In the waning light of the late 19th century, the first railway lines snaked through the Mpumalanga lowveld, built to carry gold from Phalaborwa to Lourenco Marques in Mocambique. Further south, on the Selati Line, passenger trains slowly chugged into Newington Station, with conductors peering up into the trees against which were long ladders - provided by the railway company to enable travellers to climb to safety, away from the marauding lions which prowled the area.

Born of history, inspired by the legends of hidden bullion and fearless hunters, the exquisite seven suite Selati Camp is a tangible reminder of this grand steam train era.  Railway museums and storerooms yielded authentic memorabilia which have been artfully incorporated into the décor of this 5-star jewel of the bushveld, blending creatively with sumptuous furnishings, antiques and rich linens, to create Selati’s ambience and character of “Yesterday”. Each of the suites, romantically named after long-gone railway stations, is intimate and comfortable. “Out of Africa” styling, en-suite bathrooms, and cleverly concealed air-conditioning and electricity maintain the historical theme.

The Ivory Suite, with its four poster bed, enormous bathroom, private plunge pool and gorgeous antiques, comes complete with a private safari vehicle and ranger. Beautifully re-built in 2010, this magnificent presidential suite has retained all of its former charm and character while embracing a luxurious new façade.

Nights at Selati are illuminated by the gentle glow of authentic shunters lamps and lanterns. The cozy lounge is filled with reminders of times gone by, while dinners in the outdoor boma under the star-studded African sky or in the intimate “Farmhouse Kitchen” are delicious meals to remember. Armchairs around the sparkling pool or on the covered wooden viewing decks are a perfect perch from which to watch game drinking at the nearby waterhole. Situated on a bend of the Msuthlu River in the shade of gigantic riverine trees, Selati Camp is a safari lover’s dream.

Game drives are conducted in the Sabi Sabi Reserve, a recognised ‘hot spot’ of biodiversity which makes for an astonishing variety of wildlife - including over 200 mammal and 300 bird species. Unforgettable day and night safaris are enjoyed in open safari vehicles with close encounters with the Big 5 being a regular occurrence. Environmental awareness walking safaris add an extra dimension to the bush experience, allowing a close-up look at the fascinating smaller creatures of the bushveld. Imagine the Africa of the great safari era, when blazing sunsets melted into lantern lit romance and service was an effortless whisper...Welcome to Selati Camp.