Kruger Shalati the Train on the Bridge

Location:

Kruger Shalati the Train on the Bridge, sits on the historic Selati Skukuza Bridge, overlooking the Sabie River within  Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park.

Sunset from the walkway looking towards Skukuza camp.

About Kruger Shalati the Train on the Bridge 

Kruger Shalati the Train on the Bridge is one of the most anticipated and exciting new offerings to the iconic Kruger National Park.

A perfect combination of Africa’s most breath-taking natural splendours with well-deserved luxuries aboard newly refurbished 1950s train carriages.

The view from the pool and bar area looking down to the Sabie River

The train coaches are permanently stationed on the historic Selati Bridge above the Sabie River. Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge offers the most unique luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train that will pay homage to guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago, while welcoming new adventurers from near and far.

High above the riverbanks, aligned with the floor level of the train, lies the beautifully designed deck with pool that offers a swimming experience unlike any other – with crocodiles, hippos, buffalos and elephants to greet guests’ meters below... 

The swimming pool faces east and looks onto the day visitor's area

The pool and bar area as seen from the parking area and day visitor's area.

...plus an indoor carriage seating area and a bar!

Bar seating area

Kruger Shalati bar on the bridge!

Outside walkways run along the bridge, connecting The Train on the Bridge to the Bridge House, which houses a Curio Shop, large wooden deck with two swimming pools, a relaxed outdoor seating area, the restaurant, bar and indoor seating area next to reception.

The Bridge house reception and lounge

The Bridge curio shop

The Bridge house swimming pools

The Bridge swimming pools at sunset

At night the bridge is illuminated with subtle lighting so that guests can find their way to and from from the Bridge dining area to the coaches.

Waiting for the last two coaches.

Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge at night

Food and Drink

The Train on the Bridge guests’ meals are served at The Bridge House restaurant, which serves seasonal menu items.

The Bridge house dining-room

Guests have a choice of either eating indoors or sitting outside on a spacious wooden deck overlooking a tree lined garden and the Sabie River.

The Bridge house sunken lounge

The Bridge house outdoor dining area

There is also a lovely bar and wine cellar...

The Bridge house bar

The Bridge house wine cellar

Guests staying at Skukuza may enjoy meals at the Kruger Station, which houses two bars on either end of the station, a takeaway area and a small coffee bar with curio shop.

Kruger Station walkway leading to the bridge with the second bar and train in the background

Kruger Station Round in Nine bar

Breakfast at Kruger Station with the bar at the back.

Breakfast at Kruger Station

Kruger Station shop and takeaway

The train at Kruger Station

Should you wish to get the Kruger eBook, click on the above book cover, then click 'Add to Cart' where you'll see a button called 'Add Promo Code'. Click on it then add the word K2K and the 33% discount will be automatically applied. This code is valid until the end of the month, so don't delay!

"This is an indispensable guide to getting the best out of Kruger, camera in hand or not!” - Caroline Webb, Associate Editor, Getaway Magazine, South Africa

Accommodation

Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge offers 31 rooms, consisting of 24 Carriage rooms on the bridge and 7 Bridge House rooms at the Bridge House main building.

(The old Waterkant guest houses are being renovated and will house the seven Bridge House rooms - one honeymoon suite and six family rooms).

Shalati train on the bridge bedroom with a view

The glass-walled, large train carriage rooms allow for infinite views along the length of the majestic Sabie River while the style of the train is a celebration of African design in collaboration with local art and crafting skills. 

Shalati train on the bridge bathroom with bedroom in the back

Shalati train on the bridge wash basins

Each carriage is equipped with a fully stocked mini bar, tea and coffee station with snacks, a small seating area; glass doors open out onto a small Juliet balcony that overlooks the river and surrounding bush.

Shalati train on the bridge bar fridge and coffee station

Shalati train on the bridge Juliet balcony

Imagine lying in the bath of your en-suite bathroom with a glass of wine and looking down at the river while animals frolic in the water below...!

Shalati train on the bridge - bath with a view

bath gown

Shalati train on the bridge view from the first coach

The old Selati train trolleys have been kept for nostalgic purposes - or maybe to transport guests and/or their luggage to give them that nostalgic experience!

Shalati train on the bridge train trolley

Shalati train on the bridge train trolley

Shalati train on the bridge train trolley

Activities

They also include two game drives daily in open Land Rovers where you could be introduced to some of the big-five animals.

Leopard - the most elusive of the big five animals!

Some History on the Selati Railway

The Selati Railway, which connected Komatipoort with Tzaneen during the Transvaal gold rush, was taken over by the South African Railways (SAR) in 1923 with a “Round in Nine” tour to the Lowveld and what was then Lourenço Marques (now Maputo).

The old Round in Nine tour on the Selati bridge. Image source: Publicity Dept. South African Railways

This trip had an overnight stop at Sabie Bridge so the chief warden of the reserve, James Stevenson-Hamilton, had the idea that an excursion in nature would enhance the attraction of the tour and so passengers alighted for game viewing while the train took on water.

Selati bridge at sunrise before the arrival of the Shalati train on the bridge. Captured from the Cattle Baron deck.

Selati bridge looking north

Selati bridge at sunset - captured from the Sabie River low-level bridge

The Selati Railway line was disbanded in 1973 when it was realised that it caused disturbance to the plant and animal life in the Kruger National Park, and a new route was built that bypasses the reserve and follows the western border of the park instead of entering into the park..

This history is part of the charm of the recently-opened Kruger Station and Kruger Shalati: the Train on the Bridge!

For more information or to book your stay please visit the Kruger Shalati website.

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