"This Luxury Attraction: A Train to Nowhere in Transformation"

This Train Goes Nowhere, Now a Luxury Attraction Home to some of the world's most luxurious and nostalgic train travels, South Africa features a unique star attraction: a train that goes nowhere. However, for select enthusiasts, this becomes the main charm. South Africa is renowned worldwide for its numerous luxurious and nostalgic train journeys. Still, some enthusiasts are particularly captivated by a stationary train: the nation's star attraction. The Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge is a hotel situated in Skukuza within the Kruger National Park. As one of the largest game reserves in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this establishment comprises a set of refurbished train carriages converted into 24 contemporary suites with balconies overlooking the Sabie river. This unique fusion of luxury accommodation and wildlife exposure includes sightings of Africa's 'Big Five': lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. The hotel's Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Mabena of Motsamayi Tourism Group, explains that the enterprise dates back to the Park's early days, noting the steam trains slicing through Kruger along the Selati railway track in the 1920s. These trains were crucial for tourists visiting Kruger, even parking overnight on the bridge now housing the hotel. A new railway line constructed along Kruger's border forced the Selati track and bridge into retirement during the 1970s. However, a concept surfaced in 2016 to restore the bridge to its former splendour. According to Mabena, the goal was to replicate the experience somewhat. When the opportunity to purchase decommissioned train cars from Transnet, South Africa's railway logistics operator, arose, the idea was appealing. The carriages' internal spaces now feature a modern finish, with Mabena adding some Art Deco elements, aimed at non-colonial aesthetics. The luxurious Kruger Shalati hotel provides a direct and intimate view of wildlife activities, particularly for guests who keep their curtains open. They can wake up to a sunrise and notice the first signs of outdoor life straight from the floor-to-ceiling east-facing windows. Observing wildlife activities from the train carriage balconies or while swimming in the pool can fill an entire day due to the river's appeal to the fauna. Many visitors hike into the bush with an accompanying guide for proper safaris. As part of efforts to engage the local community, staff, including senior guide Thuli Mnisi, was hired. As Mnisi puts it, Kruger Shalati offers a very different experience from other lodges. Self-drive safari experiences are permitted in the Kruger National Park, but Mnisi insists nothing beats having a guide, saying, "We communicate among ourselves, we know where we could find the animals." Key to the hotel's culinary experience are the gardeners, who plant native species within the hotel grounds, cultivate a garden, and grow produce used at Kruger Shalati's chic restaurant. These local delights, served in a sophisticated ambiance, include delicacies like crocodile carpaccio, deer, and gazelle. As head chef Vusi Mbatha puts it, "Mother Nature is the true artist." After several development delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel opened its doors in December 2020 and welcomes guests into its fourth summer season. With prices starting from 9,950 rands (approximately U$530) per night per person for international guests, the double and twin rooms on board the train come with discounts for extended stays. The seven rooms in the adjacent Bridge House are slightly cheaper. Rates include all meals, certain drinks, two safaris, and airport transfers.