Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge
Kruger Shalati
A train hotel parked on the old railway bridge over the Sabie River at Skukuza. Its rooms hang above the river, and from the pool you can watch elephants cross. It is the most unique place to stay in Kruger.
The Kruger Shalati Train Hotel opened at the end of 2020. A restored train from the 1950s is permanently parked on the old Selati railway bridge at Skukuza. The bridge deck is about 15 metres above the Sabie River. Its 24 carriage guest rooms and seven suites at the end of the bridge all face the river. From the floor-to-ceiling windows or the bathtub, you can see elephants, hippos and buffalo on the riverbed. The bridge also has a cantilevered infinity pool and a bar, which make it an excellent spot for watching wildlife at dusk. The bridge was built in 1912. In the early days, the Selati Railway brought the first visitors into the park, and trains stayed overnight on the bridge. The hotel recreates this historic scene. Rates are about R12,000 to 15,000 per person per night (roughly RMB 5,000 to 6,500). This includes all meals, drinks, and two guided game drives a day, including a night drive, along with access to the facilities of Skukuza Camp. Non-guests can also book lunch or sundowner drinks at the Shalati Bridge Restaurant, from about R500, which requires advance reservation and is the most affordable way to experience the hotel. Getting there: fly to Skukuza Airport, then take a 5-minute hotel transfer, or drive to Skukuza Camp. Lonely Planet listed the hotel among the best travel experiences of 2026. Note that Kruger entry fees must be paid in addition to the accommodation, and children must be 12 or older.
Opening hours
Open year-round; bridge restaurant requires reservation
Nearby sights
- Southern Kruger / Skukuza
- Lake Panic Bird Hide
- Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Lower Sabie Rest Camp & Sunset Dam
- Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
- Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
- Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp
- Shangana Cultural Village