Modjadji is traditionally the matriarchal leader of the Lobedu dynasty and believed to have special powers to control the clouds – she could bring rain to her allies and drought to her enemies, and each November directed a rainmaking ceremony.

Since the 1600s there have been six Rain Queens, all of whom were expected to bear a girl child by a male relative to continue the matrilineal heritage.

There is currently no ruling queen as the last incumbent, Makhobo Modjadji VI, died at the age of 27 in 2005, leaving behind a five-month-old daughter, Masalanabo, who was too young to take her place. In the meantime, Makhobo’s brother, Mpapatla, is the designated regent.

Visitors to this lush area can experience something of the mystique of the Rain Queen at the nearby 300ha Modjadji Cycad Reserve, where a hillside contains the world’s largest concentration of a single cycad species, known as the Modjadji palm.

There are walking trails and accommodation available at Modjadji Camp, and visits to the royal kraal (homestead) can be arranged.