Tucked high above the Sabie River on a historic railway bridge in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge offers more than just breathtaking views and luxury lodging. It invites guests on a culinary safari that mirrors the rich, immersive experience of the bush itself - authentic, sensory, and rooted deeply in the land.
At the heart of this gastronomic journey is a synergy between the soil and the stove. Head Groundskeeper Philemon, a quiet steward of the land, tends to the lodge’s thriving vegetable and herb garden with the kind of meticulous devotion usually reserved for fine art. From heirloom tomatoes to fiery chilies, every ingredient harvested reflects the rhythms of the wild.
Enter Executive Chef Vusi, the creative force behind the lodge’s award-winning cuisine. Named Best in Class for Service and Food by the 2023 Rasa Rosetta Awards, Chef Vusi draws direct inspiration from the safari itself. “The thrill of the game drive, the wind in your face, the exhilaration of a sighting - we bring that same spirit into every meal,” he explains.
The result is a menu that celebrates South African heritage while embracing global technique. Highlights include lamb rump rubbed with xigugu - a Tsonga blend of roasted corn and peanuts - and theatrically presented desserts that captivate as much as they satisfy. A standout is the sugar paper reveal, where desserts emerge from smoke and flame in a slow, captivating burn.
Adding an international twist, Chef Manqoba brings his cruise-ship-honed culinary flair to the kitchen. His signature Chilli XO sauce, a slow-simmered mélange of shrimp, ham, calamari, and locally grown chilies, elevates dishes like fire-grilled scallops to gourmet heights.
Vegetarians are not an afterthought here. Dishes starring beetroot, leafy greens, and garden-grown herbs ensure that every guest - regardless of dietary preference - can savour the fruits of the land. Each plate is paired with carefully selected local and international wines, reinforcing the lodge’s commitment to a refined, all-encompassing dining experience.
More than a meal, dining at Kruger Shalati is a continuation of the safari - a feast for the senses that begins with the soil, peaks in the kitchen, and lingers long after the final course.
Discover more or plan your own journey into the wild at krugershalati.com.
