this year in which one could travel from Germany to South Africa, we had our first stay there and it has now become our favorite place outside of Kruger. Our whole family loves the familiar and cozy atmosphere. The entire team is very... Read More

- Ines & Mike Marcinowski, November 2024

Germany