Three years ago, we wanted to visit a private safari camp and get a more authentic safari experience besides only going on a self-drive safari in Kruger. So we decided to stay two days at Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp in the Balule Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger area. That was an excellent choice, and I got to know Mirjam, the owner. Both Mirjam and the team are very friendly and welcoming.
I booked a recent stay a year ago, but we had to cancel the tour because of the pandemic.
Finally, in February 2023, we were back in the camp!
THE SAFARI CAMP
After driving for about half an hour on a gravel road from the reserreserve’s gate, we reached the safari lodge and got a warm welcome from the Parsons team! It was so lovely to meet the owner Mirjam again. I feel I have known her for a long time. She and her team are so friendly and welcoming. The camp has a fantastic hilltop location with spectacular views from the main terrace and the beautiful main lodge. I love this little rustic-chic safari lodge – you get the real wilderness and safari feels here!
The safari camp consists of a main lodge and 4 tents; 2 classic and two luxurious canvas tents. This time we had a luxurious tent- the Oriolo tent – with a private viewing deck and an outdoor jacuzzi – with a stunning view over the bushveld. Inside the tent, ensuite bathroom with a glass wall so you can soak in nature while showering(!), high-quality amenities, ceiling fan, coffee/tea facilities and comfortable beds with mosquito net.
The oriole tent – where we stayed.
The reserve is openly connected to the Kruger National Park, and animals can roam free around the camp. So going back and forth from the restaurant at the main lodge to the tent in the evenings, it is best to be accompanied for safety reasons.
OUR FIRST AFTERNOON SAFARI
At 17:00, it was time for the afternoon safari. We were the only two guests joining this safari; the other guests had other plans. Ranger Ras had the evening off, so we were accompanied by another friendly and knowledgeable ranger. This afternoon was also the first day for the new volunteer at Parsons.
The ranger heard there were some lions in the area – and we were lucky to spot them!
They were lying by some bushes a bit far from the road, but I managed to zoom them in.
The lion sighting
We also had some nice giraffe – and elephant sightings.
The ranger was happy to answer any question about different animals and told us many interesting facts about lions, giraffes, elephants and more.
Just love giraffes!
The ranger told us about the elephant’s behaviour, especially of young males who often play-fight with each other.
We were enjoying the magical sunset from the car! It was already dark when we stopped for a sundowner – but that didn´t matter; it was exciting to be in the bush after dark – we enjoyed the drink and had a nice chat with the knowledgeable ranger and the trainee.
Sunset – and sundowner
After the safari, all the guests had dinner in the boma. We were seated around the fire for a drink, then enjoyed the typical South African braai(barbecue) at a set table for six guests. What a magical night – a lovely meal under the African starry sky.
South African braai (barbecue) at the boma
MORNING SAFARI
At 05:00, we were ready for a morning safari. It was raining, but we wanted to go anyway.
After half an hour, fortunately, the rain stopped, so we were glad we had this tour. We were the only guest at this safari, together with the main ranger Ras and the new volunteer.
First, we went to the area where the lions were the day before. Unfortunately, they were no longer there. The ranger then spotted a completely different animal in this area – a Leopard Tortoise – we stopped, and he lifted the tortoise and let us hold it to feel its weight. It was pretty heavy! Very interesting to also get facts about such small animals as these!
An amazing encounter with a Leopard Tortoise
Afterwards, it was time for morning coffee – coffee marula.
Morning break in the bush
Other sightings – giraffes and elephants today as well 🙂
After the safari, we had a tasteful breakfast and a little rest before I joined the owner Mirjam on a wine tasting in the neighbour lodge, the Balule River Lodge. The lodge owner is Danish, and we joined the wine tasting with Danish guests and a Swedish lodge owner. (many Scandinavians presented that day – including me, the Norwegian! 🙂 We tasted several wines from the Orange River Cellar, Northern Cape; Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, and a sweet rose – Many elegant wines, a great experience!
The most famous grapes in South Africa are – white wine; Chenin blanc, and red wine; the popular Pinotage, South Africa’s national grape. Pinotage is a cross between pinot noir and Cinsault. It was also the pinotage wines that I liked best at this wine tasting.
THE SECOND AFTERNOON SAFARI
At 17:00 – time for our second-afternoon safari! The notable sightings this afternoon: jackals
We enjoyed a sundowner with giraffes close by – a fantastic moment. Especially the young one was curious.
At seven in the evening, it’s getting dark – but we can spot several exciting animals using spotlights. Ras managed to see a chameleon in a tree in the far distance. He stopped the car, walked over to the tree, took it down and let us hold it. I guess it felt a bit threatened at first when I held it, it tried to make itself look as big as possible, and its throat puffed up. But it eventually calmed down and was normal when the keeper returned it to the tree.
Nice to get facts about chameleons that we didn’t know much about before.
On our way back to the lodge, we spotted some birds with good help from the spotlight;
A Verreaux’s eagle owl and a Blue Waxbill:
After two wonderful days at Parsons, it was time for us to say goodbye for now to Mirjam and her team. – We were very grateful for another unique safari experience at Parson Hilltop!
If you want a unique wildlife experience at a stylish and cosy safari lodge – you know where to go!
