Selati Bridge Celebrates a Century of Railway Tourism in Kruger National Park

October 25, 2023
Lifestyle, Luxury Accommodation

Kruger Shalati celebrates a momentous occasion: a century since the inaugural overnight railway stay and bush feast by tourists into the renowned Kruger National Park.

In 1886, with the discovery of gold in the Selati River basin, a surge of fortune seekers was naturally drawn to the Murchison Range, southeast of Tzaneen, marking the rich history of Kruger Shalati. And then in 1893, authorities approved plans for a railway line, which crews completed by 1894, connecting Komatipoort to Newington (now within the Sabie Sand Game Reserve), with the exception of the Sabi Bridge, now recognized as the Selati Bridge, situated at Skukuza. Nevertheless, construction faced delays due to corruption and the South African War in 1899. It eventually resumed in 1909, and in 1912, the Selati line officially opened for railway traffic, marking its completion.

The Enchanting ‘Round in Nine Tour’ – Kruger Park’s Pioneering Days

In 1923, as gold reserves dwindled, the ‘Round in Nine Tour’ was introduced to boost railroad profits. This 9-day tour of Mozambique and the Lowveld was a captivating journey. James Stevenson-Hamilton, the Park’s first warden, collaborated with the organizing authority to promote Kruger Park. The tour included a night’s rest at the Selati Bridge before proceeding to Newington at the break of dawn.

The captivating leg through the game reserve was one of the trip’s highlights. Evenings came alive with enchanting tales, melodies from a grand piano, and exquisite dining experiences around a magnificent campfire near the Selati Bridge. A skilled game ranger accompanied the tour, guiding eager tourists on short walks through the untamed bush.

James Stevenson-Hamilton’s Vision for Kruger Park’s Enduring Legacy

This pivotal moment marked the birth of a culture of conservation. James Stevenson-Hamilton eloquently stated, “The public’s fascination with animals and the conversations I overheard among guests gave me confidence in the potential of our national park scheme. It could be a cherished asset to the country, and hearteningly, the South African public, despite tradition, demonstrated a profound appreciation for wildlife without a desire to harm them.”

Of course over time, the number of trains multiplied, and environmental concerns emerged. They eventually rerouted the Selati Line along the park’s border, bidding farewell to the legendary overnight Kruger bush feast after 50 years of grandeur in 1973.

Kruger Shalati’s Remarkable Transformation into a Modern Experience

However, in 2016, a vision of restoration emerged. Sanparks aimed to rekindle this illustrious history, creating an enchanting space where visitors could revisit this unique experience. The Motsamayi Tourism Group had the honour of developing Kruger Shalati, The Train on the Bridge, and Kruger Station where the original train may be viewed in a modern setting.