Developing Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge

Abstract

This is a case study on the development of the Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge, a themed, luxury boutique hotel in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Two key drivers of this project were authenticity and a strong ethos for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Considering the target market the hotel serves and the local situation, this case study explains why modular construction was better to build parts of the property, instead of using traditional in situ construction methods. It further explains how the hotel was built, and the challenges that had to be addressed to complete the project. Finally, it examines how the use of modular construction methods and the uniqueness of the project impacted the normal hotel pre-opening activities and ongoing hotel operations. This case study has been prepared after reviewing published materials about the project and extensively interviewing five senior members of the project team.