Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Hotel · Ehlanzeni

Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Hotel · Ehlanzeni

4

Kruger National Park, Selati Bridge Precinct, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa

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Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by KYLE LEWIN
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge by null

Highlights

Perched above the Sabie River, the Kruger Shalati transforms a historic train into a luxe wildlife retreat, complete with breathtaking views and exceptional service.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Featured in Afar
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Kruger National Park, Selati Bridge Precinct, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa Get directions

krugershalati.com
@kruger_shalati

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Kruger National Park, Selati Bridge Precinct, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa Get directions

+27 13 591 6000
krugershalati.com
@kruger_shalati

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Last updated

Jul 17, 2025

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@afar

The 8 Most Unique Hotels Around the World - AFAR

"When Kruger National Park first officially welcomed visitors in the 1920s, its trains would pause overnight on Selat Bridge, which overlooks the flowing Sabie River. Now, Kruger Shalati (named for an African warrior queen) is stationed here permanently without moving, offering 31 locomotive-style, earth-toned accommodations. The rooms are glass-walled, revealing animals like elephants, leopards, and buffalo roaming in the distance. From Kruger Shalati, visitors can experience everything from game drives and South Africa–inspired cuisine to lolling in their clawfoot tubs after in-room facials or by the circular pool, suspended as if floating above the wildlife-filled terrain. From $1,200." - Nora Zelevansky

https://www.afar.com/magazine/most-unique-hotels-around-the-world
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@harpersbazaar

"A true feat of design, this unusual property is built into a train that sits atop a bridge in Kruger National Park. Described as a sanctuary from the world, it’s easy to see why: Jaw-dropping views, indulgent facilities, and exceptional dining are on offer for guests in the rooms of this boutique wonder. All the while, the Kruger Shalati's articulate design gives a comfortable nod to its industrial heritage. If you’re looking for something very new and very different, this is it."

The Best New Hotel Openings of 2021
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@afar

The 14 Best New Hotels of 2021 Are All Sustainable - AFAR

"The most innovative way to stay in South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers a rare look at the social history of the country’s famous wilderness. Kruger Shalati hovers 50 feet above the Sabie River on a retired train track that carried Kruger’s earliest visitors into the park about a century ago. Developed by Motsamayi Tourism Group, which describes itself as South Africa’s oldest Black-empowered tourism group, Kruger Shalati offers 31 guest rooms (some fashioned out of refurbished train carriages) where travelers can look down at waters filled with crocs, hippos, and elephants." - Jennifer Flowers

https://www.afar.com/magazine/2021-stay-list-sustainable-hotels
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@cntraveler

Black-Owned Hotels Throughout the World

"One of 2020's most innovative openings, the Kruger Shalati in Kruger National Park has transformed a historic train sitting on the Selati Bridge into a modern hotel."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/black-owned-hotels
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Nononaonao

Google
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this trip was too special not to share! We stayed a few nights on the train overlooking the river sleeping in the middle of the wild, hearing animals at night and the hippos jumping in the river was unique, and surprisingly very luxurious (four seasons standards).||The game drives were the best parts. Our guide Alvis was amazing, he knew so much and was looking for clues to find animals we had a great time with him ! We saw the Big Five within the first 14 hours of our arrival! ||Everything felt thoughtful the food was delicious, the staff were all expert in their fields, they were going above and beyond, the food was great and they took care of everything before we could think of it. Lastly for some reason the other guests were really lovely, we had some good time, the atmosphere was really nice... ||Enjoy it!

Steven Hayes

Google
My daughter and I spent 3 nights here in May. The staff was exceptional. The room clean and comfortable. Food was very good. What really made it for us was our guide, Lawrence. He was so knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. What a great guide who went out of his way to insure we enjoyed our time there. You will be fortunate to have him as your guide.

99judyl

Google
This place is so much more than the gimmick I thought it might be. The setting is obviously spectacular and the rooms on the train are just beautiful. Add into the mix truly excellent food, fantastic overall service and great game drives I would highly recommend a stay here. I was only there for one night and that definitely was not enough!

Philipp Buck

Google
A Truly Exceptional Safari Experience – Beyond Expectations! Our stay at this lodge was nothing short of perfection. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the incredibly friendly and attentive staff, making us feel at home in the heart of the wilderness. The game drives were an absolute highlight, thanks to our outstanding guide, Alvis, whose deep knowledge and sharp eye ensured we had some of the most spectacular wildlife encounters imaginable. Every drive was filled with unforgettable moments, making each outing a true adventure. The design of the lodge is stunning, seamlessly blending luxury with nature. Whether relaxing in the beautifully designed rooms or unwinding in the common areas, everything felt thoughtfully curated and inviting. The culinary experience was just as impressive. The food was consistently excellent, and the beverage selection was well above expectations, particularly the outstanding wine choices—far beyond what one would typically expect from an all-inclusive offering. A special mention goes to the pool area, which provided breathtaking views of hippos, elephants, and even crocodiles—a magical setting that made every moment feel surreal. In summary, our stay exceeded all expectations. The value for money was outstanding, and saying goodbye was truly difficult. We will cherish these memories and can only hope to return one day! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended!

Paradise824417

Google
Spent our tenth anniversary at Kruger Shalati and it was an unforgettable experience. The train rooms were gorgeous and well appointed. The only potential downside of the room was there was no privacy whatsoever between shower and bedroom which was only a problem if one wanted to sleep while the other was getting ready (or if you are travelling platonically). All staff were phenomenal, and our guide Nelly was truly great. I wish we had gotten to see more rhino and big cats, but we did get to see the "Big 5" so no complaints there. We typically eat dinner early and like to snack a bit later in the evening, but was told there was no way to add a la carte room service as all meals had to be taken in the bridge restaurant or room service so that was a tad disappointing but not a huge issue. The dining is quite elevated- read there aren't cheeseburgers or chicken tenders- so if you're a picky eater (I'm not) be prepared to expand your palate. My only real complaint is that we were very far down the train (car 23) which meant a looonng walk to the front and the pool area which limited our use of the pools which I really wanted to try. But alas someone has to be down there, we just drew the short straw. We did see elephants from our room one afternoon but were otherwise quite far from the river so did not see other animals from the room.

Taize Turner

Google
We stayed in a carriage suite and I was beyond blown away with this luxury safari experience. The food was phenomenal. The service was incredible. Simply put amazing. It was also my birthday and they made it super special! I would recommend this place to anyone.

Alex DiCaprio

Google
Our experience here was memorable. We are lucky enough to be able to visit Kruger fairly often, and Shalati quickly rose to the top locations that we have stayed. The staff was helpful, the food was wonderful, the rooms comfortable, and the game drivers were excellent. While an expensive investment, the food and drives make up for it quickly. Highly recommended ... especially for those having a once in a lifetime experience.

Jessica James

Google
The best hotel we have ever stayed in! Even though the hotel can be quite busy the staff make you feel like you are the only guests. The game drives were amazing, the food was delicious and the staff were phenomenal. I would recommend to anyone wanting to stay in Kruger!