South Africa has always been a hotbed for tourism, where one can be a part of diverse experiences, like being close to nature or exploring the rich heritage of the country. In fact, you will be spoilt for choice when in South Africa.
The latest addition to its attractions will offer you one more reason to travel there. Its Kruger National Park, although popular among wildlife enthusiasts, now has another addition in the form of a new unusual hotel, named Kruger Shalati. It is likely the most innovative hotel designed in 2020, as it was once a luxury train, which has now been renovated and turned into a luxurious hotel.
Kruger Shalati―The Train on the Bridge is now a luxurious hotel that sits permanently on the Selati Bridge just above the Sabie River. The hotel on its website explained that it is a re-envisioned accommodation, which will “pay homage to the guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago while welcoming new explorers from near and far.”
It further stated that the train’s station is meant to celebrate as a spot where the first visitors visited the iconic park in the early 1920s. During that time, the train would remain parked overnight in the exact spot where Kruger Shalati has now been positioned.
Referring to this development, a representative of the hotel project stated that this project’s inspiration has been derived from the historical bridge. He added that in the 1920s as the national park was declared, it was the only way through which one could visit this place, i.e., by train. Further, the train would then remain stationed overnight on this same bridge as part of the rail journey, he added. It was also one of the most popular legs of the nine-day route that used to run on this line, he also mentioned.
Now, inside the train, one will be greeted with glass-walled rooms, allowing them to enjoy the expansive views all day long. What is more interesting about this hotel and its spot is that the train turned hotel comes complete with its own pool and deck, enabling one to safely swim high above the buffalos, crocodile, elephants, and hippos, swimming in the river water below.
There will be 31 rooms, 24 carriage rooms, and 7 bridge house rooms, each of which will feature luxurious furnishings, soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows, so that one can witness the watch the sun go down or spend the entire day in leisure.
You will likely be able to book rooms by the end of 2020.