Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / South Africa / Skukuza / Kruger Shalati - The Train on The Bridge
Kruger Shalati - The Train on The Bridge
Skukuza, South Africa · Independent · Grand Luxury
A restored train sits permanently on the 1912 Selati railway bridge over the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, the same span where James Stevenson-Hamilton, the park's first warden, put 1920s visitors up in carriages. Trains last crossed in 1973; Motsamayi Tourism Group reopened the bridge as a hotel on 14 December 2020, with 24 glass-walled carriage suites, an overhanging pool, and seven Bridge House rooms added in 2022. Named for Chief Shalati. MICHELIN Two Keys.
- 31 rooms
- Opened 2020
About Kruger Shalati - The Train on The Bridge
- A restored train permanently stationed on the Selati railway bridge over the Sabie River; trains crossed that span from 1912 until 1973.
- In the 1920s, Kruger's first warden, James Stevenson-Hamilton, welcomed overnight visitors in train carriages on this exact spot.
- Opened 14 December 2020 after Motsamayi (Thebe) Tourism Group restored decommissioned Transnet carriages into 24 suites.
- Named for Chief Shalati, a historic leader connected to the Sabie River area.
- Seven Bridge House rooms joined the carriage suites in 2022, plus an overhanging pool over the river.
History
Kruger Shalati - The Train on The Bridge is a luxury hotel set inside a restored, permanently stationed train on the historic Selati railway bridge over the Sabie River at Skukuza, in South Africa's Kruger National Park. The bridge is part of the Selati Line, which opened for rail traffic and was officially inaugurated in 1912; trains ran across it until 1973, after which the bridge stood empty for decades. In the 1920s, the earliest visitors to the park would stay overnight in train carriages on this very spot, welcomed by the park's first warden, James Stevenson-Hamilton.
After a concession bid won in 2017 and an agreement signed in 2019, the Motsamayi (Thebe) Tourism Group restored decommissioned Transnet carriages and reopened the site as a hotel, welcoming its first guests on 14 December 2020 amid the pandemic. Phase one comprises 24 carriage suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and an overhanging pool, joined in 2022 by seven Bridge House rooms. The name honours Chief Shalati, a historic leader near the Sabie River.
Experiences
- African-inspired dining — African-inspired fare served with an authentic African atmosphere and views of the Sabie River.
- Rail safari sleeping in a train on the Selati Bridge — Sleeping in a train on the historic Selati Bridge over the Sabie River, in the Kruger National Park.
- Game drives with rangers — Game drives led by passionate, professional rangers who share knowledge of the wildlife and surroundings in the Kruger National Park.
- Viewing deck and overhanging pool — A viewing deck with a pool overhanging the Sabie River, combining wildlife spotting and relaxation.
Amenities
- Pool
Awards
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
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