Our Local Wildlife: Unveiling the creatures who call Needles Lodge Home

Imagine unwinding on the large guest deck at Needles Lodge, a cool drink in hand, as the African sunset paints the Marloth Park landscape in warm hues. Suddenly, a kudu with its impressive spiral horns appears in the distance. This is just a glimpse of the incredible wildlife encounters you can have at Needles Lodge.

Local Grazers: Stars of Marloth Park

Our lodge is a sanctuary for a variety of Africa's herbivores. Here, you can observe their fascinating behaviours from the comfort of your chair or while exploring the grounds.

Kudu: Keep an eye out for these elegant antelope, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Their distinctive grey-brown coats with vertical white stripes add a touch of beauty to the Marloth Park surroundings.

Giraffes: The undisputed giants are sure to make an appearance. Imagine watching these gentle giants meander around Needles Lodge, their long necks reaching for the highest leaves.

Impalas: These agile creatures are frequent visitors, known for their impressive jumping abilities. Spot them grazing near the lodge, their graceful movements adding a touch of life to the area.

Zebras: Their striking black and white stripes make them unmistakable. These social creatures often visit us at the deck and graze around the lodge, their lively spirit sure to capture your attention.

Ostriches: Watch the largest living bird on Earth enjoying a snack at our deck! While they might appear clumsy, ostriches can run incredibly fast.

A Richer Tapestry: Beyond the Expected

But Marloth Park's wildlife goes beyond the majestic grazers. Needles Lodge is teeming with a fascinating array of smaller mammals that add to the charm of the African bush.

Warthogs: These comical creatures, with their distinctive warty faces and prominent tusks, are a delight to watch as they forage for food near the lodge.

Waterbucks: These semi-aquatic antelope might occasionally venture near the lodge. Easily recognisable by their reddish-brown coats and ringed horns, they add another layer of diversity to your wildlife experience.

Avian Symphony: Birdwatching Paradise

Look up! The skies above Needles Lodge are a vibrant tapestry of birdlife. The restaurant deck provides the perfect vantage point for birdwatching, allowing you to witness these feathered performers up close.

Lilac-breasted Rollers: Be mesmerised by their stunning plumage – vibrant purple chests and turquoise wings – as they flit between branches near the lodge.

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills: These unmistakable birds, with their large casques and bright yellow bills, are often seen foraging in the trees around the lodge.

Martial Eagles: Keep your eyes peeled for Africa's largest eagle, the awe-inspiring Martial Eagle, soaring high above in search of prey.

Encounters Under the Stars

As the sun dips below the horison, a new cast of characters emerges. The African bush transforms into a stage for nocturnal creatures, each playing a vital role in the ecosystem. While sightings may be less frequent, the thrill of encountering a creature under the starlit sky is an unforgettable experience.

Bushbabies: These adorable primates, with their large eyes and long tails, are perfectly adapted for a nocturnal lifestyle. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of their reflective eyes glinting in the moonlight.

Serval Cats: These slender, spotted predators become active at night. While sightings are less frequent, you might be fortunate enough to spot one hunting rodents near the lodge grounds.

Genets: Don't miss out on spotting our resident charmers, the genets! These lithe, cat-like creatures with spotted fur prowl the lodge grounds at night, their agile movements a sight to behold.

Porcupines: Keep an eye out for Needles Lodge's official mascot, the African brush-tailed porcupine! These fascinating rodents, with their distinctive quills, are surprisingly shy but can sometimes be spotted lumbering around the lodge at night.

The diverse wildlife that graces Marloth Park is a privilege to experience. At Needles Lodge, we are committed to responsible wildlife viewing practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the animals.

Book your stay at Needles Lodge and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of wildlife that Marloth Park has to offer. Create memories that will last a lifetime.