Returning to a place for a second time is something I never take for granted. It’s a rare privilege to stay at the extraordinary Kruger Shalati again, this time with my daughter.
Approaching the structure, I fondly recall my stay at Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge in 2021. An engineering marvel, the stationary train has unobstructed views of the Sabie River from your bed and your bath. Why visit here again? Back then, the experience resonated with luxury, authenticity, and a sense of community. And why not share it with a like-minded safari enthusiast, making the stay even more meaningful?
This time, we are staying in one of the Bridge House Suites, Kruger Shalati’s land-based rooms that have a similar aesthetic to those of the Carriage Suites. With seven suites situated in a picture-perfect garden setting, guests accommodated at the Bridge House Suites can look forward to the same level of excellence in lodging, cuisine, and service that is an integral part of the Kruger Shalati promise.
When Camp Manager Benedict shows us to our Sunset Suite, we are delighted to discover that not only is the suite located in the corner of the garden, providing great privacy, but it has its own plunge pool. No wonder it’s a popular choice amongst honeymooners of couples looking for somewhere extra special to reside. The Bridge House Suites are also ideal for multi-generational travel, which is a big trend at the moment.
Following its opening towards the end of 2021, the Bridge House Suites are decorated by the same team responsible for the Carriage Suites, and HK Studio retained the beloved steampunk look. Opening the door to our suite, it’s evident that all creature comforts were considered and incorporated. The King Sized bed is draped in silky soft white bedding, with scatter cushions and a Kruger Shalati branded blanket draped over the foot of the bed, adding accents of color. The most incredible part of our suite is the spacious bathroom, comprising a freestanding bath, double vanities, a flush loo, and an inside shower. Sitting outside on our private deck, we are contemplating a swim in the afternoon, but for the moment, we take in the vistas over The Train and appreciate the sight of the Sabie River, where wildlife come and go as they please.
Having to contend with the challenges during the build of the property, Kruger Shalati General Manager Gavin Ferreira tells me over coffee at Bridge House that the biggest factor was the 2020 pandemic. “Fortunately, we were able to open in late 2020, with the Bridge House Suites welcoming their first guests in December 2021. Constructing in Big Five territory is not for the faint-hearted, and the elements out here can be extreme in summer with high humidity, so we kept the team hydrated. We have wildlife in and out of camp on a daily basis, and the sneaky ones like hyenas and especially vervet monkeys keep a close eye on things for any opportunity that they can benefit from. Working in Kruger National Park comes with its own set of requirements, which include environmental care and low impact, which we’ve managed to achieve by being fully solar powered and reusing items, such as the leadwood trees that take pride of place in the dining area.”
A few new additions have been implemented at Kruger Shalati, such as the in-room spa treatments and private dining on the northern deck. Meals become a sensational culinary journey through ‘The Kruger Kitchen’, with your safari extending from the wilderness to your meal. Head Chef Vusi Mbatha is visibly excited about the unique dining experiences that guests will enjoy at Kruger Shalati. Born in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Vusi found an emotional connection through food when he was assisting a chef in his kitchen. “I never really looked into becoming a chef,” he says to me as we sit on the sunken deck overlooking The Train. Dressed in his white chef’s jacket, he speaks with passion about his craft. “When I started out, everything changed with the cutting board and the ingredients – there was a link and I became a different person.”
As Head Chef in his third year at Kruger Shalati, he admits that it’s never a one-man project, because he believes it would not be sustainable. With a great support structure in the kitchen when he’s not around, he credits the rest of his team with producing exemplary dishes. “It’s a collaboration of ideas and everyone gives input”, Chef says. “When we need to change the menu, we provide opportunity for those involved to taste, critique, and then it’s made into something somewhat surprising to the locals, and with international excellence.”
Chef continues: “Our cuisine has an African and global feel, and we have favorites and longstanding dishes, which we pair with award-winning South African and international wines. We read a lot of books; I don’t have to go to Spain anymore to discover their foods thanks to the Internet, and chefs these days are very generous in sharing recipes forthrightly. Once a year, I travel to Cape Town with my General Manager to try different places and to look at what’s happening in the food scene. It’s an inspiration to us. For guests who enjoy delicious food, Kruger Shalati’s Trackside Dining is sure to make a difference in the way they see and taste what we cook up. Think Argentinian grills, rotisseries, varying types of braais, smokers, and a pizza oven. It’s authentic African dining, and Kruger Shalati is no longer the new kid on the block. We’ve grown in leaps and bounds and intend to do so for many years.”
A visit to Kruger Shalati would be incomplete without a game drive, and Guide Lawrence meets us after High Tea for our safari. This afternoon, it’s all about the elephants. Various herds are feeding on the greenery, and the cutest calf is having a playful time with its sibling. The calf is rather young, evident by the hair it’s sporting called lanugo, as opposed to those older who have smoother leathery skin. A few bulls are having a great time pulling out grass right next to the road. One of them has beautifully detailed tusks, and he uses his trunk to deposit the food into his mouth. We stay with them until they head off into the bush.
Our morning game drive is filled to the brim with once-in-a-lifetime sightings. We happen upon two sub-adult male lions walking in the middle of the road. They veer off down the embankment to quench their thirst in a little stream, and the sound effects are astounding as they lap up the cooling substance. Further afield, we find the lions’ fathers having a lovely snooze. Suddenly, Lawrence speeds up the vehicle, and there is another pride, this one with females and cubs of different ages. The youngest cubs stay close to one another, as safety in numbers is crucial in lion survival.
Driving back to the property, Lawrence suddenly announces, ‘Oh, there’s a leopard. ’ Nearly giving ourselves whiplash to see where he is pointing, this gorgeous big cat is sitting in a tree. Known for their elusive nature, he immediately jumps down. We give him a moment to get used to our presence, and as luck would have it, he ascends the tree for less than a minute before disappearing into the tall grass. Our afternoon game drive is almost a carbon copy in terms of animal sightings, and we encounter another leopard! Strolling along the road, a stunning male leopard pauses every often to mark his territory. We fully appreciate the rarity of seeing not one, but two leopards during our sojourn, ensuring that Kruger Shalati is an elevated safari experience second to none.
How to Book with Mahlatini Luxury Travel | Heléne’s internal flights in South Africa were generously sponsored by Mahlatini Luxury Travel. Founded in 2002 as a luxury African travel specialist, Mahlatini has been curating bespoke safari and cultural itineraries for discerning clients who place sustainability at the top of their travel agenda. An independent brand with offices in the UK and South Africa, Mahlatini’s reputation is built on authenticity, exceptional customer service, and first-hand experience. Proudly certified as the first independent African tour operator to join the global community of B Corp businesses, recognizing their highest standards of social and environmental performance. Every single trip is uniquely customized to the client’s exact wishlist, and from the moment of introduction to arrival home, you are guided through one of life’s great journeys. To plan your next African adventure, browse www.mahlatini.com/us, contact experts@mahlatini.com, or call +44 28 9073 6050.
