This train will go nowhere but reminds of the past

Will a train on the almost 100-year-old bridge over the Sabie River at Skukuza influence the experience of other visitors to the camp and the Kruger National Park (KNP)?

Judiet Barnes, manager of the project, answered this and other concerns about the Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge project.

The project originated around 2014, when the KNP was forced to start funding itself after government contribution trickled down to insufficient drops. As it coincided with the then-closure of the Selati Restaurant, it was decided to expand the operation to make better use of available premises.

Tenders for a suitable project opened in 2016. “We realised the park’s need for income and felt that any further demise of the park would be far worse than a train on an already-existing bridge,” Barnes said about the Thebe Group’s interest.

After environmental impact studies by Mpumalanga consultancy Emross Consulting, Thebe got the green light to proceed. Strict regulations regarding impact on the environment, light pollution and other conditions were set and the company will be strictly monitored for adherence, Barnes said. “It was a tedious process to get to where we are and we will not endanger it in any way.”

Two sets of engineers had assessed the bridge and both found it still very solid.

Regarding fears about the impact of floods, Barnes said that water levels have never before reached the bridge. The closest was in 2000, when it reached up to three metres below the track.

The stationary train will have a low environmental impact and ample barriers and safety measures will also ensure visitors’ safety. Only children older than 12 years will be allowed to accompany parents in bridge accommodation.

The current Waterkant Guesthouse and Selati Station Restaurant will form part of project and called Kruger Station. All will be accessed via an existing road from the Skukuza day visitors’ side, with ample parking space east of the station. The restaurant and public areas will be open to all visitors and with buses and OSVs able to park there, it can lift pressure off the current camp traffic.

The Waterkant accommodation and first room on the bridge will be wheelchair-friendly and a golf cart can transport guests to the furthest rooms if needed.

Thebe Tourism will build new rooms for SANParks to replace those taken away by the utilisation of Waterkant Guesthouse.

Due to the strict conditions to reduce light pollution all western windows of the train carriages are permanently closed off. Instead, bigger windows are installed on the eastern side. Walkway lights will be installed on ground level and motion-activated.

As the fairly high rates target a more sophisticated market, it is expected that noise would not be an issue. These rates had been calculated according to the large investment that went into the project and return on the investment and equity payback taken into account. “We realise this experience is probably out of the reach of most South Africans, but we will offer special discounted rates as soon as we can establish when low season occupancies would occur.”

She foresees that a few rooms will already be open by December with bookings to open soon. The project will operate as a normal concession, with monthly rental and a percentage of revenue being paid to SANParks.

The (old) railway carriages are being adapted in Johannesburg to minimise the impact on the environment.

The Thebe Group was established by Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Beyers Naudé and Enos Mabuza to build communities. According to Barnes the current CEO of Thebe Tourism, Jerry Mabena, is a good leader and avid KNP enthusiast.

“The company runs under strong fundamentals and also holds a concession at the Table Mountain National Park,” Barnes said.

“Building communities means creating sustainable projects that enhance lives through employment, therefore we will employ mainly local people.” Experts in specialised fields may be employed to train employees until the staff would consist completely of locals.