Needles Lodge

This is our very first Safari trip and I am so glad I chose to go with Needles Lodge. From my first inquiry about the stay to our very last farewell email, there was nothing short of warmth, hospitality and professionalism from Gayle, Denis and their team including Lyn and Phillip. I made a few requests for our itinerary to fit a 9yo and they accommodated us. The lodge is small but beautiful and fits right in with its surroundings/ the bush. Kutu packs came to visit every evening and the resident bush babies are adorable. The bed was comfortable and the room was just perfect for us with huge tub and window to view wildlife outside. The opened air lobby and dining areas are beautiful. The food…..I looked forward to every meal at the lodge. The chef is just so talented. To be honest, the food this good in a remote area was the last thing i expected. They truly made the best food with available ingredients coming from different coasts and regions. To complement the excellent food was a huge selection of wine onsite and the hosts do know their wine. Communal dining was enjoyable meeting and socializing with hosts and other guests. Gayle was so kind asking my picky eating son what his favorite food was and asked the chef to make fresh gourmet mac n cheese for him next day. Thank you, Gayle. The game drives were quite amazing and we lucked out with our driver who was such a wealth of knowledge with passion for the animals and the land. The drive can be long for children but my kid was doing alright. The morning and nights were cold since it was winter and the road can be dusty. But we saw all big 5 on our first day and a long list of beautiful birds that our driver could name every single one and explained further. He even pointed out a snake. We opted out the Sunset drive with jet lag and exhaustion catching up on our 5 week long trip. The second drive was equally amazing with multiple sightings of white rhinos. We also borrowed bikes and rode to the river to see some kind of birds on the river bank. It was a nice ride. Overall, it was a great trip and if I had time, I’d join other tours to surrounding countries too. Highly recommend.

I traveled to Needles Lodge in South Africa with two friends who have been there nine or ten times already. I always used to wonder why someone would choose to go back to the same place over and over—but after spending 12 unforgettable nights at Needles, I completely understand. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was treated like family. Denis, Gail, and the entire team at Needles are some of the kindest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met. The atmosphere they’ve created is warm, relaxed, and full of heart. My room was beautiful—immaculately clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. The food was absolutely incredible. Thobi and the kitchen team are truly culinary artists, serving up delicious meals that made every day feel like a special occasion. Philip and Lynn went above and beyond to make my stay special. Philip was incredibly helpful with wine recommendations—every bottle he suggested was a hit. And when I accidentally dropped and broke my camera lens, Lynn generously offered to loan me one of her own. Their kindness and attention to detail truly made a difference and are just more examples of how Needles makes you feel like part of the family.. Needles is more than just a lodge—it’s a place where you feel connected: to nature, to the people around you, and to something larger than yourself. I left feeling grateful, rejuvenated, and already wondering when I can return. Now I understand exactly why my friends keep coming back.

Great dinner together with the other guests, plus the bushbabies and zebra's, on outdoor deck. Owners are passionate animal lovers and are interested in your experiences. Indoor sitting is nicely decorated, including several couches. Outdoor deck with We had a nice room upstairs.