The highlights of Baleni Camp, aside from the peace and isolation of the rondavels hidden in hectares of mopani, are watching local women harvest and process salt from the Klein Letaba River, and learning how to respectfully approach the local sacred spring, Ka Mkhulu, said to wash bad luck away. Make sure you bring some Baleni salt home with you, either to cook with – it’s being used by renowned chefs around the world – or for healing or protective purposes. 

Guests are housed in five traditional rondavels, each with three-quarter beds and en-suite toilet, hand basin and shower. Rondavels, colourfully painted with playing-card designs introduced years ago by missionaries, are scattered throughout a grove of Mopani trees.

A visit to the Mhombela Cultural Group near the camp offers a traditional meal, traditional dancing and an array of crafts made by the local women. After sampling local traditional food, offered in generous portions, you'll move outside to sit under an old tree for traditional dancing – participatory in the end. The locals will sell you lovely mementoes - traditional beaded clothing, bags for your salt and brightly beaded bracelets.