Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge — Hotel in Mbombela

I read that during the creation of the Shalati carriage bedrooms, there was a lady who absolutely insisted on it including a bathtub and I have to applaud her now (wish I could remember her name which is mentioned in the book which you can buy at Shalati).

After spending 10 days in Sanparks camps in the Kruger National Park we decided to treat ourselves to two nights at Shalati. These "bedrooms" are without doubt the most well thought out, well positioned, comfortable bedrooms I have ever stayed in and the bath... it was my best bath ever! There may be baths that are as nice but I cannot imagine there is a better one, anywhere in the world, at any hotel, so thank you to that lady who insisted on including them!

Together with my parents (in their 80's) we booked two adjacent carriages. Two nights of pure bliss, a very special place.

For me the primary appeal was the uniqueness of staying in a stationary carriage over the Sabi River - this did not disappoint, stay in a carriage!

The lounge areas and restaurant was very well appointed. The staff in the restaurant were very good as well. We had a wonderful waitress who must also be mentioned, her name was Nkateko. She was fantastic. I will also at this point mention meeting the vegetable/herb gardener, I think his name was Philemon. What a lovely man. Gavin was also very helpful

The food was good and well-presented but at times a little fussy, when it did not need to be. I would not have been unhappy with a traditional bobotie but I think they are trying to impress the overseas market and I think, missed the mark a little.

Our game ranger was a nice man, but not as good as rangers we have had at other private game reserves. Also, it is worth mentioning, rangers are not allowed to drive off road in the Kruger National Park. This can be a disadvantage if it’s your one and only visit to the bush and you only have 3 nights. The good thing about Shalati however is you never need to leave your room! You can see everything from there!

I would recommend August as a good time to go. Its lovely and warm and the grass is low so the visibility of game is very good. There were also loads and loads of young animals.

We had an issue with our bill at the end as we were double charged a staff tip which we had put on our credit card, Shalati kept telling us that it was only an "authorisation" and would be reversed by our bank (standard bank), being a private banker we contacted the bank who insisted it was Shalati that should do this, it took over a week for the double charge to disappear from the statement. This little frustration took a lot of emails and about 6 phone calls to resolve but it was eventually resolved.

Not really sure why a staff tip with be put on as an...

We arrived after four days of crazy travel, but from the minute we arrived at the airport the magic of Kruger began. We were met at Skukuza airport by Shalati's representative, and on our way to the hotel we enjoyed our first giraffes right next to the road. Kruger Shalati is an old train and trestle that has been rebuilt into a fantastic hotel.|While waiting for our room to be ready, we went out on the veranda for lunch and saw monkeys enjoying the area, too. I thought they were cute until one tried to steal a roll off my daughter's dish and later grabbed my leg. The staff were quick to appear with a slingshot which just at the sight of the slingshot, they backed off. Lunch was delicious, and we were excited to see elephants down in the river below. It was just the start of watching the wildlife enjoy themselves down below. We watched elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and even a small genet, along with many different species of birds.|Our room was beautiful. The beds were very comfortable, everything immaculate, with an amazing view of the river activity.|Besides the delicious meals, our last night was celebrated with a Dinner Under the Stars, and beautiful outdoor barbeque with live entertainment.|Each day, we went on two safaris with our knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Sewze. Loved his "dad" jokes. He was amazing with his knack of finding the animals. We saw the big five and cheetahs. We always stopped for either a coffee break in the morning, or cocktails and snacks in the evening. I learned how delicious coffee can be with amarula in the chilly morning air. Thank you.|As you can see, we loved our stay but did have a couple of concerns. The first is our recommendation to never get any treatments from the spa women who approach you at lunch. We signed up for a scalp and foot massage. Ugh!! We felt like our hair was being yanked out with a lot of damaged broken hairs. The foot massage was worse than the worst foot massage I ever had while getting a pedicure. I did hear that they plan on building their own spa and hiring their own people. I hope so.|I will also caution that when the hotel contacts you before your arrival and asked which type of wine you like, be prepared. Even if you don't drink it, they charge you for it. It is not complimentary, as we had assumed.|The only other thing that bothered me was that several of the employees who treated us fantastically, spoke about their long hours and hard life. I felt for them, but it was a downer to a dream vacation we had saved for most of our life. |I still highly recommend Shalati. Its location and amenities are...

I have had the pleasure of staying in countless hotels and resorts across the globe. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the unique and breathtaking Kruger Shalati, also known as "The Train on the Bridge." I must say, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure exceeded my expectations in every way.

Upon arrival, the warm and welcoming staff greeted me with smiles and genuine hospitality. Sam, in particular, did an amazing job making me feel at home throughout my stay. His attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and friendly demeanor made my experience all the more enjoyable.

One of the highlights of my time at Kruger Shalati was the game drive, led by the incredibly knowledgeable and passionate Mishack. He expertly guided us through the wilderness, ensuring we caught glimpses of all the magnificent animals that call Kruger National Park home. His expert commentary and enthusiasm for wildlife added another level of excitement to the adventure.

Back at the hotel, Dollen and Justice were instrumental in making my stay comfortable and memorable. Their dedication to providing top-notch service was evident in everything they did, from ensuring my room was spotless to assisting with any requests I had.

The culinary experience at Kruger Shalati was nothing short of extraordinary. The array of sumptuous meals served during my stay featured a blend of local and international cuisine, prepared with the freshest ingredients. Each dish was a testament to the talent and creativity of the chef and their team.

The views from my luxurious room were simply breathtaking. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered unobstructed vistas of the surrounding landscape, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the beauty of Kruger National Park. Watching the sun set over the river while listening to the sounds of nature was a truly magical experience.

The pool at Kruger Shalati is another remarkable feature of this extraordinary resort. Suspended over the historic Selati Bridge, the glass-walled pool allows for a unique swimming experience with unparalleled views of the river below. It quickly became one of my favorite spots to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

In conclusion, my stay at Kruger Shalati was an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to any traveler seeking a unique and luxurious adventure in the heart of South Africa's wilderness. The exceptional service, awe-inspiring views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters make this one-of-a-kind resort an absolute must-visit...