TIME magazine’s list of 100 unique destinations shines a light on ingenuity, creativity, revitalization and reopenings in destinations across the world.
The challenges of the past year and a half have transformed our world, and few industries have been as affected as travel, tourism and hospitality.
In many ways,TIME’s third annual list of The World’s 100 Greatest Places is a tribute to the people and businesses at the forefront of those industries who, amid extraordinary circumstances, found ways to adapt, build and innovate.
It solicited nominations of places—including countries, regions, cities and towns—from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences. They are well worth reading (and dreaming) about until it’s time, once again, to explore.
One of the 100? South Africa’s inclusion is located in the Kruger National Park.
”The problem with train rides is that the scenery flashes by far too quickly.
Not so with a newly opened South African hotel, Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge.
As the name suggests, is a revamped steam train parked on a bridge suspended over the Sabie River in the country’s biggest game reserve.
After Kruger National Park was established as a conservation area nearly 100 years ago, the local train service was largely discontinued for fear of disturbing the wildlife.
By the 1970s, only the 984-ft.-long steel bridge remained. But the old carriages have been brought back, reimagined as luxury cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows promising unparalleled views over watering holes teeming with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, antelope, and the leopards and lions that stalk them.
Unlike most trains, on this one you get to stick around to see what happens next”.
Article courtesy Aryn Baker – TIME magazine: The Worlds 100 Greatest Places, 2021
Image credit Kruger Shalati