Kruger Shalati: Experience luxury in the heart of Kruger National Park
Kruger Shalati: Experience luxury in the heart of Kruger National Park

Kruger Shalati: Experience luxury in the heart of Kruger National Park

Hey there, fellow travelers! Ready to experience luxury like never before? Let us tell you about our jaw-dropping experience at Kruger Shalati, The Train on the Bridge. Picture this: a luxury hotel on a bridge above the Sabie River in Kruger National Park. Sounds unreal, right? Well, believe it or not, it’s as real as the hippos we spotted from our balcony! From its reimagined train carriages to its breathtaking views and top-notch hospitality, Kruger Shalati promises an unforgettable escape into the heart of Africa. 

In for a wild ride

From the get-go, we knew we were in for something special. As we stepped onto the train on the bridge, we were greeted with warm smiles and a sense of excitement. It felt like we were about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime – and boy, were we right! First things first, let’s talk luxury. Now, we’ve stayed in some pretty fancy places before, but Kruger Shalati takes the cake! From the beautifully designed suites to the impeccable service, every moment felt like a scene from a movie. We’re talking plush beds, stylish décor, and all the amenities you could ever dream of. Seriously, if heaven was a hotel, this would be it!

Unique stay in the heart of Kruger 

Now, picture this: train carriages transformed into luxurious hotel suites. Yep, you heard that right – our room was literally a reimagined train carriage perched high above the Sabie River. Talk about a one-of-a-kind experience! As we entered our suite, we were blown away by the attention to detail. From the stylish décor inspired by the golden age of rail travel to the modern amenities that made us feel right at home, every inch of our room exuded luxury and comfort. But it wasn’t just about the aesthetics – the practicalities were on point too! Our suite was equipped with everything we could possibly need, from a cozy bed to a spacious bathroom with all the trimmings. Plus, the little touches like complimentary snacks and a daily-refilled minibar made us feel like VIPs.

Views for days

And let’s not forget about the best part: the views. Oh boy, the views! Our balcony overlooked the Sabie River, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness. Imagine waking up to the sight of hippos frolicking in the river below your balcony. Or watching elephants gather at the water’s edge. Sounds like something out of a dream, right? Well, at Kruger Shalati, it’s just another day in paradise. Perched high above the Sabie River, Kruger Shalati offers unrivaled panoramas of the natural beauty that surrounds it. Whether you’re lounging on your balcony with a cup of coffee in hand or soaking in the views from the overhanging pool, every moment is a feast for the senses!

Kruger front-row seats

And the best part? The views change throughout the day, so there’s always something new to see. From the soft hues of dawn to the fiery colors of sunset, the beauty of Kruger National Park never fails to take our breath away. But it’s not just about the wildlife – the scenery itself is absolutely breathtaking. Lush greenery, the tranquil riverbed – it’s like something out of a postcard. And with Kruger Shalati’s prime location right in the heart of the park, you’ll have front-row seats to the show every single day!

Exploring Kruger’s wildlife

Safari time! Imagine this: it’s 4:30 in the afternoon as we hop aboard our safari vehicle. With our trusty guide leading the way, we set off into the heart of Kruger National Park, ready to uncover its hidden treasures. And let us tell you, we were not disappointed. It was a wildlife extravaganza like no other! From the moment we started, we were surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, from graceful giraffes to majestic elephants and everything in between! Spotting the Big Five is practically a given in Kruger. Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos – they’re all here, just waiting to be discovered. And with 2 game drives included in your stay per night at Kruger Shalati, one at sunrise and one at sunset, you’ll have plenty of chances to catch these magnificent beasts in action. Each safari offers a different vibe, from the soft, serene light of dawn to the golden glow of dusk. But it wasn’t just about the animals – it was about the experience as a whole. From the thrill of the chase to the peaceful moments spent soaking in the beauty of nature, every second on safari is a reminder of just how incredible our planet truly is!

Culinary delights

Our days at Shalati kicked off at 4:45 AM with coffee, fruits, and pastries – the perfect fuel for our 5 AM sunrise safari. But the culinary delights didn’t stop there! Oh no, they were just getting started! Following the sunrise safari, breakfast brought a mouthwatering array of options, from shrimp and avocado toast to personalized omelets and local bites like bobotie croquettes. Then came lunchtime – a feast fit for kings and queens. But the excitement didn’t end there! At 4 PM sharp, it was high tea time, with an assortment of delicate finger foods to nibble on before our sunset safari at 4:30 PM. And dinner? Each evening was a culinary adventure, with a rotating menu featuring the best of African flavors and international cuisine. But perhaps the highlight of our dining experience was the sundowner sessions during our sunset safari. Picture this: sipping on a glass of bubbly as the sun sets over the African bush, with a spread of delicious snacks laid out before you. 

Let off some steam at Kruger Station

Now, let’s talk about Kruger Station – not your average train station, folks! Kruger Station isn’t just a place to grab a bite – it’s a lifestyle precinct, a hub of history and hospitality that’s open to everyone, not just hotel guests. As we peeked inside, we were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. This isn’t just any old train station, oh no! It’s a tribute to the glory days of rail travel, a nod to the pioneers who first explored this vast wilderness. And with its prime location within Kruger National Park, Kruger Station offers more than just a meal – it offers an experience. So whether you’re craving a hearty meal, eager to swap stories with fellow travelers, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere of this iconic location, Kruger Station is the place to be. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this hidden gem in the heart of the bush!

Unmatched hospitality

Apart from its unique rooms, stunning location, and yummy cuisine, what truly sets Kruger Shalati apart for us? It’s the warm hospitality! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and open arms. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, ensuring that every moment of our stay was nothing short of perfection. What really impressed us was the attention to detail. Whether it was the personalized welcome message waiting for us in our room or the thoughtful turndown service in the evening, it was clear that every aspect of our experience had been carefully considered to make us feel special. 

Part of the (royal) family

And then there were the little touches that made all the difference – like the staff waiting with umbrellas after our rainy safari drives, or coming to close our drapes and leave a bottle of water on our nightstand while we were out exploring. These small acts of kindness made our stay truly unforgettable, leaving us feeling like royalty from start to finish! But it wasn’t just about the little touches – it was about the genuine warmth and friendliness of the team. From the waitstaff in the restaurant to the guides on our game drives, everyone went out of their way to make us feel like part of the family. It was hospitality at its finest, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Kruger Shalati - boardwalk

In short

In short, Kruger Shalati isn’t just a hotel – it’s a one-of-a-kind experience, a destination in itself. A chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while indulging in the lap of luxury. So if you’re looking for a getaway that’s equal parts adventure and relaxation, look no further than Kruger Shalati. Trust us, you won’t regret it!