Nocturnal Neighbours: Discovering Marloth Park’s Nightlife

As dusk settles over the bushveld and the last light slips behind the silhouettes of knobthorns and marula trees, the African wilderness undergoes a quiet transformation. The daytime stage of elephants, zebras, and impalas makes way for an entirely different cast of characters—elusive, mysterious, and beautifully adapted to thrive in the dark.

In Marloth Park, a private wildlife conservancy bordering the world-famous Kruger National Park, the show never really stops. At Needles Lodge, our guests are often treated to surprising encounters after sunset—from the haunting call of a fiery-necked nightjar to the rustle of bush babies in the trees above. This is the Africa you don’t always see in brochures—an Africa that whispers instead of roars.

A Safari Under the Stars

When the sun dips below the horizon and the braai fire crackles to life, it might feel like the wilderness is winding down. But make no mistake—the night is just getting started. The Lowveld becomes a concert hall of croaks, hoots, chirps, and rustles. It’s a sensory safari, where the music of the bush is composed not by lions and leopards alone, but by owls, genets, frogs, and the occasional startled duiker.

Many of these animals are rarely seen during the day. They hide in the underbrush or high in the canopy, only venturing out under the cloak of darkness when the temperature drops and the bush quiets. And thanks to the location of Needles Lodge, nestled inside Marloth Park with its open borders to Kruger, you don’t need to leave your porch to experience it.

What Makes Marloth Park Special at Night?

When night falls over Marloth Park, a whole new world stirs to life. This extraordinary place—where wildlife roams freely and nature takes centre stage—offers an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. With no fences separating you from the bush, the sights and sounds after dark are something truly special.

You might hear the distant whoop of a hyena, the rustle of something moving through the undergrowth, or simply the hum of insects under a sky dusted with stars. It’s peaceful, wild, and unforgettable.

There’s no need to venture far to take it all in. Whether you're enjoying a glass of wine around the fire in our boma, soaking in the sounds from your room, or relaxing on the deck under the stars, the magic of Marloth’s nights surrounds you. Just sit back, listen closely—and let the bushveld do the rest.

Creatures of the Night: Who’s Out There?

Let’s meet some of Marloth Park’s most enchanting nocturnal residents—the shy, the strange, and the just plain delightful.

1. Bush Babies (Galagos) – The Aerial Acrobats

You’ll likely hear them before you see them—a high-pitched chirping that sounds suspiciously like something from a cartoon. These tiny primates are masters of stealth and speed, leaping from branch to branch with astonishing agility.
Look for: Flashing eyes in torchlight as they leap between trees near the lodge.
Fun Fact: They can jump over two metres in a single bound—impressive for something the size of a mango!

2. Genets – The Spotted Ghosts

Slender, catlike, and covered in bold black-and-white spots, genets are often mistaken for wildcats. But they belong to their own family, and despite their feline appearance, are more closely related to mongooses. At Needles Lodge, they’re occasionally spotted on the rooftops or quietly slinking along branches.
Look for: Their unmistakable long ringed tails and graceful movements on lodge walls.
Fun Fact: They’re omnivorous opportunists and will gladly help with insect control, especially near outdoor lights.

3. Fiery-necked Nightjar – The Singer in the Dark

One of the most iconic sounds of the African night is the unmistakable call of the fiery-necked nightjar: “Good Lord deliver us!” This cryptic bird blends into the leaf litter by day and takes to the skies at dusk to hunt flying insects with silent precision.
Look for: Nothing! They’re nearly impossible to spot on the ground—but you’ll definitely hear them.
Fun Fact: Nightjars have bristles around their beaks that help them scoop up insects mid-flight, like moustached moth collectors.

👉 Read more in “Under the African Stars: Stargazing and Night Sounds”

4. Thick-tailed Bush Baby – The Larger Cousin

While the smaller galagos flit through the canopy, their bigger cousins—the thick-tailed bush babies—move more deliberately and vocalise with deep, guttural croaks. They’re powerful climbers and often nest in hollows near Needles Lodge.
Look for: A shadowy shape high in the trees, peering down with saucer-like eyes.
Fun Fact: They live in small family groups and mark their territory with scent glands on their chest—imagine tree-hugging with perfume!

👉 Also featured in our article “Lesser Bush Babies”

5. Owls – The Silent Watchers

From the tiny pearl-spotted owlet to the hauntingly majestic Verreaux’s eagle-owl, the bush is alive with raptors of the night. Listen carefully, and you may hear the gentle “who-who” from the treetops, or spot their glowing eyes in torchlight.
Look for: A perched silhouette outlined by moonlight.
Fun Fact: Owl feathers are specially designed for silent flight—each wingbeat is a whisper.

👉 Dive deeper with “Birding in Kruger: The Best Birding Drives and Experiences”

Night Drives vs. At-Lodge Encounters

Guests often ask: “Should I go on a night drive or just stay at the lodge?” The truth is—both offer something special.

Night drives (Kruger with special bookings) allow for deeper exploration and increase your chances of spotting larger nocturnal species—like hyenas, civets, or even leopards. But don’t underestimate what you can observe right at Needles Lodge. From the deck, guests have spotted porcupines, bush babies, and even the occasional honey badger sneaking through the shadows.

Tips for Observing Nocturnal Wildlife

• Use a red-filtered flashlight to avoid startling animals and protect your night vision.
• Stay quiet and still—many night creatures rely on sound to detect threats.
• Avoid shining torches directly into animals’ eyes—especially birds and primates.
• Keep camera flashes off. Low-light photography is tricky but much more respectful (and rewarding) when done naturally.

Why Nighttime at Needles Lodge Feels So Special

There’s something deeply primal and intimate about hearing the world stir after dark. When the noise of the day falls away and the stars emerge, you begin to notice subtler sounds—the brushing of leaves, the click of beetles, the far-off hoot of an owl. It’s in this stillness that Needles Lodge shines. Here, nature doesn’t feel like something you visit. It feels like something you belong to.

The bush doesn’t sleep. It dreams. And you're invited.

Plan Your Nocturnal Adventure

Whether you’re chasing the hoot of an owl, searching the treetops for bush babies, or just enjoying a fireside glass of wine under a blanket of stars, Needles Lodge offers the perfect base for discovering Marloth Park’s wild and wonderful nightlife—safely and memorably.

📍 Book your stay today and let the night show begin.