Kruger Shalati - Train on the Bridge and Garden Suites

The rooms are modern, carefully designed, and wonderfully unusual, set in an old train on a bridge. We had an unobstructed view of the Shalati river and its wildlife, and I’m still in awe of how cool this hotel is. It was my first time in Africa and in a Nationalpark. Everyone was friendly and helpful, always up for a joke or a chat. The food was very good and suited our needs as my partner is pescetarian. After our first dinner, the staff remembered our preferences.

Our sightings were brilliant. We followed a pack of 32 wild dogs for an hour. Kruger can get crowded, since you’re there with other people and not driving on your own roads, but I’d still love to return. The location is unique, and the whole place has immense style and exceptional finishes. Dining was great, with varied menus and excellent meals. The staff were enthusiastic and well trained, and we were very well looked after by Benedict the manager, Lisa the game ranger, and Clement the bartender. Exceptional in every way. Well done, Shalati.

Our game reserve guide, Sipho, knew the park so well and went out of his way to find animals. We saw a lot with him, including things that others had missed. Incredible. The accommodation and lovely staff made our stay memorable. Everyone was so friendly and eager to help. Staying in a carriage on the bridge was worth every penny, with amazing views. The pool area on the bridge was fantastic, and the place was really quiet. I’d recommend it for those priceless views.

For our honeymoon, we stayed at Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge, and it’s easily the best hotel experience we’ve ever had. The idea of a luxury train above the Sabie River sounds wonderful, but being there is something else. Wildlife moves below you while you’re having a drink or sitting in your room, and sometimes it hardly feels real. We were in Room 23, with a bath overlooking the river and forest. We watched hippos from the bath. Moments like that are hard to find anywhere else. We went in March, when it was properly hot, over 32, with a little rain that made it feel even more atmospheric. It’s about 7 minutes from Skukuza, so easy to reach, while still feeling immersed in the bush. The staff were warm, attentive, and naturally caring. Aylanda was an unbelievable guide, knowledgeable and calm, and such a lovely person to spend time with. She made the game drives for us. Benedict, the manager, was constantly around making sure everything was right without being overbearing. The food was ridiculous, the best I’ve had at any hotel. It was genuinely top level, not just good for an all-inclusive place. The bao buns at lunch were insane. Little touches helped too, like the minibar being included and regularly topped up with plenty of alcohol. We saw the Big 5 in one day. A rhino came so close to our vehicle that I felt I could have leaned out and touched it. We also watched baby elephants cross the road with their parents, a moment we just stopped to take in. This place is an experience, and for a honeymoon I don’t think you can do better.