Even though I love to go on self-drive safaris, especially in the Kruger National Park – it is always exciting to visit a private safari camp and get a more authentic safari experience! At this trip to South Africa we decided to stay 2 days at Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp – which turned out to be an excellent choice.
Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp is located in the Balule Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger area. It is openly connected to the Kruger National Park and animals can roam free around the camp.
After driving for about half an hour on gravel road from the main gate of the reserve, we reached the safari lodge and got a warm welcome from the Parsons team!
The lodge consists of 4 classic and luxurious canvas tents. We had a standard one, with its own viewing deck, where we could overview the waterhole.
We had an afternoon safari just after arrival, we were ready for new adventures!
Two young male impala – blue hartebeest (gnu) in the background
White-backed vultures 
Dinner together with the other guests;
a couple from Brazil and a couple from South Africa, the owner Mirjam from Nederland, me and my daughter, and the field guide Cobus is taken the picture. Perfect atmosphere!
While eating – we viewed the lit-by-night waterhole, and spotted a lion drinking water!
Morning safari at 05:00! The first animals we saw were these young jackals, there were 4 of them. We also saw impala, blue hartebeest, giraffes and different birds.
MAIN LODGE:
EVENING SAFARI WITH A LANDROVER FROM 1961
The second evening safari – we had with a landcover from 1961! Open car means you have to wear a hat – what a real safari experience should be!
Scenes felt like taken from “Out of Africa”
A stop by the Olifant River. Cobus preparing sundowners for the safari guests..
Braai
( barbeque)
– the last evening
Breakfast – and time to leave the Parsons Hilltop. Enjoying the view for the last time.
That is – I hope to go back soon.
We loved this small camp, the classic tents, surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife. The meals were delicious and the Parsons team were so warm and welcoming.
Even though we did not see the Big5, it was a true wilderness and unforgettable authentic safari experience!
That is by far the best feedback we have ever received. Thank you so much Birgitte! I can only confirm how special South Africa and the bush is and how much we love what we do. I hope you will come back and bring many of your Norwegian followers with to share the beauty on the opposite side of the globe:-) All the best and stay connected! Mirjam
A pleasure Mirjam, glad you liked it. I really do understand your affection for South Africa and the bush, and that you felt in love with that lovely place of yours! I am a big fan myself! It must be wonderful to be able to own your own lodge and have that as you daily work, a dream come true! I will tell warmly about your place to all my friends and followers 🙂 We keep in touch! Birgitte