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All Aboard This “Train Lodge” That Sits Atop An Old Railway Bridge in South Africa

Inigo Del Castillo
Inigo Del Castillo
Inigo is a content writer at Apartment Therapy and previously for Lost At E Minor. A few years ago, he wrote an article about baby bats, which was so cute, Buzzfeed took a screenshot of the headline and cover image, then made a listicle about weird but adorable things. He thought it was so cool. He enjoys books, k-pop, anime, and sports. He is based in the Philippines.
published May 31, 2020
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Credit: Courtesy of Kruger Shalati

They say that the best way to experience a country’s landscape is to travel by train. Apparently, that piece of advice also applies to lodgings.

In South Africa’s Kruger National Park, there’s a luxury hotel that’s being built within a former train car perched atop an old railway bridge, giving guests the most stunning views of the Sabie River and the surrounding grasslands.

Called the Kruger Shalati Train Lodge, it will feature 24 en-suite carriage rooms, as well as another seven rooms on land next to the bridge, all of which will be renovated with locally-made art and bespoke furnishings that celebrate African culture. 

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Credit: Courtesy of Kruger Shalati

Other amenities will include a deck area, a bar, and a pool which could arguably be the world’s most unique pool, allowing you to take a leisurely dip while admiring lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife roaming down below.

The hotel’s location pays homage to the area’s history. It’s the same spot where Kruger National Park’s first visitors would disembark to go on safaris some 100 years ago. In the evening, they would return to the train and get some rest before leaving for their next destination the following morning.

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Credit: Courtesy of Kruger Shalati

“The Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge takes people back to a long-lost time and makes them feel part of the history of the park,” said Herry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Tourism Group. “It gives a truly memorable glimpse into those early days of the Kruger where the untamed African spirit reigned supreme.”

The Kruger Shalati Train Lodge is currently expected to open in September 2020. You can learn more about it here.

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Architecture
Travel