The abandoned train turned into a luxury hotel in South Africa – Photos

One of South Africa’s most luxurious and picturesque hotels is located on an abandoned train in the middle of the Kruger National Park.

Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge is an extravagant hotel built on the abandoned Selatis railway line that once carried visitors into the world-famous game park.

The original railway was constructed over a hundred years ago and began its first tourist services in 1923.

Visitors used to sleep on the train as it came to a halt on the Selati Bridge overlooking the Sabi river and surrounding bushveld, which quickly begame a highlight for tourists.

The train service eventually came to an end in the 1970s, but plans were later drawn up to revive the experience as a luxury hotel, using the train carriages as rooms with incredible views looking out from the bridge.

The idea for Shalati originated from the Thebe Tourism Group, which aimed to preserve the history of the old train service while providing a unique way for visitors to experience the Kruger Park.

The lodge was recently put in the global spotlight after it was featured on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 guide, which ranked it as one of the 25 best travel experiences in the world.

As you’d expect, the Kruger Shalati is quite expensive, as prices start at around R9,500 to R12,900 per person sharing, and single rooms can fetch up to R16,000 per night.

However, rates depend on the season and room type, as well as whether the guest is a local or international visitor.

Even so, the lodge has proven to be very successful, particularly with foreigners who are drawn to the unusual setting.

The site itself features two main types of accommodation – 24 carriage suites on the bridge, and seven Bridge House suites on the nearby riverbank.

The train carriages have been redesigned to be larger than traditional compartments, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer expansive views out over the river.

What it’s like to stay at Kruger Shalati

The clear views from the bridge allow guests to spot all manner of game inside the park, from elephants to hippos, impala, wildebeest, giraffes, lions, and even leopards.

The décor combines local and natural materials, from carved wooden screens to woven rigs and patterned blankets with indigenous designs.

On the bank, the Bridge House Suites have access to a garden that provides a similar view out over the river.

Guests can access the lodge’s main areas, comprising a dining and lounge space, and two swimming pools.

The bridge also has its own wooden deck with an infinity pool.

The Train on the Bridge has its own game drive service, though guests often prefer to relax and enjoy the natural animal spotting from their natural vantage point.

Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge