Over the last few years, we’ve had the privilege to stay in numerous unique hotels around the world. I am often asked about my absolute favorite hotel and although I can’t answer this question easily, one hotel comes always to mind: The Kruger Shalati, better known as the “Train on the Bridge” hotel in the middle of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. In this hotel review, you’ll find out what makes the Kruger Shalati so unique!

My Hotel Review of the Kruger Shalati, Train on the Bridge Hotel

Location & Accessibility

The location of the Kruger Shalati is one of the reasons that make this safari boutique hotel so unique: It is located in the heart of the Kruger National Park in South Africa with a fantastic view over the valley of the Sabie River.

The Kruger Shalati is only 5km from Skukuza Airport or 110km from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. From Skukuza Airport a free transfer is offered for hotel guests. However, we were traveling with our own car as we had been exploring the beautiful Mpumalanga area beforehand, which I highly recommend!

The Concept of the Kruger Shalati

As the name “Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge” suggests, most of the rooms are in fact located in a train on a historic train connection bridge from the 1920s. Although the Kruger Shalati was only opened in its current form 100 years later in 2020, it still exudes the elegant charm of the Golden 20s. At the same time, the interior is top modern & the rooms in the train are much more spacious than one might expect. But you will find more details about it in the section “Suites” of the hotel review.

The direct contact to the animal world can be felt constantly during your visit of the Kruger Shalati! Due to the unique location on a bridge, above the Sabie River valley, wildlife can be seen and heard at any time of the day. At noon, herds of elephants move along the river to eat fresh grass and cool off. While doing so, they walk directly under the bridge. But also hippos, crocodiles, water buffalos and many other species can be observed directly from the room or restaurant.

photos by Janik Alheit

Pools

There are a total of three pools at Kruger Shalati, which provide an ideal way to cool off in the afternoon. The most impressive pool is without a doubt the one located in the center of the train bridge. The middle train compartments have been converted into a bar and lounge, and on the attached outdoor platform is the terrace with the pool at a lofty height. It is also the ideal location to enjoy the view over the valley and wildlife. The view is especially beautiful during the early morning sunrise.

Safari

Due to its unique location, the Kruger Shalati is the ideal starting point for safari game drives, which take place twice a day and are included for all guests. The whole experience takes place in a very small and personal setting. On each drive you have the same personal guide and in each car there is only a small number of guests, which is usually not the case on other safari tours.

The first game drive takes place early in the morning at sunrise and the second in the late afternoon until sunset. This is due to the fact that the animals are most active during dawn and dusk and therefore easier to spot.

Of course, there is no obligation to participate and those who prefer to sleep in on a day can do so as well. But we did not miss a single game drive! It is an incredible feeling to get so close to nature. Unfortunately we didn’t see the whole Big Five, as the leopards & rhinos were hiding from us. But we were lucky to see many other highlights, such as a pack of wild dogs, which are extremely rare to see. There are only about 150 individuals living in the 20,000 square kilometer (215,000 square ft) area of the Kruger National Park. → To put this number into perspective, Kruger National Park is home to 14,000 elephants and 1,500 lions.

photos by Janik Alheit

Unlike other safari destinations, the National Park has strict rules to protect the flora & fauna. This includes that you have to stay in the car at all times (you are only allowed to get out at certain points) and you are never allowed to leave the roads during the safari. It is therefore not possible to follow or approach a wild animal as soon as it retreats back into the bush. Also, the guides must never intentionally attract the attention of a wild animal by calling or making sounds. Humans should have as little impact on wildlife as possible. But don’t worry, you will still have incredible encounters!

photos by Janik Alheit

The Suites at the Kruger Shalati

The Kruger Shalati is a small and cozy hotel. There are only 31 rooms in total, 24 of which are the popular Train Suites and seven Bridge House Suites, which are not directly on the bridge.

The Train Suites

Upon entering our train suite number 22, my first thought was “Wow, I wouldn’t have imagined it to be so spacious!”. Beyond the small entry area is the bedroom with huge windows and a balcony. Following this is the bathroom with rain shower, separate toilet and a bathtub with a view! In addition, there is a small chill lounge with minibar. You almost forget that you are in a train compartment as it has been so cleverly designed. The decor is also cozy, stylish and modern. It combines historical elements from the 1920s with African art.

The hotel does not have its own spa area, but wellness treatments can be booked in the room.

photos by Janik Alheit

Breakfast & Restaurant

The Kruger Shalati is an all-inclusive safari hotel of a special kind, because not only the daily game drives are included, but also any meals and high-quality wines and spirits. The food left us speechless: the dishes are new every day and incredibly high in quality. The hotel is recommended by the MICHELIN Guide for good reason!

It all starts with a pre-safari snack in the early morning with coffee and tea, followed by an extensive à la carte & buffet breakfast upon return. Lunch was always light for me to leave room for Afternoon High Tea on the pool deck. The highlight each day was dinner after the last game drive: right by the campfire, under the stars, while reviewing the day and enjoying the unique, daily different food. Local ingredients are used and there is a choice of at least three hot dishes, plus appetizers and dessert. Additional choices are available for vegetarians.

So you see, you will not have to be hungry at any time and thanks to the changing menu, the food is always varied.

photos by Janik Alheit

Additionally, there is a break during each safari and snacks and drinks are served here as well. I especially remember our last sunset, which we enjoyed high on a hill above the savannah, with an Amarula in hand, while the sky shone in the greatest colors. A moment I will never forget in my life!

photo by Janik Alheit

Résumé of our stay at the Kruger Shalati, Train on the Bridge Hotel.

An unforgettable safari experience in the heart of the Kruger National Park! The warmth we experienced at the Kruger Shalati, the wonderful service, the lovingly prepared food, the top qualified guides and of course the luxurious setting and the special location, make the Kruger Shalati one of the best hotels I have ever had the pleasure to experience! It is the many small details that make the Kruger Shalati, Train on the Bridge Hotel so unique. The hotel is especially suitable for couples and friends who want to enjoy complete tranquility and retreat into nature.

→ Book your stay at the Kruger Shalati here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Kruger Shalati, but this does not influence my opinion and review about the hotel. On my blog I share only my personal and unbiased opinion!