The much-anticipated Kruger Station is opening this weekend. The food precinct is situated in Skukuza Rest Camp along the historical Selati line.
The Kruger Station goes beyond the usual bacon-and-egg breakfasts, or home-packed sandwich lunches eaten at its various stops, with a far more pleasurable and exciting way to spend an hour or two before guests resume their search for the Big Five.
The Kruger Station is part of the exciting Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge hotel project. Opening up this weekend are the Enroute Grab ‘N Go Deli and the Departing Soon coffee and icecream cafe. Guests are able to either enjoy the delectable foods while sitting in the open seating area or where they can quickly stop for a takeaway
‘This project is very dear to our hearts and has been in the works for some time,’ says Judiet Barnes Concession General Manager for Kruger Shalati.
‘After much planning and consideration into what is the best product for the Kruger Station, we could not be prouder of the final outcome! We are delighted to finally open to the public and share our labour of love with all Kruger enthusiasts and foodies alike’
The station structure was built in the 1980’s to house the heritage train currently parked in Skukuza, Kruger National Park (KNP).
This new opening sees the rebirth and modernisation of this iconic station to add to its heritage with an artisanal food and beverage offering (which combines family dining, bar and a deli/takeaways), a 360-degree cinema, kids play area and a retailing area.
The Round in 9 (bar and casual dining) will open it’s seating for guests to enjoy their meals from the Deli while the bar aspect will open once alcohol sales are permitted following the regulations of the lockdown levels implemented by the government.
The 3638 sit-down family restaurant, 360-degree cinema and the Li’l Gricers play zone will all open at different points over the next few weeks and months.
For now, however, the deli will have you covered with exquisite foods suited for the whole family. Wipe away all expectations of typical takeaway foods and imagine instead gourmet foods prepared by world-renowned chef, Andrew Atkinson.
The menu at En Route serves up mouth-watering sandwiches such one that is layered with succulent pork sausages, mounds of crispy bacon, caramelised onions, wild herbs and a grain mustard dressing; a delicious smokey flame-grilled beef patty on fresh baked ciabatta bun with shredded lettuce, tangy mayonnaise, fire-roasted tomato relish, beer-battered thick cut onion rings and hard-to-resist legendary triple fried crispy fries; indulgent takeaway pizzas; and sweet treats that will have you cheating on your diet in no time at all.
For those needing a heavenly cup of java made up of more than just water, coffee and milk, look no further than Departing Soon with its extensive drinks menu suited to even the pickiest of travelers.
‘The opening of the Kruger Station, the first phase of the Kruger Shalati Project, is something that we are thoroughly excited about,’ says Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Tourism Group – the majority shareholder in this development.
‘This is a much-anticipated and very different destination for visitors to the Kruger National Park and we are looking forward to seeing how guests react to this exciting addition to one of Africa’s largest and most popular game reserves.
‘We anticipate that visitors will be thrilled to have the chance to get out again, to enjoy nature and the magnificence of our wild animals, while also being able to experience exciting food within the safari setting of the park, all within the necessary safe social distancing.’
Gavin Ferreira, GM: Operations of the new Kruger Station lifestyle precinct in the KNP notes that the planned and phased opening of various parts of Kruger Station will be done in compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
‘We have to be compliant with very stringent world standards. Trust in an establishment is almost the new currency in which we work. We’re considering the guest experience from their arrival in the car park all the way to their interaction with staff, in line with the mandatory and recommended FEDHASA health and safety measures,’ concludes Ferreira.
Image credit: Supplied/ Francois van Zyl / Africa Photographic
