Safari on Points: Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa
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Cluster: 7 — Destination Guides for 55+
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You've seen the nature documentaries. The wildebeest crossing the Mara River. The elephants silhouetted against a tangerine sunset. A lioness yawning six feet from your open-sided Land Cruiser like you're not even worth the calories.
But here's what the documentaries don't tell you: it's better in person. Incomprehensibly better. The sound of the bush at dawn — birds you can't name, insects you can't see, and then that low rumble that turns out to be a elephant browsing thirty yards from your tent. The smell of campfire smoke drifting through canvas walls as you fall asleep under more stars than you've ever seen. The moment your guide whispers "leopard" and suddenly your heart is pounding because this is real and it is right there.
An African safari is the trip that ruins every other trip. In the best possible way.
And here's the part that should make your ears perk up: this is not a trip you have to drain your retirement account for. Between Emirates and Qatar Airways business class sweet spots, Marriott and Hilton safari lodges redeemable on points, and shoulder-season timing that cuts costs in half — a safari on points is not only possible, it's one of the most rewarding redemptions in all of travel.
Let's plan it.
Getting There: Business Class to Africa on Points
Africa is far. Depending on your gateway, you're looking at 15–20+ hours of travel time. This is one trip where business class isn't a luxury — it's a strategic decision. You want to arrive rested, hydrated, and ready to meet a cheetah, not jet-lagged and wrecked from a middle seat in coach.
The good news: two of the world's best airlines — Emirates and Qatar Airways — connect dozens of US cities to Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, and Cape Town through their hubs in Dubai and Doha. And their business class redemption rates are some of the best sweet spots in the points world.
Business Class Options
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US → Nairobi (NBO) | Emirates Skywards (via Chase/Amex/Citi) | 135,000–162,500 | $5,000–$9,000 | Via Dubai; A380 business on some legs |
| US → Nairobi | Alaska Mileage Plan | 100,000–105,000 | $5,000–$9,000 | Book on Emirates metal; exceptional value |
| US → Johannesburg (JNB) | Qatar Avios (via Chase/Amex) | 127,600 | $5,000–$10,000 | Qsuites business class via Doha — best in the sky |
| US → Nairobi | American AAdvantage | 115,000–150,000 | $5,000–$9,000 | Qatar Qsuites or Etihad via AUH |
| US → Johannesburg | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 120,000–176,000 | $5,000–$10,000 | On Ethiopian, South African Airways, or partners |
| US → Kilimanjaro (JRO) | Turkish Miles&Smiles (via Citi) | 90,000 | $4,000–$7,000 | Via Istanbul; Turkish business class is excellent |
The WanderWise move: Two sweet spots stand out:
Sweet Spot #1 — Alaska + Emirates: Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Alaska Mileage Plan (3:1 ratio plus 5K bonus per 60K transfer) and book Emirates business class to Nairobi for ~100,000 miles round trip. Emirates' A380 business class features lie-flat seats, a lounge bar in the sky, and service that makes you feel like royalty. If you're connecting via Dubai, build in an overnight stopover — Emirates often allows free stopovers — and dip your toes in the world's most over-the-top city.
Sweet Spot #2 — Qatar Qsuites via Avios: Transfer Chase UR or Amex MR to British Airways (which uses Avios, now shared with Qatar). Book Qatar Airways Qsuites — widely considered the best business class in the world — to Johannesburg or Nairobi through Doha. Qsuites features a fully enclosed suite with a closing door, lie-flat bed, and restaurant-quality dining. The couple's suite (two center seats with a dividing wall that lowers) is genuinely romantic. On the way to a safari. You can't make this up.
Pro tip for couples: Qatar Qsuites center pairs are bookable as a "double bed" suite — the partition comes down and you're essentially in a private room at 40,000 feet. Check seat maps on QatarAirways.com and request center seats when booking through Avios.
Economy Class Options
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US → Nairobi | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 60,000–80,000 | $800–$1,400 | Ethiopian or partner airlines |
| US → Johannesburg | American AAdvantage | 75,000–80,000 | $900–$1,500 | Via London, Doha, or Addis Ababa |
| US → Nairobi | Turkish Miles&Smiles | 45,000 | $800–$1,400 | Via Istanbul; outstanding value |
| US → Cape Town (CPT) | Capital One Miles | Varies | Varies | Portal booking at 1¢/mile |
Taxes and fees: Emirates and Qatar award flights carry moderate fuel surcharges — expect $200–$500 round trip per person depending on the booking program. Alaska Mileage Plan passes through Emirates surcharges, but the per-mile value still crushes the cash alternative. Turkish Miles&Smiles keeps fees exceptionally low.
Where to Stay: Safari Lodges on Points
This is where it gets exciting. Major hotel programs have been quietly building safari portfolios across East and Southern Africa, and the redemption values can be extraordinary — we're talking about lodges that charge $500–$1,500 per night in cash, redeemable on points you earned buying groceries.
Marriott Bonvoy Safari Properties
Marriott's African portfolio is the deepest of any loyalty program, with properties ranging from city hotels to full safari lodges:
| Property | Location | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why It's Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge | Masai Mara, Kenya | 50,000–70,000 | $500–$900 | Full safari lodge with game drives, bush dining, and Mara River views |
| Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate | Kruger NP, South Africa | 20,000–30,000 | $150–$250 | Right at Kruger's entrance; affordable and strategic |
| Marriott Hotel Nairobi | Nairobi, Kenya | 25,000–35,000 | $150–$300 | Solid base for pre/post-safari nights |
| Cape Grace Hotel (Autograph Collection) | Cape Town, South Africa | 40,000–60,000 | $350–$700 | Iconic waterfront hotel, one of Cape Town's finest |
| The Westin Cape Town | Cape Town, South Africa | 30,000–45,000 | $200–$400 | Central, harbor views, reliable comfort |
The WanderWise move: The JW Marriott Masai Mara is the crown jewel. This is a proper luxury safari camp — tented suites, guided game drives included, bush breakfasts, and sundowner cocktails on the savanna — redeemable at 50,000–70,000 Bonvoy points per night. Three nights: 150,000–210,000 points. That's a $1,500–$2,700 value for what you earned on your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. Add a 5th-night-free benefit (available to elite members and cardholders booking five consecutive nights) and the value gets absurd.
Hilton Properties
| Property | Location | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why It's Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Nairobi | Nairobi, Kenya | 30,000–50,000 | $120–$200 | Central location, good pre-safari staging |
| Hilton Cape Town City Centre | Cape Town, South Africa | 30,000–50,000 | $150–$250 | Walking distance to V&A Waterfront |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Dar es Salaam | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | 25,000–40,000 | $100–$180 | Gateway to Zanzibar and Southern Tanzania |
| Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi | Nairobi, Kenya | 20,000–35,000 | $80–$150 | Budget-friendly Nairobi base |
Boutique Safari Camps (Cash + Points Hybrid)
Some of Africa's most iconic safari experiences don't participate in hotel loyalty programs — &Beyond, Singita, andBeyond, and Great Plains Conservation operate independently. For these, the WanderWise hybrid strategy works beautifully:
- Use points for business class flights and city hotel nights (Nairobi, Cape Town, Johannesburg)
- Pay cash for 3–5 nights at an iconic bush camp where the experience justifies every dollar
- Consider booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection for added amenities (room upgrades, property credits, late checkout) at premium safari camps
Boutique camps worth the cash:
- andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Tanzania): Baroque-meets-bush opulence perched on the crater rim. $1,200–$2,000/night all-inclusive. Worth every penny for 2–3 nights.
- Singita Sasakwa Lodge (Tanzania): Consistently ranked among the world's best hotels, period. $2,000+/night. Once-in-a-lifetime category.
- &Beyond Bateleur Camp (Kenya): Classic Masai Mara camp with Out of Africa ambiance. $800–$1,500/night all-inclusive.
When to Go: Timing Your Safari
Timing is everything in Africa. Get it right and you'll witness the Great Migration. Get it wrong and you'll see… mud.
Best Months by Country
| Country | Best Months | What You'll See | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Jul–Oct | Great Migration river crossings in the Masai Mara | Dry, 60–80°F | High (worth it) |
| Kenya | Jan–Feb | Calving season in Ngorongoro — baby wildebeest and predators | Dry, warm | Moderate |
| Tanzania | Jun–Oct | Serengeti dry season; excellent game viewing | Dry, 65–80°F | High |
| Tanzania | Jan–Mar | Calving season; Southern Serengeti | Short rains tapering off | Lower |
| South Africa | May–Sep | Kruger dry season; animals concentrate around water | Cool, 50–75°F | Moderate |
| South Africa | Oct–Mar | Cape Town summer; garden route; whale season (Hermanus) | Warm, 70–85°F | High in Cape Town |
The WanderWise move for 55+: Consider Kenya or Tanzania during January–February (calving season). The wildebeest migration gets all the headlines, but the calving season is equally dramatic — hundreds of thousands of wildebeest giving birth on the Serengeti plains, with predators prowling the edges. Crowds are lighter, temperatures are comfortable, and lodge rates (both cash and points) drop significantly. Shoulder season = better availability + better redemption values.
South Africa's May–September dry season is ideal for safari in Kruger, and it conveniently overlaps with Cape Town's quieter (but still pleasant) winter season — meaning lower hotel rates and fewer cruise ship crowds at the V&A Waterfront.
Health Prep for Travelers 55+
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. (Pun intended, but the subject is serious.)
Africa requires more health preparation than a trip to Portugal. That's not a reason to skip it — it's a reason to prepare properly. Here's your checklist, designed for travelers 55 and older:
6–8 Weeks Before Departure
- Visit a travel medicine clinic (not just your regular doctor). Search for a "travel health clinic near me" — they specialize in destination-specific vaccinations and prophylaxis.
- Required vaccination: Yellow Fever (for Kenya and Tanzania; not required for South Africa, but check current regulations). Some countries require proof of vaccination if you've transited through a Yellow Fever zone.
- Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and ensure your Tetanus/Diphtheria boosters are current. Discuss Hepatitis B if you haven't been vaccinated.
- Malaria prophylaxis: Kenya and Tanzania are malaria zones. Your travel doctor will prescribe one of three common medications — Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil), doxycycline, or mefloquine. Malarone has the fewest side effects for most people and is our recommendation to discuss with your doctor. South Africa's Kruger region also has malaria risk; Cape Town does not.
- Altitude consideration: The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits at 7,500 feet. If you have heart or lung conditions, discuss altitude with your doctor. Most healthy 55+ travelers handle it fine, but it's worth the conversation.
What to Pack for Health & Comfort
- Prescription medications: Bring double what you need, split between carry-on and checked bags
- DEET-based insect repellent (30% concentration or higher) and permethrin-treated clothing
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — the equatorial sun is no joke, even on overcast days
- A quality pair of binoculars — your guide will spot the leopard, but you'll want to see its whiskers
- Layers: Mornings on safari are surprisingly cold (especially in elevated areas like the Mara and Ngorongoro). Temperatures can swing 30–40°F between dawn and midday
- Closed-toe walking shoes — not for hiking, but for navigating uneven camp terrain at night
Travel Insurance (Non-Negotiable)
For an Africa trip, comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is essential, not optional. Safari camps are remote. If something goes wrong, you may need air evacuation to Nairobi, Johannesburg, or even back to the US.
What to look for:
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage (safari deposits are substantial and non-refundable)
- Pre-existing condition coverage waiver (available if you buy within 14–21 days of first trip deposit)
- Coverage that's valid in every country on your itinerary
Cards that help: The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes emergency evacuation coverage and primary travel insurance. The Amex Platinum also provides trip cancellation protection. These supplement — but do not replace — a standalone travel insurance policy for Africa.
The WanderWise 10-Day Safari Itinerary
This itinerary combines Kenya and South Africa for maximum variety — savanna and bushveld, the Great Migration and the Big Five, African bush camp and world-class city. Adjust timing based on your target season.
Days 1–2: Nairobi, Kenya
- Fly in: Arrive Nairobi via Emirates (Dubai) or Qatar (Doha) in business class
- Stay: Marriott Hotel Nairobi (25,000–35,000 Bonvoy points/night) or Hemingways Nairobi (cash splurge)
- Do: Recover from travel. Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (morning only; book online in advance — the baby elephants are the best jet lag cure on Earth). Browse the Karen Blixen Museum. Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant for the full Kenyan game meat experience.
- Pre-safari logistics: Reconfirm your Masai Mara transfer (most lodges arrange this — a small charter flight from Wilson Airport, about 45 minutes)
Days 3–5: Masai Mara, Kenya
- Stay: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge (50,000–70,000 Bonvoy points/night) or &Beyond Bateleur Camp (cash)
- Do: Twice-daily game drives (early morning and late afternoon — midday is for napping on your tent's veranda, and no one will judge you). Depending on season: river crossings, predator sightings, calving. Optional: hot air balloon safari over the Mara at dawn ($400–$500 pp, absolutely worth it). Optional: guided Maasai village visit.
- The WanderWise move: Three nights is the sweet spot for the Mara. Two feels rushed; four starts to blend together. Three gives you six game drives, which is enough to see the Big Five and have at least one "I can't believe that just happened" moment.
Day 6: Nairobi → Johannesburg, South Africa
- Fly: Nairobi to Johannesburg on Kenya Airways or South African Airways (
4 hours). Bookable with points through various Star Alliance partners (United MileagePlus: 15,000–20,000 miles each way) or use cash ($200–$400). - Stay: Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa (Johannesburg, cash luxury) or Hilton Sandton (30,000–50,000 Hilton points)
- Do: If time permits, visit the Apartheid Museum — it's one of the most powerful museum experiences in the world.
Days 7–8: Kruger National Park Area, South Africa
- Transfer: Drive or fly to Kruger (4-hour drive from Johannesburg, or 1-hour flight to Hoedspruit/Kruger Mpumalanga)
- Stay: Protea Hotel Kruger Gate (20,000–30,000 Bonvoy points/night) for a points-friendly option, or book a private game reserve bordering Kruger for the ultimate experience (Sabi Sands, Timbavati — these offer Big Five including leopard sightings that Kruger proper can't match)
- Do: Game drives in a different ecosystem — Kruger's bushveld feels entirely different from Kenya's open savanna. Excellent for leopard, rhino, and elephant.
Days 9–10: Cape Town, South Africa
- Fly: Hoedspruit or Nelspruit to Cape Town (~2.5 hours)
- Stay: Cape Grace (Autograph Collection, 40,000–60,000 Bonvoy points/night) or The Westin Cape Town (30,000–45,000 points)
- Do: Table Mountain cable car (go early to beat both crowds and wind closures). V&A Waterfront for shopping and seafood. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (bring a picnic). Day trip to the Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for world-class wine tasting without Napa prices. If time allows: drive to Cape Point via Chapman's Peak — one of the world's great scenic drives.
- Depart: Evening flight home via Emirates or Qatar, business class, with a camera roll that will sustain your dinner party conversations for years.
Points Budget: What This Trip Actually Costs
Here's a realistic points budget for two travelers on the 10-day itinerary:
| Category | Redemption | Points (for two) | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business class flights (US → Nairobi) | Alaska + Emirates or Qatar Avios | 200,000–250,000 | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Nairobi hotel (2 nights) | Marriott Bonvoy | 50,000–70,000 | $300–$600 |
| Masai Mara lodge (3 nights) | Marriott Bonvoy | 300,000–420,000 | $3,000–$5,400 |
| Johannesburg hotel (1 night) | Hilton Honors | 30,000–50,000 | $120–$200 |
| Kruger area hotel (2 nights) | Marriott Bonvoy | 40,000–60,000 | $300–$500 |
| Cape Town hotel (2 nights) | Marriott Bonvoy | 60,000–120,000 | $700–$1,400 |
| Total on points | 680,000–970,000 (mixed programs) | $14,420–$26,100 |
Reality check: That's a lot of points. A safari is not a "one credit card sign-up bonus" trip — it's a 12–18 month accumulation project. The WanderWise approach: start with one or two strategic card applications now, plan the trip for next year, and build your points balance methodically through everyday spending and welcome bonuses. Two people, each opening a Chase Sapphire Preferred and a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, can accumulate 400,000+ points within the first few months — that's halfway there.
And remember: every points-covered flight and hotel night is cash you don't spend — cash that covers internal flights, game drive gratuities, that balloon ride, and a very nice bottle of South African pinotage on your last night in Cape Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an African safari safe for travelers over 55?
Absolutely. Safari tourism is one of Africa's major industries, and reputable lodges and tour operators maintain extremely high safety standards. You're accompanied by trained guides at all times during game drives. The camps themselves are secured. The most common "danger" is sunburn and dehydration — bring SPF 50 and a water bottle.
Do I need to be physically fit for a safari?
Not particularly. Most game viewing is done from a vehicle — you sit, your guide drives, and the wildlife comes to you. Walking safaris are optional and available at many camps, but they're always gentle and guided. The most physically demanding part is getting in and out of the Land Cruiser, which has step rails. If you can climb two stairs, you can safari.
What about malaria medication side effects?
This is a legitimate concern, and we hear it often from our 55+ community. Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) is the most commonly recommended option for older travelers — it has fewer neuropsychiatric side effects than mefloquine and fewer sun-sensitivity issues than doxycycline. Start it 1–2 days before arrival and continue for 7 days after leaving the malaria zone. Discuss options with your travel medicine doctor, not Dr. Google.
Can I combine a safari with a beach stay?
Yes, and you should. Zanzibar (off Tanzania's coast) and Diani Beach (south of Mombasa, Kenya) are classic safari-and-beach pairings. Zanzibar is reachable on points via various Star Alliance partners. Cape Town's beaches (Camps Bay, Clifton) are world-class, though the water is bracing — the Atlantic side is cold, the False Bay side is warmer.
What should I tip guides and camp staff?
Tipping is expected and appreciated at safari camps. Budget $20–$30 per person per day for your guide and $15–$20 per person per day for general camp staff. Most lodges have a tip box for staff and you'll tip your guide directly. Budget approximately $400–$600 per person for a 10-day trip.
An African safari is the kind of trip that divides your life into "before" and "after." Before, you thought travel was about checking boxes. After, you know it's about the moment a herd of elephants walks past your morning coffee, close enough to hear them breathe, and you realize that some things simply cannot be described — only witnessed. Your points can get you there. The rest is between you and the wild.
Ready to start planning your safari on points? Take the WanderWise Travel Score Quiz to see where your points stand, or download our free Safari on Points Planner PDF with packing lists, vaccination timelines, and a month-by-month points accumulation calendar.