doudou5Recently at Kruger National Park in South Africa, designers ingeniously transformed a “nearly century-old” abandoned steam train into a unique boutique hotel stationed on a bridge within the park. This innovative design and its stunning appearance have garnered significant attention.
In Kruger National Park in South Africa, designers converted an old steam train on a bridge into a boutique hotel.
Named “Kruger Shalati,” this hotel sits atop Selati Bridge over Sabie River. The bridge spans 300 meters. The entire structure was renovated from an old steam train that originally served in the 1920s and brought Kruger’s first tourists.
The steam train initially operated in the 1920s and introduced Kruger’s first visitors.
Designers turned its carriages into 31 guest rooms—24 “carriage rooms” and seven “luxury bridge rooms.” Through floor-to-ceiling glass windows in these rooms, guests can spot crocodiles occasionally surfacing in the river along with hippos, buffaloes, and elephants. Guests can also access terraces and hanging pools via exterior corridors for elevated views over Sabie River.
The official website describes it as: “This perfectly combines Africa’s most breathtaking natural scenery with luxury; this repurposed train evokes memories of African grandeur.”
“The train on this bridge takes people back to bygone days while letting visitors experience park history,” said Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Tourism Group that owns this hotel.
Terraces and hanging pools along exterior corridors offer elevated views.
Originally slated for a September 2020 opening with rates starting at $428 per person per night, construction has been paused due to COVID-19 impacts with no clear opening date yet. Hotel General Manager Judiet Barnes stated: “With COVID-19 widespread nationwide we’re under lockdown now; once construction resumes we’ll set an opening date.”
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s first national park.
Located in northeastern South Africa since its establishment in 1926 covering two million hectares—Kruger National Park stands as both South Africa’s first national park & one among Africa’s largest wildlife reserves hosting more species than any other African reserve: including trees (336), fish (49), amphibians (34), reptiles (114), birds (508) & mammals (147). It draws nearly quarter-million visitors annually; best visiting period spans June through September dry season.
All South African national parks remain closed amid COVID-19 pandemic despite local Disaster Management Act allowing citizens morning walks/runs/cycling between six-nine AM while prohibiting entry into national parks.
