Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge Hotel recreates century-old experience
The fixed-train hotel is stationed on a disused railway bridge high above the Sabie River. Get ready to be blown away, it will open for business in December 2019.
A new project is underway at The Kruger Shalati – the Train on the Bridge Hotel – and it will take your breath away. The hotel is scheduled to open in December 2019 with the official launch set for the first quarter of 2020.
As the name indicates, the hotel will be a renovated train stationed on the original Selati railway bridge at the Skukhuza Camp. The project harks back to the park’s first warden who hosted guests on the bridge a 100 years ago.
James Steven-Hamilton would serve dinner to a group of guests under the stars while wardens kept the predators at bay. At night, the guests would return to the train on the bridge. The historic tradition was the inspiration for the new project.
The Shalati Hotel will consist of 24 en-suite carriage rooms in the train with seven Bridge House rooms on land. Based on the artist’s impressions of the hotel, the views are simply to die for.
The Bridge House rooms will be situated in the blockhouse next to the bridge. It will boast an innovative pool deck, suspended above the Sabie River.
Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Tourism Group, explains:
“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. It gives a truly memorable glimpse into those early days of the Kruger where the untamed African spirit reigned supreme.”
Mabena added the group is looking forward to taking guests on an “equally exciting journey that is not available anywhere else in the world.”
Construction of the hotel is still underway but guests can make bookings at the Design Indaba, and can look forward to an unparalleled fine dining and leisurely experience; a true bushveld experience.
Mabena also confirmed that his team is working with SANParks to ensure minimal disruption to the historic site. Environmental concerns are taken into account; the wildlife and plant-life won’t be disturbed.
The carriages are being restored in Johannesburg and will only be moved to the bridge once it’s complete in order to minimise disruption to the natural environment.
