A basic, “no-frills” satellite camp, Balule rest camp forms an addendum to the Olifants River - a rugged camping destination, offering a hands-on experience of the park, its vegetation, and its wildlife. Named for the Tsonga word for elephant, the camp incorporates fifteen tent or caravan sites with no power points, communal toilet areas and kitchens, as well as six rustic three-bedroom huts with their own communal ablution area and basic ventilation (no windows). In total, Balule has the capacity to host ninety people.

Self catering camping experiences such as this one can be quite attractive to backpackers or caravan communities, typically in search of a more independent, unique experience of the bush, separate from big tour groups and luxury accommodation which they might find irrelevant.

The camp itself supplies basic amenities and facilities, with no electricity available for appliances etc. Guests are encouraged to bring their own torch for walking around at night. Guests are urged to keep in mind that the camp site has no reception area of its own, rather choosing to admit guests and manage admissions from the Satara desk - guests are required to coordinate check-ins via either Satara or Olifants camps. The camp is available should guests make arrangements for game drives or guided walks via Olifants camp, while, for groups of ten people or more, Satara camp offers further activities in the area of the camp itself and the area around it are home to impressive collections of hippopotami, lions and elephant. Guests are reminded that children younger than six will not be permitted on game drives, while children younger than twelve are restricted from game walks.