Train on a bridge

A train that goes nowhere in old-fashioned style.

As of a few months ago, the Kruger Shalati is forever resting in the middle of the original Selati Bridge in its namesake national park. High above the waters of the Sabie River, the restored train, complete with upgraded carriages, has been reimagined as a one-of-a kind first class hotel.

Guests will stay in one of 24 luxury carriage rooms high above the riverbanks, or one of seven land-based rooms in the bridge house. During their five-star adventure, they’ll have the opportunity for expeditions, fine dining and swimming in the train’s one-of-a kind pool overtop of crocodiles, hippos and elephants just metres below.

The Kruger Shalati experience has been designed to harken back to the early days of the long-lost 1920s, where the untamed African spirit reigned supreme and well- heeled guests travelled on 9-day journeys that included a stop on the Salati bridge.

With large, glass walled rooms, elegant soaker tubs, plush furnishings and views the length of the Sabie River, a few days on a bridge is undoubtedly something to write home about.

Kruger Shalati is owned by the Thebe Tourism Group the oldest black-empowered South African tourism group who are also introducing The Kruger Station Precinct, a family lifestyle precinct with a difference.

krugershalati.com

Get our newsletter

Get monthly updates with unique HomeFront updates and stay up to date with tips and trends

The Meandering Epicurist

Subtext Coffee Roasters Coffee has come a long way from 17c European coffee houses where a hefty jolt of caffeine was all that mattered. It tasted pretty bad apparently. Some, unkindly, liken it to today’s Starbucks dark roast. Hardly surprising

Al Fresco luncheon

There’s something so special about gathering under the sun with good friends and great food. We recently attended an al fresco luncheon at Kamalame Cay, an intimate and exclusive resort in Bahamas where they kept things relaxed but elegant—just the

Favourite Things

Automobili Italiane From Concorso Roma—a grand 3 day gathering of the rarest and most significant historic Italian cars hosted by Anatara Palazzo Naia di Rome Hotel.Photo: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel The power of colour Full of vibrant contrasts these

Forty-winks in style

Making the best of its enviable reputation, the Drake Devonshire in Prince Edward County seems as popular as ever during my recent visit. Expanding this year to add more rooms, the retro chic property in Wellington remains one of those

Setting the Scene: The power of the tablescape

For Sebastien and Sheila Centner, a thoughtfully designed table is the heartbeat of any gathering. A great tablescape doesn’t just look beautiful—it sets the tone, sparks conversation, and makes guests feel like they’re part of something special. In their entertaining

Fall flavours in your glass

Several of this month’s selections are available exclusively from top-notch Ontario wineries. You can order these wines from the websites noted or by calling the wineries. They’ll ship directly to your doorstep. This is an important way you can support