“Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge – A Journey Back in Time Amidst the Wild Splendor of Kruger National Park”

South Africa boasts some of the world’s most luxurious and nostalgic train journeys, but for a unique experience, Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge stands out as a star attraction. Located in Skukuza within Kruger National Park, this hotel is crafted from renovated train carriages that once traversed the Selati Railway Line in the 1920s. The venture, owned by the Motsamayi Tourism Group, aims to blend luxury accommodation with an intimate view of wildlife, including Africa’s “Big Five” — lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos.

CEO Jerry Mabena shares the inspiration behind the project, rooted in the early days of the park when steam trains were essential for tourists. The Selati line, which once hosted trains overnight on the same bridge where the hotel now stands, was retired in the 1970s. In 2016, the idea to restore the bridge emerged, and with the opportunity to acquire old carriages from Transnet, the Motsamayi Tourism Group embarked on a journey to recreate the bygone experience.

The interiors of the carriages have been tastefully renovated with a modern finish, incorporating a few Art Deco flourishes. The 24 modern suites with balconies and a pool overlooking the Sabie River provide guests with a front-row seat to the breathtaking natural surroundings. Guests who leave their curtains open can wake up to the dawn and witness the first signs of life through east-facing floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Sabie River serves as a focal point for wildlife activity, allowing guests to spend the day lounging on balconies or swimming in the pool while observing the local fauna. Mabena notes that having hippos grunting underneath the carriage adds a wild touch without fully immersing guests in the wilderness. Despite the allure of the luxury train experience, many visitors still choose to explore the bush on guided game drives.

The involvement of the local community is a key aspect of the venture, with staff, including senior guide Thuli Mnisi, recruited locally. Mnisi emphasizes the uniqueness of the experience and the breathtaking views that leave a lasting impression on first-time visitors.

While Kruger National Park permits self-driving safari experiences, Mnisi advocates for the added value of having a guide. Guides, she explains, possess knowledge about the animals’ whereabouts and effective communication with each other, enhancing the safari experience.

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to involve the local community, such as planting indigenous species on the grounds and maintaining a kitchen garden. The fine dining restaurant at Kruger Shalati serves local delicacies, including crocodile, venison, and springbok carpaccio, with a focus on utilizing produce from the on-site gardens.

Chef Vusi Mbatha emphasizes the philosophy of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary creations, echoing the belief that “Mother nature is the true artist.”

Despite development delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge opened its doors in December 2020 and has been welcoming guests for its fourth summer season. The rates for double and twin rooms aboard the train start at 9,950 Rand ($530) per person, per night for international guests, with discounts for longer stays. This inclusive pricing covers all meals, certain drinks, two game drives, and airport transfers.

For those seeking a different kind of train experience, Motsamayi Tourism Group also owns Kruger Station, home to the last train to operate in the park. Stranded after most tracks were removed in the 1970s, the South African Railway Class 24 steam locomotive now enjoys retirement alongside a restaurant and bar, serving as a testament to the resurgence of the culture of historical trains.

Mabena expresses optimism about the revival of the steam train culture, hinting at the possibility of a moving steam train in the future. Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge not only offers a luxurious stay but also takes guests on a nostalgic journey through time amidst the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park.