Luxury, whimsy, and the dream African safari, this is what Kruger Shalati embodies
There’s something deeply enchanting, fascinating and enduring about a trip to Africa, specifically one that you take to see the wildlife.
The gentle rustle of acacia trees, the distant call of a fish eagle, and a golden African sunset, toasted with a glass of wine, are all a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and all something that is synonymous with the typical safari.
Now imagine enjoying all of this from a stationary luxury train hotel suspended high above the steadily flowing Sabie River.
Ingeniously built in South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati isn’t just another high-end lodge.
It’s a pioneer in safari-style innovation. Kruger Shalati is a repurposed train perched on a historic bridge where passengers once disembarked for their bush escapades way back in the 1920s.
This luxury hotel gives guests opulence, a sense of nostalgia, and one heck of an unforgettable stay.
Kruger Shalati is setting a new standard for what a luxury safari should be, and for those who are looking for an almost unreal, out of this world safari experience, in this guide we’re going to have a closer look at why this train-hotel hybrid is one of Africa’s most exclusive and selective luxury safari experiences.
What Makes Kruger Shalati Unique Among Safari Lodges?
There are safari lodges aplenty in Africa, and many are beautiful and easily meet the luxurious expectations that most modern travellers have.
Kruger Shalati, while very much a luxury retreat, takes the entire concept of a safari lodge off the ground, both figuratively and quite literally. The hotel is situated up on the historic Selati Bridge, which has been built over the Sabie River.
This lodge doesn’t just face the wilderness, it’s in the thick of it.
There is no other lodge quite like it, not just in the Kruger, but on the rest of the African continent. For travellers who want utter exclusivity, this is undoubtedly the place to be, for everyday luxury travellers and those looking for a romantic safari alike.
The lodge is a “train with a view”. Each of the 24 luxurious carriage rooms sits atop the bridge, while there are also 7 bridge house rooms that rest on the land.
Each room has floor-to-ceiling glass walls which leave guests feeling as though they are right there, in the wild, especially as guests are often treated to sights of elephants meandering below and hippos wallowing within sight, while at night the river attracts the sort of nocturnal wildlife seen only during exclusive evening safaris.
The lodge is also a bit of an architectural marvel and so much more than just a gimmick.
The reimagined train is a respectful nod to 1920s rail travel, and the interior has a sleek contemporary design that has been tastefully intermingled with the old world safari train look. Despite this, every moment spent on board is designed to be purely indulgent.
What Amenities Does Kruger Shalati Offer?
Kruger Shalati may be uniquely placed, but it doesn’t skimp on comfort. Everything has been thoughtfully planned out and put together. When you climb aboard, you’ll see it’s not about excess, but elegance and ease.
These are the amenities you can expect from Kruger Shalati:
- Infinity Pool on a Bridge – The swimming pool is one of the highlights of a stay aboard the Kruger Shalati, and it has featured in many an Instagram influencer’s post. When in the pool, you’ll have some of the most spectacular views, and it is not all that uncommon to have a view of a herd of buffalo down below.
- On-site Spa – An indulgent lodge would not be complete without a spa. The Kruger Shalati spa is state-of-the-art and run by a professional team who treat guests to a range of services, all designed to help you relax and unwind.
- Boutique Dining – The lodge has delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and guests can indulge in familiar favourites as well as comfort foods. Every meal is freshly prepared by the lodge’s talented chefs.
- Guided Safari Drives – A stay in the Kruger, at one of the finest lodges, would be incomplete without the option of going on a game drive. Morning and evening game drives with trusted, certified guides who know how to make the experience truly special are available.
- Art and Culture – The hotel regularly features local artists and makers, creating a culturally rich environment without feeling staged.
Each room is fitted with premium linen, comfortable air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi (a treat that is rather rare this deep in the bush), and even a mini-bar. But it’s the view that you will probably be most entranced by. Being able to enjoy a safari right from the comfort of your bedroom is something every traveller can appreciate.
How Does Staying at Kruger Shalati Enhance the Safari Experience?
A stay at Kruger Shalati is not just about where you sleep; it is something that can completely change how you experience the bush.
You’re not just visiting wildlife; you’re living among it, safely and stylishly.
Rather than being tucked away in the bush or staying somewhere outside of the park, Kruger Shalati puts you safely into the daily theatre of animal life.
Elephants bathe below your room. Baboons might cross the bridge in the early morning mist. And at night, you’ll hear the snorts, rustles, and grumbles of the wild, all from your luxury linen cocoon.
One might even imagine that a stay here is like having a 24/7 safari. In the bush, the action never really stops and being close to one of the area’s most frequented water sources only amplifies the wildlife viewing you get to do.
What Is the History Behind the Kruger Shalati Train Hotel?
The Kruger National Park is all about honouring the past and preserving the unique heritage of this part of the world.
Back in the 1920s, those very first visitors to the Kruger National Park arrived by train and stayed in carriages parked overnight on the Selati Bridge.
These early safari-goers were pioneers, and Kruger Shalati is a homage to their adventurous spirit.
The site was eventually abandoned, and the railway fell into disuse, for many reasons but the most obvious being that having a train go through the park was simply too destructive to the wildlife. Decades later, a selective group of designers, architects, and historians brought the vision of having a lodge over the river to life.
What you see today is a mix of old and new, from polished steel railings to vintage leather luggage trunks serving as coffee tables. It’s storytelling without words, and to stay at this lodge is to become a part of a new legacy.
How Much is Kruger Shalati Per Night?
There is no denying that Kruger Shalati is a luxury property, and its rates reflect that.
But when you factor in the location, service, style, and exclusivity, it becomes more justifiable, especially if you are just the sort of safari traveller who wants to have only the most luxurious African adventure.
Prices typically range from between ZAR 7 900 to ZAR 19 000 per person per night, depending on the room category and season you intend to travel. For more accurate pricing, it is best to enquire.
South Africa’s winter months, around May to September, are peak safari season, and prices in general are more due to high demand.
These rates would typically include:
- Accommodation
- All meals and selected beverages
- Two game drives per day
- Transfers from Skukuza Airport
Children under 12 are allowed in the Bridge House rooms, but there are understandably age restrictions for the train carriage rooms due to safety concerns (the bridge is quite high above the river).
Special rates are sometimes available during off-peak periods.
How Do You Get to Kruger Shalati?
The easiest route is to fly into Skukuza Airport, which is located close by, within the Kruger National Park. From there, it’s just a short 5-minute transfer to the lodge, and it should be included in your booking.
Alternative options include:
- Flying into Nelspruit (KMIA) and driving or getting a transfer into the park. The drive is usually between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- Or, if you’re coming from another part of Southern Africa by road, like Mozambique or one of the surrounding private parks, you can enter through the Malelane Gate or Paul Kruger Gate, and then continue to Skukuza Rest Camp.
Private transfers, helicopter charters, and road shuttles are also available for travellers wanting that little bit of extra ease.
Who Owns Kruger Shalati?
Kruger Shalati is operated under the Motsamayi Tourism Group, one of South Africa’s trusted heritage hospitality brands. They’re committed to inclusive development and work with local communities, preserving cultural and environmental assets.
It’s not just lip service, local artisans were involved in every stage of the lodge’s design, from the woodwork to the textile design. The result is a space that feels rooted and respectful of its surroundings.
What Is the Star Rating of Kruger Shalati?
Officially, Kruger Shalati is a 5-star property, and honestly, that feels like an understatement. From the moment you arrive, everything is planned and polished to perfection.
The staff-to-guest ratio is high, and nothing feels generic about this experience. It’s curated, thoughtful, and deeply authentic.
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Have We Enticed You to a Stay at Kruger Shalati? Here’s What to Do Next.
Planning a safari can be daunting. You want safety, comfort, ease, but you also don’t want to miss out on a thing.
Kruger Shalati ticks every box.
It’s unique. It’s personal. It’s steeped in history, and it’s packed with all the creature comforts you could hope for.
With just a handful of rooms and growing popularity, Kruger Shalati books out months in advance.
Make your luxury safari dreams a reality.
Book your Kruger Shalati stay today through a trusted travel consultant or directly via their official website.
