Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge - 5 Star safari accommodation
Situated as a gateway to the Kruger National Park, adjacent to the Skukuza Camp, Kruger Shalati offers an express entryway to freedom, relaxation and meaningful connection. Our guests have convenient access to everything the park has to offer and a diverse range of other major attractions in the area.
At Shalati, you’ll enjoy first-of-its-kind luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train stationed on the historically-rich Selati Bridge above the Sabie River in the Kruger National Park.
A unique experience in the Kruger Park
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Offering 31 rooms, consisting of 24 Train Carriage Suites and 7 Bridge House Suites, all of which will provide a deeply visceral experience, tailored for immersive comfort. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, an enthralling break or to simply unwind while surrounded by earth’s finest creations, Kruger Shalati looks forward to welcoming you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most extraordinary way imaginable.
One of its winning charms is the popular waterhole right below the dining deck, much loved by elephant. Between game drives, you could enjoy a game-viewing experience of note just sitting on the deck as wildlife comes and goes from the water.
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Unique, thought-provoking design is core to our offering, but the holistic experience is centred around our humanity, our cultural nuances, the people who crafted each element and, ultimately, the kindness with which we receive our guests.
Kruger Shalati offers two types of accommodation: 24 Carriage Suites located on the Train on the Bridge and 7 Bridge House Suites located adjacent to the bridge in a picturesque garden setting with the train’s gentle glow as your backdrop. All of our rooms provide immersive comfort from the most unique location in the Kruger National Park: the historic bridge, where the very first visitors to the Park had a pioneering stay within the carriages, following a night of feasting, performance and tales from times long-gone. Kruger Shalati offers opulent accommodation with an elevated perspective – a reminder of the 1920’s rail safari, with a contemporary interpretation reflective of the marvel of African design.
The arrival lounge, reception and dining areas, along with two of our three swimming pools, are found adjacent to the Selati Bridge, overlooking the majestic Sabie River. The river flows all year-round, drawing animals and birds that come to quench their thirst on a daily basis.
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Whether you opt for a Bridge House Suite or one of our first-of-its kind Carriage Suites on the Train on the Bridge, your experience as our valued guest is our utmost priority. We look forward to making your stay Insta worthy.
The large, glass-walled train suites 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.
High above the riverbanks, aligned with the floor level of the train, lies our bespoke pool and deck, offering a swimming vista unlike any other – with crocodile, hippos, buffaloes and elephants greeting guests metres below!
We believe in holistic health, so treatments can be tailormade according to your needs. Feel free to mix and match. We have created a special menu with powerful ingredients to heal, restore and rejuvenate. Embark on a spa journey with us towards peace and serenity, right in the heart of the bush.
The train is named after Shalati, an African warrior queen.
Tented Pool Suites
The origins of Shalati’s rule go back to the nineteenth century. According to oral tradition, she was one of the first female warrior chiefs of the Tebula, a small clan within the Tsonga tribe that lived in the bush around the Murchison Range in what is now the Limpopo Province.
This warrior hosikati (queen) was no ordinary woman. While most queens wanted a brave king to come and save them, she would pick up a war axe when she needed to save her clan.
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
In order to fully appreciate the history of the Selati Railway Line and the point where it crossed the Sabie River (originally spelt Sabi), called Sabi Bridge, and the subsequent establishment of the Park headquarters as well as the rest camp, later to be named Skukuza, one has to delve into the development history of this area of South Africa and the political landscape thereof during the nineteenth (1800’s) and early twentieth century.
The Train on the Bridge - An interesting history.
The trains ran through the Kruger National park on the Selati Line until 1973, whereupon the new line running alongside the park was opened. The Selati Bridge has stood empty as an icon ever since ... until 2020 when Kruger Shalati reignited the experiencing of sleeping in a train on this bridge filled with a wealth of history.
This is a low risk Malaria area, especially in the winter months
Allow our knowledge & experience to work for you!
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