The steam locomotive grinds to a slow, hissing halt. Passengers disembark, stepping out under a vast African sky, and settle in for a night of festivity and food under the stars. Even a honky-tonk piano is brought down to add to the night’s entertainment. It’s 1920, and the Kruger National Park is the wild frontier. The intrepid adventurers settle in for the evening around the fires, on the banks of the Sabie River…
At Kruger Shalati, we’ve brought this magical vision back to life with our newly completed offering – Trackside Dining, where history and nostalgia meet culinary excellence in a uniquely enchanting setting.
Inspired by the golden era of rail travel, our Trackside Dining is a true blend of heritage and innovation. Concession General Manager, Gavin Ferreira, who helped shape this vision, beautifully captures it: “We wanted to create something different, something that truly honours the legacy of these historic rail journeys.”
As you enter this special space, you’ll notice its seamless harmony with the natural surroundings. Thoughtfully crafted using reclaimed railway materials, rustic corrugated iron, and beautiful leadwood trees, Trackside Dining embodies Kruger Shalati’s heritage.
Gavin affectionately calls this space an “architectural marvel,” describing it as a captivating blend of textures and natural elegance. “Integral to this project was Hesse Kleinloog – the studio that’s been there since Day One in the initial dreaming-up and design of Kruger Shalati’s interiors,” Gavin continues. “We’ve incorporated many of the design elements found throughout the Kruger Shalati experience – calling back the colours, shapes and textures of the bridge and the carriages atop it.”
The true heart of Trackside Dining lies in its deliciously genuine food, crafted with passion by our Head Chef, Vusi Mbatha. The concept, “Kruger Kitchen “, offers a forage-to-fork culinary journey that is authentically South African, beautifully presented yet reassuringly unpretentious and down-to-earth.
Chef Vusi highlights dishes like “umfino,” a wild spinach locally known as “thyeke,” promising “real food, immediately delicious, healthy and nutritious, beautiful, and packed full of flavour.”
But it’s more than just a meal – Trackside Dining stirs the emotions. Lodge Manager, Justice Mutshinya, deeply moved by this magical venue, shares: “Most of the time, even myself, when I walk in there, I feel more like a guest… The space is inviting and instantly engaging. It’s genuinely one of the most amazing places I’ve seen in my whole career.” Guests returning from their game drive adventures find themselves surprised and captivated by this lantern-lit haven, creating unforgettable moments of wonder.
With Kruger Kitchen and Trackside Dining, our deep commitment to community and sustainability truly shines. Ingredients are sourced directly from local farmers, including Andries from our housekeeping team, whose family farm supplies our kitchen, ensuring quality in every dish and strengthening our bonds with the local community.
Three years in the making, this new space will house guests for dining, group events, late-night drinks around the fire pits, and even intimate private dining set-ups.
Beyond that, this versatile space will serve as a vibrant cultural hub, offering storytelling, stargazing, live performances, and intimate interactions with our dedicated guides. Each Trackside Dining evening is a chance for genuine connections and cultural enrichment.
In Gavin’s words, “This is an exceptional experience. We want to share the rich heritage of Shangaan culture.”
Chef Vusi invites our guests to “come on a culinary journey” to the heart of traditional and seasonal Shangaan cuisine.
“Sourcing our produce locally not only cuts out the middleman but ensures freshness and quality. It also allows us to keep the menu ever-changing and in line with the land and the seasons,” continues Chef Vusi.
Trackside Dining at Kruger Shalati isn’t merely dinner; it’s an invitation to experience the warmth of genuine hospitality in the wild, true African authenticity, and more than a little bit of magic beneath the stars.
The summer rains have reshaped the landscape of the Kruger, and with them, the way the park is experienced in this moment. From our vantage point on the bridge, we’ve been witnessing a season of resilience, collaboration, and extraordinary wildlife encounters unfold day by day.
Published: 21 January 2026 at 11:00 amFrequently Asked Questions Is Kruger Shalati open despite the recent rainfall? Yes. Kruger Shalati remains open, fully operational, and warmly welcoming guests.While…
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