There’s luxury tourism and then there’s this, a blend of safari and a five-star experience on the site of one of Africa’s biggest game reserves, the Kruger National Park in South Africa: Kruger Shalati: Train on a Bridge.
Kruger Shalati: Train of a Bridge is a novel boutique hotel idea that pays homage to the past and local art, but offers the most luxurious, modern-era experience. At the same time, it will one-up the entire concept of safari rides, by offering immersive experiences to guests.
This is possible thanks a stretch of abandoned railway, the old Selati railway bridge that used to bring tourists at Skukuza Camp back in the ‘20s. The 1920s, that is. On that same stretch of the railway of about 300 meters (984 feet), a fully-restored, period-accurate, converted train will be used to offer accommodation to 48 guests, with an additional 14 sleeping in the adjacent Kruger Shalati House on the ground.
The unlikely idea and especially the unlikely setting of this boutique hotel came from the original use of the bridge. Back in the day, because there was no accommodation on land, the train would park on the railway for the duration of the night, so travelers could get a proper night’s rest before continuing their journey on the next day.
Thebe Tourism Group is handling development on the project, which was initially targeted for a December 2019 opening. The 2020 international health crisis and subsequent lockdowns prompted a temporary halt in construction. As of the time of writing, management is hoping a late (September, possibly) 2020 opening is still feasible.
Photo: Kruger Shalati
“The Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge takes people back to a long-lost time and makes them feel part of the history of the Park,” Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Tourism Group, says. “It gives a truly memorable glimpse into those early days of the Kruger where the untamed African spirit reigned supreme. We are looking forward to taking our guests on an equally exciting journey that is not available anywhere else in the world.”
The train hotel will be parked permanently on the bridge across the Sabie River, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area, which includes the crocodile-infested waters below. Guests will be offered 24 rooms on the train, with each consisting of an actual train carriage (with ensuites), and seven more on land, in an adjoining building.
A bespoke terrace and an overhanging pool with a glass bottom will offer guests the unparalleled experience of dining al fresco with the most stunning sights and of swimming above the same crocodile-infested river. All rooms will have floor-to-ceiling glass walls, so guests will be able to duly enjoy being stationed at the border of the country’s first national park.
Photo: Kruger Shalati
The bridge has been fully assessed and deemed structurally safe to support the construction.
Luxury amenities will include fine dining and the possibility to head out to the park on safaris by truck. Other five-star, Afrocentric experiences are being prepared, but have not been disclosed yet.
All rooms on the train are being decorated with local art, in a style that is meant as a nod to the bygone era when the train was still in use. Restoration of the carriages is taking place in Johannesburg, so as to cause minimal disruption on site.
In fact, the entire project is being developed in adherence to the principles of Responsible Tourism, with as little disruption to wildlife or flora. And there is plenty of fauna, in case you were wondering: the Kruger National Park is home to “the big five” (meaning, elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos) and to some 147 mammal species, more than any other African park. So, when you’re not swimming with crocodiles (well, almost!), you get a glimpse into African wildlife from a vantage point like no other.
The surprising “building,” the fact that the train is parked high on a bridge above a river, and the fact that the experience is as immersive as it could be into African wildlife, all work to make the Kruger Shalati into the most surprising luxury hotel and a one-of-a-kind experience.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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