Limpopo is a culturally rich area where history, ancient customs and rituals collide for a fascinating experience. We start off the tour at Baleni Camp where we visit the hot springs of Kamkhulu, which means the place of a king. The springs are wrapped in legend and mystery. The first tale we encounter reveals the springs are where Nzuzu resides, fabled white fire breathing, half mermaid and half reptilian creature. We don’t come across the mythical creature this time; instead we enjoy a therapeutic soak and are comforted by the feeling of mud seeping between our toes. Interestingly we also learn that there is a unique coded language to be used when you’re at the hot springs. For instance trees refers to umbrellas, sand and stones to nuts, clouds to blankets and branches to snakes. But that’s not where the mysticism ends. Our tour guide tells us that cows like to visit this place each day, but mysteriously leave at 4pm.

After our relaxing hot springs experience we leave for Soutini Village to visit the Salt Pans. Before we enter the Salt Pans we are required to leave an offering for the ancestor at the base of an ancient Leadwood tree. Once our respects have been paid we are welcomed into the sacred space where salt has been collected in a tradition spanning centuries. Many of the women here are from the surrounding villages and during winter they spend two weeks at the river collecting salt. During these 2 weeks they are accompanied other female salt collectors and their loyal hounds.

A traditionally clad elder woman walks us through the process of how salt is collected. She explains how the women look for salty sand and soil and how they subsequently turn this in to salt. Once the tour of the saltpan comes to an end visitors can buy the final product, which has received the endorsement of renowned celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and has been Slow Food Accredited.

Our next stop is the Shawela Village where the Mbhombhela group, a dance troupe consisting of 20 members, warmly welcomes us. This is followed by a traditional lunch of Majenje, pap, chakalaka, chicken and spinach. After lunch the dance troupe treats us to another dance, this time it is a performance of their Xibelani dance, which we encouraged to join. Their accompanying songs range from praise songs, to songs that chronicle daily life.

The fourth and final stop is the Makosha Village. At the village we meet Ma Chavalala who tells us about Mungoma, the healers that train others. She herself is one of the highest-ranking traditional healers and has been awarded many honours. The traditional healers, or Xingoma as they are known, are herbalists and fluent in the art of divination and ancient African healing techniques. Their guard of beads or their Nhunguvani, identifies a traditional healer that has completed their training and it is believed that their medicine passes through this guard, making it effective. The historian and cultural guide, Richard Mavunda has interpreted Ma Chavalala’s incredible knowledge of the ancient trade routes as well as the cultural history of the area.