Stay in a Real Boeing: Rooms, Rates & How to Book
Aerotel is South Africa's only aircraft hotel. You can book one of six private cabins inside our Boeing 737-200 with breakfast included — or take the whole former presidential Boeing 727 for up to six guests, bed and breakfast.
We are in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, about 64 km (roughly an hour's drive) from Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate and around 10 minutes from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. Every stay includes a full breakfast, WiFi, parking, cockpit access, the pool and the Sky Deck with its views of the Drakensberg.
Check Availability| Aircraft | Sleeps | Rate | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-200 cabin 6 private cabins, queen bed, en-suite | 2 adults + 1 child under 4 per cabin | Live rate in our booking system | Breakfast, WiFi, parking, cockpit access |
| SAL Presidential Boeing 727-100 Exclusive use, 3 cabins, king beds | Up to 6 (children welcome) | Live rate in our booking system (exclusive use) | Breakfast, WiFi, parking, cockpit access |
Rates in South African Rand (ZAR), VAT included. A 50% deposit secures your booking. Book direct and you deal with our own crew from enquiry to check-out.
After a remarkable 9-day road journey across three provinces — footage that went viral and captivated millions — our Boeing 737-200 found her permanent home in the African bushveld. Today, she houses six private cabins, each designed for two passengers.
Wake up at what feels like 30,000 feet, with bushveld stretching to the horizon. Every cabin features its own en-suite bathroom, climate control, and is designed to blend aviation heritage with modern comfort. The original cockpit is preserved and open for all guests to explore.
SAL-VIP — a former presidential aircraft of Djibouti, and the showpiece of the Aerotel collection. Built for the era when heads of state and diplomats crossed continents in absolute privacy, her exclusive-use format makes her your very own private aircraft.
Today she features three beautifully restored cabins with king-size beds and two bathrooms (the main cabin is fully en-suite; the other two share), an original cockpit preserved for exploration, and the same first-class finishes that once hosted world leaders. Bed and breakfast — dinner is available à la carte at The Runway.
Included In Your Stay
Full Breakfast
Continental and hot breakfast options served in our restaurant with views of the aircraft and bushveld. Dietary requirements accommodated.
Dinner
Dinner is not included in either aircraft's rate. It is available à la carte at The Runway.
Complimentary WiFi
High-speed WiFi throughout the property, suitable for streaming, video calls, and remote work.
Secure Parking
Free private parking within the gated Zandspruit Bush and Aero Estate with 24-hour security surveillance.
Cockpit Access
Original cockpits on both aircraft are preserved and open for exploration. Sit in the captain's seat and take all the photos you want.
Pool & Grounds
Mosaic swimming pool with aviation compass design, sun loungers, and garden areas with Drakensberg mountain views.
Sundowners on the Wing
Our Sky Bar serves sundowners on the actual aircraft wing, and the Sky Deck has the best sunset views over the Drakensberg. Gin-tail happy hour runs daily from 16:00 to 18:00.
Concierge Service
Our crew can arrange Kruger safaris, Panorama Route tours, hot air balloon flights, and visits to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
How to Book & Pay
- Check availability online using the Check Availability button, or message us on WhatsApp on +27 78 275 6605.
- Pay a 50% deposit to confirm. Pay securely by card through our online booking system, or by EFT (bank transfer) — reservations will send you our banking details.
- Pay the balance no later than 7 days before you arrive.
- Tell us your arrival time. Check-in is 14:00–20:00; late arrivals can be arranged if you let us know.
Groups, Families & Whole-Aircraft Bookings
Travelling with family or friends? The SAL Presidential 727 is booked by one party only — three cabins, a private lounge and deck for up to six guests, ideal for families.
For larger groups, all six cabins of the Boeing 737 sleep 12. Together, the two aircraft sleep 18. For group bookings, celebrations or a full buy-out, email reservations@aerotel.co.za with your dates and group size. Our boma and venue spaces can host your group's dinner or event.
Getting Here
- Address: 1406 Zandspruit Boulevard, R527, Hoedspruit, Limpopo (inside the gated Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate)
- Kruger National Park (Orpen Gate): about 64 km, roughly an hour's drive — see our Kruger day-trip guide
- Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS): about 10 km, around 10 minutes, with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town
- Johannesburg: about 5 hours' drive • Pretoria: about 4.5 hours
- Panorama Route: an easy day trip — see our Panorama Route guide and 2026 entrance fees
Important Information
- A 50% deposit secures the booking.
- The balance is due 7 days before arrival. Bookings made within 7 days of arrival are paid in full at booking.
- Cancel more than 7 days before arrival and the deposit is refunded, less bank charges.
- Cancel within 7 days of arrival and no refund is due.
- No cancellation charge applies in the case of death or hospitalisation (Consumer Protection Act).
- Non-refundable rate (10% off): paid in full at booking; it cannot be cancelled, changed or refunded.
- Bookings made through an online travel agent (e.g. Booking.com) follow that agent's own cancellation policy.
- Check-in: 14:00 (2pm) until 20:00 (8pm)
- Check-out: by 10:00 (10am)
- Please inform us of your estimated arrival time when booking
- Late check-in can be arranged with prior notice
- Early check-in or late check-out subject to availability
- Children of all ages are welcome. One child under 4 may share a cabin with their parents free of charge. Children aged 4 to 11 have their own cabin at half price. From 12, guests pay the adult rate.
- The Boeing 727 Presidential welcomes children of all ages
- Aerotel is a fully licensed establishment — no alcohol may be brought onto or consumed on the property other than that purchased from our bar. Cooler boxes and own drinks are not permitted in guest areas
- No smoking inside aircraft cabins or indoor areas
- No pets allowed on the property
- Aerotel is not wheelchair accessible
Cancellations must be made in writing to reservations@aerotel.co.za. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to stay at Aerotel?
Rates change with the season and demand, so the live price for your dates always shows in our booking system when you check availability. Breakfast is included in every stay. The SAL Presidential Boeing 727 is booked for exclusive use, and its live rate shows in our booking system when you check your dates; breakfast is included. Rates are in South African Rand and include VAT.
How do I book a stay at Aerotel Hoedspruit?
Use the Check Availability button on this page to book online, or contact reservations on WhatsApp (+27 78 275 6605), by phone (+27 87 655 6737) or by email (reservations@aerotel.co.za). A 50% deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due 7 days before arrival.
How do I make a group booking at Aerotel?
Email reservations@aerotel.co.za with your dates and group size. The Boeing 737 sleeps 12 in six cabins, the SAL Presidential 727 sleeps 6, and the two aircraft together sleep 18. Our boma and venue spaces can host a group dinner or celebration.
What payment methods does Aerotel accept?
We accept card payments through our secure online booking system, and EFT (bank transfer) — reservations will send our banking details. All rates are charged in South African Rand (ZAR).
Are children allowed at Aerotel?
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome. One child under 4 may share with their parents free of charge (one per room). Children aged 4 to 11 have their own room at half price. From age 12, guests pay the adult rate. The SAL Presidential Boeing 727 is booked for exclusive use and sleeps up to six guests.
Can I book a meal at The Runway without staying?
Yes. The Runway Restaurant & Bar is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and sundowners. Booking ahead is recommended. See the menu on our restaurant page.
How far is Aerotel from Kruger National Park?
Aerotel is about 64 km from Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate, roughly an hour's drive. Our crew can arrange guided Kruger safaris if you would rather not drive yourself.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 20:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Late check-in can be arranged with prior notice.
What Guests Say
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 27 guest reviews on Tripadvisor (October 2026).
“We feel that the layout of this plane was done with passion through many small details, we loved it! We sat in the pilot's seat and tested all the controls, took photos as Commander — in short, to do once in a lifetime.”
Salsero, Airbnb guest
“As a passionate traveler, I enjoyed the environment with seats and parts of the plane used for decoration and having a new life. The catering was beautiful and food absolutely delicious. Thank you for your overwhelming hospitality.”
Tarja, Airbnb guest
“Absolutely superb ending to our week in the Kruger. A night on the Presidential 727, cared for by superb staff could not have been bettered. Breakfast was excellent and the optional dinner too -and very reasonably priced. Recommend 100%”
PaulLondon1, London, Tripadvisor, March 2026
Aerotel Compared With a Standard Safari Lodge
Unlike a standard safari lodge, Aerotel puts the aircraft at the centre of your stay.
| Aerotel Hoedspruit | A standard safari lodge | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you sleep | Inside a real Boeing 737-200, or the former presidential Boeing 727 | A built chalet, tent or suite |
| Sunset drinks | On the aircraft wing | On a deck, boma or viewpoint |
| Aircraft tours | Guided walkthrough of both Boeing aircraft | Not offered |
| In South Africa | The only aircraft hotel | One of many |
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