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Although travel might be on hold at the moment, hospitality companies are still looking ahead and innovating for when we can visit. The most stunning example of that lately comes from Kruger Shalati. Why? Well, they are building a luxury hotel on top of the Selati Bridge in South Africa overlooking the famous Kruger National Park.
The hotel sparked wanderlust in many after they posted teaser photos of the stunning new property under construction. “Even though we’re experiencing a nationwide lockdown, the excitement of the outdoors grows stronger and stronger,” they wrote on Instagram. “We’re looking forward to heading back to construction on the Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge. and experiencing the beauty of its surroundings.”
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The two images revealed the views from the inside of the first carriage on the bridge. The new hotel will feature 31 guest rooms in all—24 carriage rooms and seven bridge house rooms—that span the length of the bridge. Each one will have access to a terrace and pool, plus incredible views of hippos and elephants frolicking in the Sabie River below.
“Thought-provoking, unique design is core to our offering,” it says in a statement on its website. “But the holistic experience is centered around our human-ness, our cultural nuances, the people involved in the making of every element, and ultimately the kindness with which we receive our guests.”
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While the unique property certainly boasts modern design and amenities, the concept stems from history. In the early 1920s, a train with some of the first travelers to explore the park would park on the bridge overnight. Kruger Shalati is positioned in that exact spot.
“Kruger Shalati will offer the most unique luxury accommodation in a re-envisioned train which will pay homage to the guests who explored the park nearly 100 years ago while welcoming new explorers from near and far,” the site explained.
The train lodge will open for booking in September, depending on the status of travel at the time.
