Tourism & Travel

Exploring Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge

BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

Since the start of 2020, tourism and travel across Africa has taken a huge knock, due to travel restrictions and the implementation of lockdown. South Africa witnessed a drop in tourist visits of 71% - from just over 15.8 million in 2019 to less than 5 million in 2020 (reported by Statistics South Africa).

Despite these sobering statistics, amid the work being done to remedy the Tourism sector back to good health, one of Africa’s biggest game reserves, the Kruger National Park, has pulled off a rather fanciful concept: building a hotel on a deserted railway.

KRUGER SHALATI LUXURY TRAIN HOTEL

The launch of the Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge - has been one of the most anticipated and inspiring new projects of the celebrated Kruger National Park, in northeastern South Africa. With gorgeous views of our wildlife and fauna, along with historical and archaeological sights, combined with newly revamped and restored train carriages, the luxury hotel pays homage to the bygone era, suspended above the Sabie River.

This project pays tribute to Africa’s excellence, as it solidifies the continent’s fond investment in its cultural heritage and future tourist offerings.

Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Tourism Group, believes that “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. We are looking forward to taking our guests on an equally exciting journey that is not available anywhere else in the world”, commented Mabena.

Spearheading the #SAwilltravelagain Movement

The announcement of this exciting project first came in 2019, with social media creating a buzz about how the ‘train in the air’ could be just the boost that the Tourism industry needed. Opening its doors in December 2020, the permanently stationed Shalati Train has received multiple visits from local travel enthusiasts and international visitors alike.

Just recently, the prestigious Travel + Leisure It List for 2021 was released, featuring the Luxury Train Hotel atop the Bridge as one of their top selections in the ‘Best New Hotels in the World’ category. The train hotel has been recognised as the only South African property on the list - a massive accolade to receive less than a year after its official launch.

Also along for the ride, celebrity chef Andrew Atkinson, was appointed as the Group Executive Chef at the Kruger Shalati. Atkinson is the former Director of the South African Chefs Association, and is an esteemed Academy of Chefs member. Chef Atkinson is a former captain of the South African Olympic Culinary team and a World Academy of Chef Society accredited judge.

“With Chef Atkinson on board, we know we’re going to be able to offer unique and fantastic food options for all our visitors – something which has been extremely important to us right from the start when we started dreaming about what these products will look and operate like”, Judiet Barnes, Kruger Shalati Concession General Manager, stated upon the news of his appointment.

MAGIC IN THE AIR

The hotel is located on the Selati Bridge above the Sabie River, which forms part of the Komati River System. The unique hotel design offers safari enthusiasts a novel way of experiencing the reserve’s wildlife offerings. The refurbished train itself honours the 1920s, when the very park visitors came to explore the landscape.

A truly nostalgic endeavor, the Kruger Shalati provides the most unique luxury accommodation, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms, with glass walls and African-inspired interior designs - including local artwork and craft work. The immersive experience offers both comfort and adventure.

Positioned up above the riverbanks, and aligned with the floor level of the train, the hotel’s pool deck is one-ofa-kind, with hippos, elephants and even crocodiles roaming around just a few meters below guests. The holistic experience exquisitely harnesses human curiosity, wildlife and cultural nuances, making for a world-class experience unlike any other.

TOP REASONS TO VISIT

1. A novel experience with unparalleled views

2. It is home to a unique walkway across the bridge

3. Provides an optimal location for bird watchers

4. With strict Covid-19 restrictions, the hotel is a social distance paradise

5. The pool location offers amazing animal sightings and gorgeous sunsets