Kruger Shalati

In February 2023, during a longer trip through Kruger National Park, I had the opportunity to stay one night at Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge, a one-of-a-kind luxury lodge uniquely located on the historic Selati Bridge. The bridge, once part of a 1920s train route that brought early safari-goers into Kruger, is now home to a stationary train offering luxury suites suspended above the Sabie River.

The suites are beautifully transformed train carriages with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, opening up to views of the river where hippos, crocodiles, and countless birds create a living landscape. The combination of history, design, and wildlife makes it a truly unforgettable setting.

The welcome was incredibly warm, and the food — delicious and refined. That evening, we joined a guided sunset game drive which included a wild apéro setup with proper glasses, wines, snacks, and a table in the middle of the bush. I was honestly overwhelmed — in the best way. Coming from a background more rooted in volunteering and behind-the-scenes work, being treated as a guest in such a setting felt almost surreal.

The next morning, a sunrise drive with Amarula coffee added a cozy, luxurious start to the day. Kruger Shalati also features two pools — one in the main lodge area, and a spectacular one on the bridge itself, directly overlooking the Sabie River. The attention to detail and the sense of place was simply stunning. The main deck is a peaceful space to soak up the surroundings and learn more about the fascinating history of the train and the early safaris that passed over the same bridge.

That said, Kruger is becoming increasingly touristic, especially on the main tar roads, where sightings can quickly attract 10 or more cars — taking away from the wild, untouched feeling. For those who enjoy peace and solitude, I recommend exploring the dirt roads, where you’ll often have sightings all to yourself.

And if you’re looking for a more exclusive safari experience, consider nearby reserves in Greater Kruger like Sabi Sands, Manyeleti, Timbavati, or Balule Nature Reserve. They offer private game drives with fewer vehicles and a more intimate connection to wildlife.

Watch this stunning Kruger Shalati video

This short video — produced in partnership with Africam, an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation — captures the beauty and uniqueness of Kruger Shalati. Africam offers ad-free live streams, Junior Ranger courses, ranger shows, live alerts, and moving stories created together with NGOs.

👉 Watch the video here