A new luxury product that will open in the Kruger National park later this year, will be an exciting alternative to existing high-end accommodation.

Thebe Tourism Group will open Kruger Shalati ‘Train on a Bridge’ in Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park on December 16. The product will initially consist of 16 en-suite carriage rooms, on a train carriage placed permanently on a bridge in Skukuza, as well as seven rooms in the adjacent Kruger Shalati Bridge Guest House next to the bridge. An additional eight carriage rooms will be opened next year.

“The proposed new lodge, built on the historic Selati Bridge over the Sabi River, has the potential to become a bucket-list safari property. Guests who are looking for a totally unique setting in the Kruger National Park that combines historic interest with contemporary design, will surely be drawn to this new lodge,” says Suzanne Benadie, Sales Director at Tourvest DMC.

She adds that Kruger Shalati will also partner well with some of the unique properties in Cape Town.

Janine Bunsow, Market Manager for Germany, Switzerland and Austria at Tourvest DMC, says the development is very exciting for the top luxury market. Especially as it is being built on the existing rail tracks, it adds value to the history of the park while minimising the environmental impact of adding more accommodation.

However, Christiane Glanz, Director Key Accounts UK and Switzerland at GoVacation Africa, says that while this is a brilliant product, she is concerned about the game viewing experience. “It is a high-end luxury product so game viewing using the public roads wouldn’t be suitable for this kind of clientele.”