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 Lourenço Marques in Mozambique. 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 eight suite Selati Camp is a tangible reminder of this grand steam train era, and epitomises the ambience 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 and plunge pool, comes complete with a private Land Rover and ranger. Nights at Selati are illuminated by the gentle glow of authentic shunters? lamps and lanterns. The cosy 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.