Question 1

What is the best time of year to visit South Africa?

Accepted Answer

South Africa is a year-round destination, with plenty of sunshine and generally pleasant weather. Summer temperatures typically range from 18–35°C, while winter temperatures range from 12–22°C.For wildlife viewing, the dry season (June–October) is often ideal. With less vegetation and animals gathering around water sources, wildlife can be easier to spot.The summer months (November–May) offer a completely different experience, with lush green landscapes, abundant birdlife, and new-born animals.Thanks to the exceptional wildlife in the Greater Kruger Park, game viewing can be rewarding throughout the year. The best time to visit ultimately depends on whether you prefer wildlife visibility, birding, or the vibrant colours of the green season.

Question 2

Is Parsons Hilltop Safari Camps located inside Kruger National Park?

Accepted Answer

Parsons Hilltop Safari Camps is situated in the Greater Kruger Park, in Balule Game Reserve. Balule is openly connected to Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to move freely between the areas.Guests can enter Kruger National Park through either Phalaborwa Gate or Orpen Gate. Day trips to Kruger National Park can also be booked through Parsons Hilltop Safari Camps.

Question 3

What is included in my stay?

Accepted Answer

Your stay includes:The accommodation of your choice (luxury or classic tent)Welcome drink upon arrivalAll meals (breakfast, light lunch and dinner)Complimentary coffee/ tea station/ fresh biscuitsTwo daily guided safari experiences in open vehicleGame drive snacks during your morning and
afternoon safarisFree Wi-Fi in the main areas
Your bar bill, extra activities or massages are excluded and payable at check-out.  Conservation levies & car fee: 300 ZAR per car/400 ZAR for minibusand 400 ZAR per person, once off. Payable at the Parsons Nature Reserve gate on arrival, in CASH or card or we can add this to your invoice at check-out.These rates increase every 01-09.Free Wi-Fi in the main areas

Question 4

Are drinks included in the rate?

Accepted Answer

We offer an honesty bar for a selection of beverages, which complements the intimate and personal atmosphere of our camp.Drinking water is available in all tents and lodges, so you can stay refreshed throughout your stay. Bottled water is also available as part of our honesty bar selection.We also offer a carefully curated wine list featuring a selection of beautiful South African wines across different price ranges.

Question 5

What are the conservation levies?

Accepted Answer

The conservation levy is ZAR 400 per person, plus an additional ZAR 300 vehicle fee (400 ZAR for minibus). These charges will be added to your final bill at check-out.

Question 6

Do you accept children?

Accepted Answer

We welcome children over the age of 9 or all ages when the camp is booked for Private Use.
Parsons River camp and Parsons House accept all ages because they are bookable for private exclusive use only.

Question 7

Is self-driving allowed on the reserve?

Accepted Answer

Parsons Hilltop is member of the Balule Game Reserve and part of the Greater Kruger National Park, which has an acclaimed Protected Area Status. As such we comply with the rules of the Greater Kruger Park and these rules do not allow self drive and/ or off road driving. Parsons Hilltop has various designated game drive routes where our ranger will take you on safaris. Having not many lodges around us, the game drives are personal, quiet and mostly with not more than 4-6 guests maximum. We do not need to line up with other vehicles before we can get closer to a sighting. In most of the cases we will be enjoying these by ourselves in privacy.. See for more information Parsons Nature Reserve.

Question 8

Do you offer honeymoon or romantic packages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a Romantic Bush Package. Whether you are celebrating your honeymoon, anniversary, or simply looking for a special escape, this package offers the perfect balance of adventure and intimacy.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.parsonshilltop.com/romantic-bush-package-2026

Question 9

Is Wi-Fi available at the lodge?

Accepted Answer

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge. Please note that Wi-Fi is not available in the tents. At River Camp and Parsons House, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Question 10

What time is check-in?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is from 13:00. To enjoy lunch at the camp, we kindly ask guests to arrive at the gate by 13:30 at the latest. Guests arriving by 15:00 can still join the afternoon game drive, although arrival by 15:00 is required to guarantee participation.If you arrive after 13:30 at the gate, you will miss the light welcome lunch.If you expect to arrive after 13:30 and would like a packed lunch, please let us know in advance so we can prepare this for you. Packed lunches are available on request.

Question 11

What time is check-out?

Accepted Answer

Check-out is at 11:00.Late check-out is not available due to the camp's busy schedule.If you would like to stay at the lodge a little longer, you are welcome to enjoy a coffee or drink on the viewing deck.

Question 12

What happens if I arrive late at the camp?

Accepted Answer

If you arrive at the camp after 15:00 (or after 14:30 at the gate), your arrival-day game drive is not guaranteed.Upon arrival, you need to drive to camp, check in, be welcomed to your accommodation and complete the compulsory indemnity formalities.Arrival times cannot be adjusted for individual guests once the game drive has departed. The game-drive vehicle cannot return to camp to collect late-arriving guests, out of respect for the other guests.

Question 13

Is the camp safe at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Due to the unfenced nature of the camp, guests are escorted after dark for their comfort and safety. Our team is always available via WhatsApp at +27 61 548 6483.

Below you'll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about staying with us at our authentic safari camp. If your answer is not here please contact us through our chat of via the contactpage.

Frequently Asked Questions