JAKARTA - Want to feel a different sensation of staying in South Africa compared to the ones that have been there before? Curious to stay at a hotel built from a train on a rail that crosses a national park? This hotel could be the answer.
This hotel is a nearly 100 year old train that sits on the Straits suspension bridge, which spans the river in the heart of Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Lovingly restored, this hotel offers 24 fully equipped train rooms with spectacular natural backdrops, from the wildlife viewing deck to even a swimming pool jutting off the rails.
"I think we took a very big risk. I never thought we would be operational and have guests come during that time," said cabin manager Justice Muchinya.
However, Kruger Salati: The Train on the Bridge proved to be an instant success.
"Since we opened, we have had a lot of guests who will extend or guests who will return and that is not usually the case with lodges," Muchinya told Reuters.
"So it tells you that we are offering, something that no one has experienced before."
Kruger Salati has also been a lifesaver for locals in need of work amid a record high unemployment of nearly 35 percent. Since starting operations, the hotel has employed nearly 200 people.
The business has lost 20 percent of revenue since the Omicron variant of the coronavirus emerged late last year, with many international tourists canceling it.
However, as current travel restrictions ease and ease, the number of visitors to the hotel has increased again, said hotel manager Gavin Ferreira.
"We've seen tons of animals (while) just sitting on the bed brushing their teeth, you know? So there's no place in the world where you can experience something like that," said local tourist Rogan Pillay.
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