This lodge offers the best of both worlds - affordable accommodation with a casual vibe, along with first-class service and food. Following a quick and friendly email exchange with Lodge management, we easily booked our stay directly through the Needles website. We also pre-arranged airport pick-up and drop-off. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Gail, Denis, Colin and other staff members. Since this was our first time in the area, they were very helpful in recommending and facilitating activities (walk along crocodile river, 2 full-day safaris, panorama tour, elephant walking safari, as well as a bike tour of Marloth Park). And while the full-day safaris were by far the highlight of our trip (Big 5, including 3 leopard sightings), we were also extremely impressed with the service and food offered by the Lodge. Preceded by drinks around the fire, dinner at Needles is indeed an event in itself. A delicious three-course meal is served every evening. Chatting with Denis, Gail, Colin and the other guests over the dimly lit table, the atmosphere feels more like a big family get-together than a hotel restaurant. The malva pudding alone will keep you wanting more! All in all, we were very happy with our choice of lodge and would return without hesitation. A big thank you to the entire team! - David and Mariane