Elevated luxury, immersed in nature.
Step aboard a luxury train replete with plush, Afrocentric furnishings, and all comforts of the world’s top hotels. Instead of winding through the natural Sub-Saharan landscapes, its stationed permanently on this 100-year-old bridge towering above South Africa’s largest game reserve, the Kruger National Park. Perched right above the Sabie River, the Kruger Shalati hotel is recreating the historic 1920s overnight stop, when the only way to visit the park was on a nine-day train route, and transforming it into a modern marvel.
The boutique hotel experience invites guests aboard the restored 24-carriage train, where guests can choose from 31 rooms each with floor-to-ceiling glass walls giving visitors all-encompassing views of the Sabie River and the exotic Big Five (lions, buffalos, leopards, elephants and rhinos) roaming the land below. It’s taking the iconic travel legacy and bringing it into the contemporary world in a truly unique experience.
If there was ever an express route to relaxation this South African sanctuary is unquestionably it. Aside from the in-room amenities, the train will have a deck and pool hanging high above the crocodile, hippos, and elephants bathing in the river. Of course, you can also retreat to your room post-dip to the soaking tubs and watch the sun go down with a bottle of champagne if you prefer.
While construction was postponed as a result of the pandemic, the hotel is hoping to welcome guests sometime this year. You might want to head to signup to their newsletter to be the first to know all the news.
If you like your hotels to be a showcase of local art, with outstanding views, a touch of history, and an unimaginable way to discover nature then add this to your post-quarantine bucket list immediately.
Visit their website for more.