Kruger National Park’s newest luxury overnight experience is not another tented camp — it’s a five-star train lodge called the Kruger Shalati “Train on the Bridge”.
Guests will be able to catch a glimpse of the Big Five from the comfort of restored train carriages with floor-to-ceiling windows, set high on the historic original Selati railway bridge in Skukuza overlooking the Sabi River.
The project, by Thebe Tourism Group, commemorates the spot where the park’s first warden, James Steven Hamilton first welcomed people to the KNP almost 100 years ago and will open to guests on 16 December.
“Offering 31 rooms, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms, all of which will provide a deeply visceral experience, tailored for immersive comfort,” according to the developers.
“Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, an enthralling break or to simply immerse yourself in earth’s finest creations, Kruger Shalati looks forward to welcoming you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most extraordinary way imaginable.”
The experience will include all meals and house beverages, as two game drives per day.
“This is an exciting addition to our portfolio of tourism products in the Kruger”, SANParks managing executive for Tourism Development and Marketing, Hapiloe Sello, told BusinessTech.
“As with all tourist product developments within the National Parks, the developers have followed the key Responsible Tourism principles and are touching the earth lightly by adhering to the National Environmental Management guidelines and policies on which their environmental authorisation was granted to proceed with the development.
“We are particularly excited about its uniqueness which will be a major attraction for domestic and international tourists alike.”