Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss! How To Plan An African Safari Using Miles And Points
May 8, 2024
Howie Rappaport, an experienced travel advisor and points expert at Rewardsmith, shares his insights on planning unforgettable African safaris using miles and points. He highlights how to maximize Marriott points for a stay at JW Marriott Masai Mara, detailing included perks like game drives and meals. Howie also compares Masai Mara with Sabi Sands, discusses challenges in finding award availability, and offers a tips for an ideal South Africa itinerary mixing city, safari, and wine country. Plus, Richard shares a hilarious story about a tarmac delay!
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Use Marriott Points For Inclusive Safaris
- Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at JW Marriott Masai Mara to include game drives, meals, and many beverages.
- Book five nights to get the fifth night free and massively lower per-night cost compared with cash rates.
Plan Internal Flights And Transfers
- Budget for internal transfers from Nairobi: small prop flights plus a transfer from the airstrip to the lodge.
- Expect roughly $400 round-trip per person for the domestic flight and additional ground transfer time.
Expect Rising Park Fees
- Park/entrance fees can rise steeply and change seasonally, so factor them into your budget.
- Kenya raised Masai Mara fees from $50 to $200 per person per day in 2024 to limit tourism impact.