Kruger Shalati - Train on The Bridge & Garden Suites

Loved the position

Everything was top notch Only little problem was when the guide spoke to the guests in Zulu and we unfortunately couldn’t understand

Fortunate enough to classify this as a second visit and it didn't disappoint. I'm not sure it gets much better once you add the location into things

Five star room, food and Safari tours twice a day. Excellent location and unique room in a carriage high above the river with great views. All inclusive food and drink.

If you don’t drink alcohol, you end up paying for others’ alcohol with the all inclusive cost basis.

Beautiful rooms, dining and facilities. Friendly staff and amazing safari drives

It’s unique, a genuine one of a kind. All the staff are so friendly and attentive. The location is incredible and to be able to watch wildlife from your bedroom in an old railway carriage on a bridge is truly special! The food is also exceptional…we had an unforgettable trip!

Nothing, it was perfect

Shalati é perfeito. A comida é maravilhosa, a educação de todos os funcionários, em especial o Remember, que foi muito atencioso conosco e também o Elvis, nosso ranger que não poupou esforços para que nós encontrássemos os big 5! O quarto é lindo, cama confortável, chuveiro delicioso, sempre que voltamos estava tudo arrumado para nós! Espero ter a oportunidade de voltar!

Nada!!

The location, experience, food, service and game viewing were exceptional.

Loved it all.

The views from the train and the uniqueness of the property. Every member of staff was exceptional with a great detail of personal attention. Lovely surprises along the way. Our guide was excellent.

Nothin

La struttura è molto affascinante, le suite sul fiume godono di una vista spettacolare, il personale è gentilissimo e tutto è organizzato molto molto bene

Fantastische Lage über dem Fluss und toller Eisenbahnwaggon. Sehr aufmerksames Personal.

Bei schlechtem Wetter wenig Möglichkeiten, auch die Mahlzeiten finden aufgrund des Platzmangels für alle, die zu spät kommen, draußen statt. Das ist etwas ernüchternd.

Perfect location, very friendly team. And the hippo family in the river, of course.

Absolument tout ! Y compris les safaris

Rien

Absolument tout y compris les safaris

Rien

La atención

De beste excursie uitstappen die we in 3 weken Kruger park (en prive parken) gedaan hebben. Onze gids wist van ieder plantje, insect , ster, zoogdier etc met veel passie te vertellen. Het personeel wil je een goede tijd geven . Alles zat zeer goed in elkaar en het eten was fantastisch (hoewel persoonlijk wij voor dat geld niet fan waren van de gezamenlijke bbq voor het geld dat je betaald). Wel een leuke sfeer. Het zwembad is ook uniek. Hoewel ik de kamers op land verkies voor de grote ruimte en de veel betere prijs.

Enige opbouwende opmerking die ik aan alle game drives kan geven in Kruger (ook aan andere lodges) . De beste luxe aan een ochtend game drive is een warmwater kruik in de auto voorzien ! Wij hebben ze in de prive reservaten gekregen en je zou ze niet meer willen missen tijdens de koude ochtenden !

The staff was friendly.

We had a wonderful stay overall, and there were many things we truly appreciated. The staff were exceptionally kind, welcoming, and always willing to help. However, several issues significantly affected our experience. The biggest disappointment was the room policy. We were two adults and one 13-year-old child staying in a family room with four proper beds, including sturdy bunk beds. Despite this, we were required to book and pay for a second room ( $700) because children over 11 are not allowed in the family room. It would have made much more sense to simply charge an extra fee for the child, meals, and safari activities instead of forcing us to pay for an unnecessary room that we never needed. We were also promised a tour of the train accommodations, but it never happened. Lunch service was quite slow, and on one occasion we had to leave for our game drive before dessert was served. The beverage policy was also confusing. Virgin cocktails and spirits were included separately, but combining the two was treated as a special cocktail, which created unnecessary confusion. Finally, the morning game drive was the biggest disappointment. Leaving at 5:30 a.m. in complete darkness, freezing temperatures, and strong wind made the experience very uncomfortable. For nearly two hours we saw almost no wildlife while driving through recently controlled-burned areas that smelled strongly of smoke. Wildlife only became active after sunrise, making such an early departure seem unnecessary. We believe a 7:00 or 7:30 a.m. departure would provide a much better experience, with more visible animals, warmer weather, and far greater enjoyment. Also, the AC was turned on by the staff turning down before the night and the room became very cold. At night the heater was clicking so loudly that it was not possible to have a comfortable sleep before getting up at 5am for the game drive.

Staff and facilities were excellent

I have never been anywhere more perfect - we felt totally spoilt

The location was spectacular and the food was excellent. We were treated with care and kindness and given everything we asked for. My daughter is a vegetarian and the chef prepared her a separate meal for dinner.

Sometimes the drinks service could have a been a little quicker. But everything was always on hand for self-service.

Everything✨It’s truly a hidden germ.

N/A

Everything, what an amazing stay!

Nothing

Amazing location, fantastic property, brilliant staff.

The comfort and staff are exceptional. Breathtaking views from room overlooking the river. Elephants hippos and crocs.

This seems so petty in the grand scheme of unadulterated luxury. The hospitality couldn’t be improved. The lunch and dinner beautifully presented, could be in a magazine, but I was a little disappointed in taste. Pity but small detail and wouldn’t stop me returning.

The hotel contacted me a few days before my stay to offer an upgraded room in the train suites on the bridge, it was sensational, the awesome views, seeing and hearing the hippos and other wildlife from your bathtub/shower and it is a very lovely suite. All the staff do a fabulous job, everyone you meet goes out of their way to welcome and help you. Great guide on the game drives, very knowledgeable, professional and great company. Excellent to have a transfer service from Skukuza airport, it’s only 5 minutes away, perfect.

The boma / track side dinner, I didn’t much like the food, would have preferred regular dinner menu. The set-up and entertainment was a nice atmosphere, especially if you were a first-time visitor to South Africa and safari lodges.

Everything was good 😊👍

Nothing

Die tolle Aussicht von der Brücke vom Salon des Trains mit Pool.

Das man minütlich nach seiner Zimmernummer gefragt wird.

Amazing accomodation in an equally amazing geographical location!

Everything was perfect.

This place is fantastic. The staff were amazing and there was so much food!!! Literally everything was included except laundry. Wow, just wow.

A little set of drawers in the room to put folded clothes away, but that was the only thing about our whole stay that was a drawback.

Wir waren von der ersten Minute an begeistert - die tolle Lage, das sehr freundliche Personal (ein Kellner hat sich sogar vorgängig unsere Namen gemerkt) das tolle Zimmer (wir hatten die Sunset Suite gebucht), das leckere Essen und natürlich die Game Drives machten den Aufenthalt für uns unvergesslich. Bei der Abreise war sogar unser Auto gewaschen Wir würden definitiv wiederkommen!

Uns hat alles gefallen und wir waren uns bewusst, dass die Game Drives auf den offiziellen Strassen stattfinden. Trotzdem haben wir soviele Tiere gesehen - inkl. Leopard und Wildhunde

Easy logistics, close to the airport picked up with game viewer. Staff well trained and provide great service. Qualified sommelier was a nice bonus. Meals were really good.

Tudo perfeito, sensacional, maravilhoso e emocionante! Todos muito acolhedores, em especial, o Lucky, MK e o Tinashe. Que equipe! Só fechar o olho e ir.

Nada

To all of the wonderful staff at Kruger Shalati - the experience you gave us was out of this world and beyond incredible. From the welcoming and tentative manager and reception, to the incredible cooks and waiters who took such good care of us and provided us with the most delicious meals, to the housekeeping staff always making sure we were fully stocked and made up our beds twice a day, and a very special thank you to guides who worked so hard to provide us with the best sightings! Lawrence- you were the icing on the cake to this trip. This entire was life changing - We recommend Kruger Shalati to everyone!!

Nothing to dislike. Everything was perfect

The service is amazing, our guide is so nice and professional. We had the most amazing time and for sure we will come back.

Nothing

Stunning setting and we watch the stunning sunrise on the pool deck having our morning coffee. We also had a boma braai which were one of the highlights of our trip.

Emplacement exceptionnel. Vue splendide. La baignade dans la piscine au dessus de la sabie river , ses hippos et ses crocodiles est juste incroyable. La décoration est superbe et très soignée. L'entretien et la propreté excellents. La nourriture trés bonne avec une recherche inhabituelle d'originalité, l'usage de produits frais et plus de légumes que dans les autres lodges sud africains. Note spéciale pour les sorbets qui étaient naturels, fameux et légers. Une nuit ou 2 dans cet établissement valent vraiment le coup pour une xpèrience hors du commun..

Le point noir durant notre séjour a été la guidance des safaris. Nous avons des points de comparaison et la qualité était nettement en dessous de ce à quoi l'on peut s'attendre dans un établissement de ce type. Or le prix payé inclue ces safaris qui sont l'un des motifs principaux de la visite. Je ne parle pas de voir ou non les big five, mais bien du manque d'investissement de la ranger dans son métier. Un nouveau Head of the guides a été recruté, il faut espérer que cela va donc s'améliorer. Nous retournerons alors avec plaisir dans ce trés bel établissement et avons maintenu la note de 9 malgré cet inconvénient. Nous ne pouvons en effet commenter la guidance de manière générale puisque nous avons eu la même ranger durant nos 3 jours de séjour.

Отель - исторический поезд расположен на мосту в самом сердце парка Крюгера. Красивые номера с видом на реку и сам парк. Приветливый персонал, вкуснейшая еда! Очень грамотно распланирован день, включено питание и сафари. Прямо рядом с отелем можно увидеть животных в их естественной среде.

Не хватает гигиенического душа в санузле

Everything

The kettle in the rooms.

The place deserves its two michelin stars. Wanted to visit it ever since i read about it on CNN and it did not disapoint! Too many things to list that i liked about the place.

N/A

It is exceptional. A great place to visit and experience such luxury in such a stunning location inside Kruger park towering about the river. The food is amazing, the customer service is outstanding. The rooms were spacious and bed was massive and so comfortable. The mini bar was stocked with class goodies and the shower and bath

I had to leave sadly

1. Delicious food... 4 meal servings - Breakfast, 2 course lunch, tea time and 3 course dinner, then plus snacks during the morning and evening game drives. 2. Good Service...I couldn't get over how everyone called me by name. It shocked me each time. You have one/two waiters dedicated to you for your whole stay 3. Knowledgeable game rangers 4. Snacks in the room where a lovely touch - nuts, biscuits, sweets, full bar bridge with ice - you don't need to leave the property for anything 5. Beautiful property overall - rooms are decorated very well, the bathroom, my gosh and its big and spacious 6. More on service - they make up your room whilst you are out on the morning game drive, so that you never have to wait for your room to be made up during the day. This surprised me so much, because I needed a nap after the game drive.

Things to note not anything I didn't like 1. Spa (massages) is at an additional cost 2. The rate includes alcohol, but may be seen as limited beverage menu e.g. cocktails aren't included in the rate 3. If you like huge pools, you will be a bit disappointed as it is more like a splash pool

The location was fantastic, very picturesque and could see so many animals. Great food and service.

There was so gym.

A lovely choice for breakfast. Starting with fruits, yoghurts and muesli as well as some pastries and then ordering a cooked breakfast. The coffee was also very nice and flavourful.

Helpfulness of staff when asked

Some staff lack initiative Depends on environment to impress guests

Unique.

Some drinks are charged.

Unsere Flitterwochen im Shalati waren perfekt. Das Personal war unheimlich freundlich und aufmerksam. Es war wirklich das Rund-um-Sorglos-Pakt. Das Essen war sehr gut und sehr abwechslungsreich. An einem Abend gab es ein typisch afrikanisches Buffet, das uns sehr gut gefallen hat. Unser Highlight waren aber die Gamedrives und unserer Fahrer Sydney. Wir haben nicht nur die Big 5 und viele andere Tiere gesehen, am meisten beeindruckt hat uns Sydneys respektvoller Umgang mit den Tieren. Zu jederzeit hat er darauf geachtet, dass die Tiere nicht bedrängt oder gestresst werden - und er kannte immer die besten Spots. Wir hatten die Sunset Suite gebucht und haben die Privatsphäre und den Blick auf die Brücke und das Tal sehr genossen und viele Tiere von unserer Terrasse gesehen. Unser Aufenthalt war außergewöhnlich!

Nichts

Out of this world! So unique and spectacular scenery. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by Vlak, who spoiled us on so many occasions. Our team of Bheki and Nketeka made sure every meal was great. And Lawrence, our guide, took us on some truly incredible drives and his knowledge was second to none. We will be back!

Having to leave

Stunning location and concept. Big thanks to the staff - Jeffrey, Sipho, Sibibuso for taking good care of us. The pictures are stunning when you book but reality is even better.

Need a schedule to keep track of game drives and activities. Overall feels a bit too pricey for the experience but if I had a do-over, would do it again

The people. Victor our guide was excellent

The bugs lol

The staff were extremely friendly and the game drives were very professional and sightings were brilliant.

Absolitamrnte comodo, las habitaciones, la vista, el safari, el personal, la comida. Encantador. Repetiria este lugar sin dudarlo.

Beautiful setting, immaculate modern rooms and facilities

We loved everything about the property. The location the staff, the food, the service… everything was exceptional!

N/A

Absolutamente tudo perfeito durante nossa estada. A nossa ranger Ayanda, que fez todas as nossas viagens, com muita segurança, explicando cada um dos comportamentos do mundo selvagem. A equipe é muito competente e treinada, isso nos chamou muito a atenção, durante as refeições, durante a reposição e arrumação do quarto em geral. Quando estivemos hospedados estava tendo reparo na pintura da ponte, e todos da equipe de reparo estavam muito bem treinados também. Muito solicitos, educados e se preocupavam com o nosso bem estar. As instalações são um show a parte, camas muito confortáveis, janelas com vista incrível, piscina maravilhosa, todos os equipamentos de qualidade, ar condicionados, chuveiros, cafeteiras, geladeiras, tudo em bom estado. Minha esposa é vegetariana e teve todas as refeições personalizadas para sua dieta. Gostou muito da comida. Estávamos em lua de mel e fizeram toda uma arrumação especial para o nosso quarto, que também reforça a atenção da equipe conosco.

Incredible all round experience!

Nothing, everything has been top notch

We came to Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge for our honeymoon, and I can honestly say it’s the best hotel experience we’ve ever had — and it’s not even close. The whole concept is just magic. A luxury train sitting on a bridge over the Sabie River sounds cool, but being there is something else entirely. You’re having a drink or sitting in your room and there’s wildlife moving below you — it doesn’t feel real half the time. We stayed in Room 23, which had a bath overlooking the river and forest. At one point we were literally watching hippos from the bath. Those are the kind of moments you just don’t get anywhere else. The staff were flawless. Every single person we came across was warm, attentive, and genuinely cared — not forced, just natural. Aylanda, our guide, was unbelievable. Easily the best guide you could ask for — knowledgeable, calm, and just a genuinely lovely person to spend time with. She completely made the game drives for us. And Benedict, the manager, couldn’t do enough for you. He’s constantly around making sure everything is perfect without ever being overbearing. The food… ridiculous. I’ve stayed in a lot of good hotels and this was the best food I’ve had anywhere. Not “good for all-inclusive” — genuinely top level. The bao buns at lunch were insane. Small touches made a big difference too — the minibar is fully included and constantly topped up, with plenty of alcohol. It just adds to that feeling that everything is taken care of. The game drives were on another level. We saw the Big 5 in a single day, which still doesn’t feel real. At one point a rhino was so close to the vehicle I genuinely felt like I could’ve leant out and touched it. Another highlight was watching baby elephants crossing the road with their parents — one of those moments you just stop and take in. We went in March and had proper African heat (32+), with the odd bit of rain which if anything made it even more atmospheric.

N/a

Sehr schöne Lage mit schöner Aussicht aus dem Zimmer

Wurden als Gay Throuple diskriminiert. Erst meinte man man hat keine Zimmer für drei. Habe dann ein extra Zimmer gebucht. Bei der Ankunft wurde uns verweigert zu dritt im Zimmer zu schlafen. Am nächsten Tag wurden wir von Managment angesprochen warum wir trotzdem zu dritt geschlafen hätten . Hier wird man diskrimibiert znd überwacht wer auf welchem Timmer schläft. So was schlimmes habe ich noch nie erlebt. Das Restaurant hat mit Sicherheit keine 2 Michelin Sterne verdient.

Absolutely everything was exceptional. The rooms, location, food, especially the staff. The safari experience was amazing as well as our guide, Tebogo. I can’t recommend this place enough

Nothing - everything was fantastic

We did 8 nights of Safari across 4 camps, so we want to give an honest review. The first 3 nights were at Kruger Shalati, which is the accomodation in the train carriages! This place is awesome and excellent value for money. Everything is included - 4 meals a day which is far too many, all free wine etc (you can pay for cocktails but they are cheap), 2 game drives a day, great staff, very attentive, great animal viewing right from the accomodation and one of the 3 pools. We highly, highly recommend Kruger Shalati and will be back for sure. 1 night Rhino Post - Don't waste your money 2 nights Plains Camp - Pleasant but you don't see animals on walking tours 3 nights Geiger's Motswani - Fabulous. Not as good a value as Shalati but the game drives are exceptional

Loved it all

Everything! The rooms, the food, the game drives, the whole experience was awesome!

Nothing

Train accommodation was fantastic. Great views and animal spotting below the bridge. Friendly staff. Great selection of wines.

Food was disappointing. Not 5 star. No light options at lunch time. Expected to dine straight from the game drive but we still went to our room to freshen up and change first. No bar for a relaxing evening drink.

Food was great and the staff were kind and friendly.

Our stay not long enough.

Everything was perfect - awesome view and excellent service.

Everything! Such a special place, the accommodation, the food and the staff were all amazing! Staff made my wife’s birthday particularly memorable, made a cake and the whole waiting team came out into the restaurant singing as a choir with birthday songs - wonderful!

Nothing we didn’t like

Exceptional experience. All staff members were so helpful, friendly and dedicated to make sure you are having the best time! Shout out to Gift and Kate. We were looking forward to your friendly faces at lunch and dinner time!

Location of rooms overlooking river Staff service was excellent

Dinner service - food was average and in one case shocking

Nicht so leicht zu finden

The property is exceptionally beautiful and has been a pleasure staying here. Staff friendly and trained

Nothing

The Train Hotel Rooms are stunning. The pool and view over the river are breathtaking. However it was Musa our Safari guide that truly made our time here outstanding, such an incredible experience.

Everything!

Safari rides and accommodation is unique

Habitaciones, personal, ubicación, gastronomía

Nada...de verdad todo perfecto. Quizás el baño ducha muy expuesto

Such an amazing location. We just did one night here just for the experience.

Nothing it was fab

A experiência no Shalati hotel é inesquecível O lugar é muito lindo A vista da suíte no trem e da área da piscina são incríveis Tudo muito luxuoso,na medida certa,e também confortável A comida é excelente e o atendimento muito atencioso. Os game drives são privados e muito cheios de cuidado Nosso guia Victor foi um amor.Muito simpático e empenhado em nos mostrar tudo e explicar também. MUITO TOP Recomendo muitíssimo Importante ressaltar que os quartos que não são no vagão de trem são também muito bons.

Nada

The room and location were incredible. The food was delicious. Our game driver Ayanda was amazing and we could not have had a better experience. From the airport transfer to all the little details. It was just perfectly organized and thought out.

It was all amazing.

Shalati Hotel exceeded my expectations in every way - from the attentive staff and excellent food and wine to the stunning views and comfortable room. A truly unique experience and absolutely worth a visit.