Situated in the Balule Nature Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, the rustic Parsons Hilltop is a charming and intimate tented safari camp which offers comfort and a stylish ambiance.
Balule is home to the Big Five, as well as many species of birdlife and an extraordinary abundance of smaller wildlife. Your guide, a highly qualified and experienced wildlife expert, will take you on safari drives in an open game vehicle. As the number of lodges in the reserve is restricted, you will be able to enjoy animal sightings privately, undisturbed by other spectators. Bush walks are also available on request.
The main guest areas consist of a cosy sitting area and a small bush library where guests can read and relax in between game drives. There is also a lounge deck with views over the bushveld and the Drakensberg mountains, and a plunge pool which is ideal for a refreshing dip.
Dining options include light lunches, high teas and al fresco dining under the stars or at the traditional 'boma' around the firepit. Guests can also enjoy a romantic dinner on their private viewing deck or at a setup in the middle of the bush.
The camp consists of just 4 secluded safari tents. The tents are well appointed and have a luxurious decor and en-suite bathrooms. Three of the 4 tents have a private viewing deck that looks out over the lit-by-night waterhole where animals often come to drink; the other tent offers stunning views of the valley.
Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.
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Rates Include
All meals; daily housekeeping; and one game drive per night stay are included.
3 Night Package: All meals; daily game drives; game walks; a full day excursion to Kruger National Park; and a laundry service are included.
5 Night Package: All meals; daily game drives; game walks; a full day excursion to Kruger National Park;a full day along the Panorama Route; a visit to a wildlife rehabilitation centre; and a journey through South Africa's nature miracles (like God's Window, Bourke's potholes, Lisbon waterfalls and the Three Rondavels).
PLEASE NOTE: Drinks are NOT included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R265 per person and a R110 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash or card at the entrance gate (subject to change).
Children Policy
Children aged 13 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 13 years of age can only be accommodated if the entire camp is booked.
Reload Map
Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp Location.
Directions For Drivers
From Hoedspruit: Take the R40 towards Phalaborwa. Pass Mica village and keep going, pass an Engen fuel station (Sameys) on your right. Turn right after approx 500 metres at the Balule Parsons Gate (sign is on the left, but the GATE is on right side of the road).
From Johannesburg: Take N12 or N4 Highway respectively to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg’s O.R.Tambo Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Go past eMalahleni and turn left at Belfast onto the R540. Drive through Dullstroom, Lydenburg and Orighstad towards Hoedspruit and follow the directions above.
From Polokwane: Follow the R71 from Polokwane to Tzaneen through to Gravelotte and continue on the R71 (do not turn to Phalaborwa at Gravelotte) but continue to the T-junction, turn left, continue for 700 metres, than turn right off the R40, where you see the Balule Parsons Gate (sign is on the left, the Gate is on the right side of the road).
From the Reserve Gate: For self-drive visitors, there is a R265 per person Conservation Fee and a R110 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change). Once in the reserve, follow the main road all the way for 30-40 minutes and you will find the Parsons Hilltop sign on your right.
Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances. PLEASE NOTE: The main entry gate closes at 19:30 in the evening.
General Information For Guests
The Cape Starling Luxury Tent offers a view over the waterhole, lit-by-night, and offers a private outdoor spa area, consisting of a heated plunge pool and outdoor rain shower. It offers a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower and double basin.
The Golden Oriole Luxury Tent offers a stunning view over the Drakensberg mountains as well as over the bushveld. The tent has a private viewing deck, a heated outdoor jacuzzi and sun beds. It offers a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower and double basin.
The Kingfisher Classic Tent is positioned in absolute privacy, has a private viewing deck offering magnificent views of the waterhole and mountains. It offers an en-suite bathroom and private sitting area.
The Guineafowl Classic Tent offers the best view on the waterhole where animals often come to drink. It has an en-suite bathroom fitted with a shower and a viewing deck.
The lodge has a main sitting area, a library, lounge deck, plunge pool and an outdoor firepit or boma.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in the main area.
Romantic dinners on your private viewing deck or at a setup in the middle of the bush can also be arranged.
Activities that are available include game drives, bush walks, birdwatching and stargazing. Your standard rate includes one game drive per day but additional drives/bush walks/birding walks/Kruger Park/Panorama trips and more (extra per person cost) can be booked directly with the camp.
Guests are required to remit payment of ZAR 300.00 per person which is for the guests own account and payable at the lodge for reserve entry fees.
Your final room account can be settled either by cash or electronic funds transfer, or the lodge will send you a payment link so you can settle by credit card.
A laundry service is available (additional cost, except for guests who have booked a package).
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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
