Luxury Train Hotel on Kruger's Selati Bridge

[Lisbeth]

Thank you very much STF

[Richprins]

I feel that the Africa Wild listees might just be a bit biased.



Thanks, stf!

Maybe put up some of the replies you received in 2016 here?

[H. erectus]

Hi steamtrainfan, I read your article, much bemused!!

An avid supporter of steam trains and nostalgia thereto,
also a concerned conservation critic!!

I get your drift, in trying to mix and match both your hobbies
for all practical purpose and intent, a bridge, a train, set in the
the wilderness, nostalgia to umpth degree!!!

Dear friend, may I suggest we try keep nostalgia from within
the constraints of conservation! I love steam myself, there be
a large fraternity practicing reintroduction of such.

There was/is a place for all good situation in life,..

[steamtrainfan]

Here are some comments from the railway group.

Three coaches currently at Skukuza? When I was there in July there was only one lounge coach and the Class 24 steam loco.

I can remember your original posting on this subject as well as some of the responses received. I, for one, think that the proposal has a lot of merit.

A train themed accommodation has been successfully running down at Mosselbay for some years, so I can't see why the Selati proposal would be any different.

I seem to remember that two of the coaches were destroyed by fire some time ago, which does only leave the lounge car and the class 24.

One presumes that the organisers of this realise the logistics involved in bringing in more coaches and only after these have been bought and refurbished by someone like Rovos for instance, so expensive it will be.
I think that the idea could work but I would leave the old bridge uncluttered. If a train was actually seen passing over the bridge and moving on as they did, then fine but I'm not so sure about a train full of people in the game reserve parked there on a permanent basis. The less commercial clutter in the Kruger the better. Yes, even stationary railway coaches. Within the station precincts, then fine and more genuine in a sense too.

Thanks for asking our opinion.


, I thought the coaches will look nice on the bridge, and I still think it will, but what you say about placing it in the station makes sense. Calitzdorp will also look nice with a few coaches there, and maybe a truck by the shed, but also not too many.

I tend to agree - having a set of carriages standing permanently on that bridge would definitely detract from the serenity of the area, especially with people hanging out of windows and no doubt wandering around.

What would be a better idea is
Use a rail trolley (Wickham) to take guests over the bridge to view game from the other bank

From the USA - "Great idea - I'm in! (as a paying guest that is)"



My (stf) personal opinion is to house the coaches for sleeping and meals at the station and then take guests for an early morning ride on the trolley across the river to some viewpoints/hides that could be built.
The costs of getting a class 24 locomotive into running order again are horrendous.

[Richprins]

Excellent, stf!

Much appreciated.

They still have to get the coaches in, and maybe let the viewers know that taxpayer money will probably be used, which is a big concern!

[Lisbeth]

Thank you, STF I wonder if Sanparks know what they will be facing, if they manage to get all the permits Were there any estimated costs written anywhere? I am sure that there were none, because the amount would probably raise a choir of protests

[H. erectus]

Hi STF, a rather awkward throw at you, your mission
not quite clear!! Are you into revitalizing steam trains
for the mere nostalgia accompanied or maybe one better,
introducing steam for the sake of conservation??

Selati bridge, although historic, can only be appreciated as
total contravention regarding spoiling of pristine nature!!!

In other words, history cannot be a benefactor in securing
pristine nature!! Mechanized steam and all!!

I beg to remind you, KNP, a small world, where man man and
all his shortcoming, really are not welcome!!

Selati bridge and all bygone commiseration quite up the ally
of the curator!!! Big bucks to be found in a pathetic political
misconception!!!

The curators, I seem to believe and all their wonderful intentions,
not really into coal, steam and all mechanics that lend thereto,..


In other words the curator must refrain from using all other ulterior
motive so as to achieve his/her goal!!

KNP cannot be classed as a common derivative, in a somewhat steamy
situation!!!

[Flutterby]

Thanks stf.

[Lisbeth]

Kruger Selati (Pty) Ltd

Basic Assessment Report for the development of upmarket tourism accommodation on the Selati Railway Bridge, Skukuza,
Kruger National Park

BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT February 2018

Background Information Document- Selati Bridge.pdf

(1.17 MiB) Downloaded 269 times

[Lisbeth]

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT?
The purpose of this document is to:
 Inform Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) about the proposed project, and to invite them to participate in the
Environmental Impact Assessment process;
 Provide a brief background on the proposed project; and
 Explain the aims and objectives of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND TO THIS DEVELOPMENT?
The South African National Parks identified the opportunity for the utilisation of existing infrastructure associated with the
Selati Railway Line and Bridge in and adjacent to the Skukuza Rest Kamp in the Kruger National Park, and invited interested
investors/developers to submit proposals and to tender for the opportunity. Sithole Restoration Services (Pty) Ltd. submitted
the winning bid and are now in the process of applying for the required environmental authorization to proceed with their
development plans under the name of Kruger Selati (Pty) Ltd.

WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?
The proposed development includes a number of interrelated components described as follows:
1. Twelve railway carriages, consistent with the historical heritage significance of the Selati Bridge and associated railway
infrastructure, will be refurbished and fitted off-site to provide luxury accommodation with two on suite bedrooms per
carriage, thus providing a 48 bed upmarket tourism accommodation facility that will be permanently positioned on the
Selati Bridge over the Sabie River, adjacent to the Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park (see B in Fig. 1).
2. An additional carriage fitted out as a lounge will be positioned between sleeper carriages four and five (counting from
the south).
3. Walkways will be fitted to the western side of the bridge in keeping with the design style of the bridge, to facilitate guest
and management access from both the south and north access points of the bridge. This walkway will be wide enough
to allow access by an electric golf car.
4. On the eastern side of the lounge carriage a deck extending along the length of the carriage plus a 10m x 10m extension,
will be constructed on top of the existing pump house structure and a small plunge pool will be positioned in the middle
of the deck with space around and adjacent being used for the servicing of food and beverages to guests.
5. The existing Selati Restaurant footprint will be refurbished and fitted to provide the following facilities (see A in Fig. 1):
Emross Consulting (Pty) Ltd. Page 2
Basic Assessment for the development of upmarket
tourism accommodation on the Selati Railway
Bridge, Skukuza, Kruger National Park
a. Parking for both guests and the general public;
b. Guest reception area inclusive of office and luggage and restrooms;
c. A fine dining restaurant for guests;
d. A family restaurant for the general public from which there will be access to the station area where the
refurbished Selati Railway Engine may be viewed and there will be access to interpretative and edutainment
areas which will highlight the historical value of the train and the railway line; and a
e. Departure/arrival point for overnight guests to be transported to the bridge via the existing pump trolley to a
point just south of the sleeper carriages.
6. A stationary box carriage positioned on the existing railway tracks just to the north of the sleeper carriages to serve as
storage and backdrop for bush diner functions and the departure/return of game drives (see G in Fig. 1).
7. The existing Waterkant Guest Houses to be included into the concession and refurbished as upmarket 12 bed guest
accommodation in line with the style of the sleeper carriages and the facility as a whole, also to include a lounge and fine
dining restaurant for overnight guests, and a wellness and pampering facility (see C in Fig. 1).
8. A replacement accommodation unit comprising 12 beds to be constructed for SANParks immediately adjacent and to the
west of the existing Nyati Guest House (see D in Fig. 1).
Note that items 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 described above are subject to the Application for Environmental Authorisation. The other
components fall within an existing development footprint; they may be developed and operated independently and are
therefore not subject to this assessment process and application. The complete description is provided to ensure that I&APs
are provided with the full picture and are able to see the proposal in context.
Figure 1: Position of the components making up the Shalati Kruger National Park development proposal.

WHERE IS THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT?
The proposed development is planned to be located on the Selati Railway Bridge and within existing footprints adjacent to
the Bridge and the Selati Railway Line in and adjacent to the Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park at central GPS
Co-ordinates 24°59'30.81"S and 31°35'49.15"E. The site is within the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, the Ehlanzeni District
Municipality and the Mpumalanga Province.
Emross Consulting (Pty) Ltd. Page 3
Basic Assessment for the development of upmarket
tourism accommodation on the Selati Railway
Bridge, Skukuza, Kruger National Park
Figure 2: Location of the proposed development on the Selati Railway Bridge in the Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National
Park.

WHY IS A BASIC ASSESSMENT NECESSARY?
The development of the proposed upmarket tourism accommodation triggers listed activities 5 and 6 in the EIA Regulations
(GNR 324, 7 April 2017, made under section 24(5) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA),
as amended):
5. The development of resorts, lodges, hotels, tourism or hospitality facilities that sleeps 15 people or less in
Mpumalanga
i) Outside urban areas and in:
(aa) A protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA, excluding conservancies; and
(hh) Areas within a watercourse or wetland, or within 100 metres of a watercourse or wetland.
6. The development of resorts, lodges, hotels, tourism or hospitality facilities that sleeps 15 people or more in
Mpumalanga
i) Outside urban areas and in:
(aa) A protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA, excluding conservancies; and
(hh) Areas within a watercourse or wetland, or within 100 metres of a watercourse or wetland.
WHAT IS THE AIM OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)?
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process aims to:
 Inform and involve all potentially interested and affected parties (I&APs) of the proposed development;
 Identify the potential impacts (positive and negative) that the proposed development may have on the ecological and
socio-economic environment;
 Provide recommendations based on the identified impacts and conduct further specialist studies if necessary; and
 Provide the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) with enough information to make an informed decision
regarding the proposed development.
Emross Consulting (Pty) Ltd. Page 4
Basic Assessment for the development of upmarket
tourism accommodation on the Selati Railway
Bridge, Skukuza, Kruger National Park


WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE EIA PROCESS FOR A BASIC ASSESSMENT?
The EIA Basic Assessment process can be described as follows:
1. Submission of Notice of Intent to submit a Basic Assessment Report:
A “Notice of Intent to submit a Basic Assessment Report” is required to be completed and signed by the applicant and
Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) and submitted to the DEA.
2. Application Form:
An official Application Form is required to be completed and circulated with the Basic Assessment Report to a number of
authorities including Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the Local & District Municipalities,
etc. It provides information on the property, a description of the proposed development and lists the relevant listed
activities which are triggered by this proposed development.
3. Public Participation:
The general public and relevant Authorities are notified of the proposed development through newspaper adverts (which
appeared in the Mpumalanga News on the 25th January 2018, the Lowvelder on the 26th of January 2018, on the SANParks
website on the 26th of January 2018 and the Hoedspruit Herald on 2 February 2018), a site notice (notices placed at
Phabeni and Paul Kruger Gates, Skukuza Reception, Skukuza Shop and Conference Centre, and Skukuza Day Visitor
Facility) and through direct consultation. This Background information Document will be circulated to neighbouring
landowners, relevant authorities and any other persons registered as I&APs following the advert and site notice.
4. Identification of Impacts and Alternatives
Environmental issues, concerns, development constraints and possible development alternatives will be identified using
professional judgement, project information, experience of similar projects, a review of available literature, site visits, and
consultation with authorities and the public.
5. Impact Evaluation
The significance of environmental issues will be evaluated in terms of their expected extent, intensity, duration and
probability of occurrence.
6. Mitigation and Management Measures
Measures to manage and minimise impacts to within acceptable levels, as well as measures to maximise the socioeconomic
benefits associated with the development, will be identified and recorded in the Basic Assessment Report.
7. Reporting
The draft Basic Assessment Report and any other Specialist Reports, such as a Heritage Impact Assessment, will be made
available for review and comment by all I&APs and relevant authorities. A Final Basic Assessment Report will be compiled
and will include comments received on the circulated draft Basic Assessment Report.
8. Authority Decision
The Final Basic Assessment Report will be used by DAEARD as the basis for the decision on whether the proposed
development should be approved or not.

WHAT POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS HAVE INITIALLY BEEN IDENTIFIED?
The following issues have been identified as potentially problematic and will, amongst other issues, be investigated during
the Basic Assessment Process:
 No significant impacts during the planning phase;
 During construction: noise and disturbance; dust and visual intrusion of the viewshed from various points within the
Skukuza Rest Camp looking east down and towards the Sabie River, as well as looking west up the Sabie River from the
low-level bridge on the Skukuza – Tshokwane Road.
 Negative impacts during the operation phase: visual intrusion as describe above.

HOW CAN I&APS COMMENT ON THIS DEVELOPMENT?
The need for the involvement of interested and affected parties (I&APs) is of critical importance. All I&APs (neighbours,
authorities, organisations etc.) are invited to comment on the proposed development. Comments can be communicated to
the EAP by post, telephone, fax or email (contact details are provided below).
In order to ensure that your comments are addressed and incorporated into the draft Basic Assessment Report, please
ensure that you register and we have received your comments by the 2nd March 2018. Please use the structure below to
guide your inputs into this process. You will be notified when other related reports are available for review and comment as
well as to other steps in the process.
Emross Consulting (Pty) Ltd.
Basic Assessment for the development of upmarket
tourism accommodation on the Selati Railway
Bridge, Skukuza, Kruger National Park

Mr Kevan Zunckel
7 Annthia Road, HILTON, 3245, South Africa
tel: +27 (0) 33 343 1739
fax: +27 (0) 86 517 5582
cell: +27 (0) 82 929 4270
e-mail: kevan@emross.co.za
Title:................. First name:............................................... Surname:............................................ Initials:
Organisation:...................................................................... Designation:
Address:
Postal Code:
Tel No: .................................................................Cell No:
Fax No:................................................................. E-mail:

COMMENTS:
1. The following issues must be addressed in the basic assessment of the proposed development:
2. Please add the following persons to your list of interested and affected parties:
Name: .......................................................................... Organisation:
Telephone:
Address:
Name: ......................................................................... Organisation:
Telephone:
Address:
3. Any other comments:




Thank you for your participation.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Emross Consulting (Pty) Ltd. Page 5 Basic Assessment for the development of upmarket
tourism accommodation on the Selati Railway
Bridge, Skukuza, Kruger National Park