Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — warthogs, giraffe, zebra, kudu, wildebeest, monkeys, mongoose, and impala often wander through the grounds during the day. But bear in mind we are not in a zoo and the animals roam free, and thus may or may not visit continually. 

Yes. We regularly host first-time safari guests and handle all logistics, including safari planning, timing, and guidance on what to expect.

Children aged 6 and older are welcome.

We recommend a minimum of 3 nights. This allows time to relax, enjoy at least two safari activities, and not feel rushed. 4–5 nights is ideal for first-time visitors.

Yes, we organise Kruger safaris for our guests. You don’t need to arrange anything separately unless you want to.

Yes, we strongly recommend booking safaris in advance, especially in busy periods, to secure availability and park entry slots.

Yes. We can assist with arranging transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) or shuttle drop-off points like City-Bug in Mbombela (Nelspruit). This must be booked in advance so timings work smoothly.

Kruger offers excellent wildlife viewing, but sightings are never guaranteed. Every drive is different — that’s part of the safari experience.

We offer full-day and half-day game drives, Sunrise Drives, Sunset Drives, as well as guided early-morning bush walks in Kruger National Park.

Neutral-coloured clothing, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket for early mornings. Binoculars are a bonus.

Safaris are typically shared with other lodge guests. Private drives can be arranged on request, subject to availability.

Safaris depart directly from the lodge or from a nearby Kruger gate, depending on the activity. We handle all the logistics.

No. A normal sedan is perfectly fine. Roads to the lodge are accessible year-round.

Needles Lodge is conveniently located between Crocodile Bridge Gate and Malelane Gate, both approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the lodge. We use both gates for safari departures, allowing guests to explore different landscapes / game viewing of Kruger National Park.

No. Marloth Park is not inside Kruger National Park.
Marloth Park is a wildlife conservation area bordering Kruger National Park along approximately 19 kilometres of the Crocodile River. It allows guests to stay just outside the park while enjoying easy access to Kruger through nearby gates.

Walking is allowed in designated areas of Marloth Park during daylight hours only. Wildlife moves freely through the area, and leopard are regular visitors, with lions occasionally present. For safety reasons, guests should not walk after dark and should always remain aware of their surroundings.

Mosquitoes are present, particularly in the warmer summer months. Needles Lodge is located on slightly elevated ground and often benefits from a natural breeze, which helps reduce mosquito activity. Marloth Park is considered a low-risk malaria area, but we recommend guests consult a travel clinic or medical professional for current advice and appropriate precautions.

Yes — complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests across the lodge, including rooms, pool and lounge areas.

Yes. We regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free diets. Please advise us of any dietary requirements or allergies before arrival so we can accommodate them properly.

Breakfast is served each morning from 07h00, if you are leaving early we will provide a packed breakfast.  Dinner is a three-course service dinner and is served on the deck in the evenings from 19h00/19h30. 

Check-in is from 14h00 to 19h00 and Check-out is at 10h30