Luxury Hotel · South Africa
Kruger Shalati
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
If you’re looking for one of South Africa’s, if not the world’s, most unique and awe-inspiring luxury hotels, look no further than the suspended opulence of Kruger Shalanti. Blending classical elegance with a distinctly modern flair, this is the perfect choice for those seeking a safari experience like no other.
Choose the unique charm of a Carriage Suite and enjoy Sabie River views, or take a land-based approach and opt for one of the property’s Bridge House Suites, which are a great choice for those wanting a more intimate taste of the South African bush.
The Kruger Shalati train is named after an African warrior queen of the same name. Her reign dates back to the 19th century when legend tells of her as one of the first female chiefs of the Tebula clan within the Tsonga tribe in Limpopo Province.
Highlights
- Unique Suites
- Elevated Pool
- Fully Staffed
- In-Room Spa Treatments
- Rooftop Terrace
- Restaurant
Accommodation
Carriage Suite
Carriage Suites offer breathtaking views of the majestic Sabie River from a luxurious converted train, complete with African-inspired decor and local artistry. Enjoy unparalleled swimming adventures with animals like crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and elephants right below the elevated pool and deck.
Bridge House Suite
Perfect for romantic getaways, special occasions, or even the entire family – the Bridge House Suites provides an unforgettable experience of being completely in touch with nature. There is also an exclusive honeymoon suite available for couples looking for more privacy and intimacy.
Further information
Location
Kruger Shalati is a static luxury train parked on the historic Selati Bridge, above the Sabie River inside Kruger National Park and next to Skukuza Rest Camp. The river runs year-round, drawing elephants, hippos, and crocodiles to the water below the carriages. Skukuza Airport is about 5 kilometers away, with complimentary transfers, and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is around two hours by road.
Dining
All meals and house drinks are included. The Bridge House restaurant is the main table, an African-inspired kitchen seating 66, with the lounge and dining areas angled toward the Sabie River for game viewing over breakfast or dinner. The kitchen also runs Trackside Dining events along the carriages, and afternoon tea is served on the train itself, high above the river.
Wellness
Spa treatments are custom-tailored and can be taken in your suite or at the lodge, built around natural ingredients and timed for the quiet hours between drives. The headline feature, though, is the overhanging pool cantilevered off the bridge, with a viewing deck above the Sabie River. Two more pools, including one at the Bridge House, give further places to cool off and watch the wildlife.
South Africa
South Africa occupies the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and sharing land borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini. The country spans eleven official languages and an extraordinary range of landscapes, from the winelands of the Western Cape to the bushveld of Limpopo and the dramatic coastline of the Garden Route. Most itineraries begin in Cape Town, one of the world’s great cities.
Our Experts
There's no better way to appreciate the natural world than by taking part in a South African safari. You'll have the chance to see the Big Five whilst never compromising when it comes to luxury.
The cosmopolitan hub of Cape Town is often overlooked as a fantastic travel destination. It has a palpably vibrant character and a flourishing food scene. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to experience something completely different.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.