AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners when you visit our site, click on a link, when you are approved for a credit card, or when an account is opened. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers. Offers for Bank of America cards mentioned in this post have been updated as of 05/16/2026
Offers for the Virgin Atlantic® World Elite MasterCard® are not available through this site. Some offers may have expired. Please see our card marketplace for available offers
For as long as I can remember, an African safari has been one of those trips I’ve dreamed about taking. Seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and other wildlife in their natural habitat feels like the kind of travel experience that would be hard to top.
The problem, of course, is the cost. Safari lodges — especially luxury tented camps with meals, game drives, transfers, and other experiences included — can easily run thousands of dollars per night.
Thankfully, points and miles can change the math. Several major loyalty programs now offer safari properties across Africa, giving travelers more ways to redeem hotel points or transferable rewards for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. These redemptions still require a serious points balance, and the inclusions vary widely by property. But for the right traveler, they can unlock exceptional value.
Here are some of the best safari lodges and camps you can book with points, including what each property includes, how much it costs, and how to earn the points you’ll need.
Marriott Bonvoy
Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp
The first property is the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp. Located in Kenya, it frequently charges $3,000-plus per night for a one-bedroom luxury safari tent, which includes an all-inclusive experience.
The stay offers amenities and activities, including:
- Serena Keekorok airstrip transfers
- Private game drives
- Butler service
- All-inclusive dining
- Champagne breakfasts
- Laundry
Points rates do not come cheap — the current lowest-priced room on the schedule is 276,000 points a night. Even with Marriott Bonvoy's 5th night free benefit, you'll need over a million points for a five-night stay at these rates.
Still, a bucket list trip at one of the most luxurious brands in Africa would be worth the points.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
Another option nearby in the Marriott Bonvoy program is the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. With just 24 tented suites, your safari at the JW Marriott would truly feel like a bespoke experience. And the price reflects that. Cash rates go for about $2,200-plus per night.
What sets this property apart are its tents with private whirlpools, as well as an all-inclusive experience including accommodations, game drives, and food and beverage.
Like the Ritz-Carlton, the JW Marriott is bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points. You'll need fewer points than the Ritz, but it's still a pricey property. Award nights start at 214,000 points per night.
JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp
The newest offering on this list is the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp. This property opens on July 1, 2026 and features tented suites (some with private pools), plus the opportunity to view endangered black rhinos.
While we don't have the full details on the experience yet, expect an all-inclusive offering that includes game drives, food and beverage, and extra-pampered service.
This property offers rooms from 212,000 points a night, in line with the most premium offerings in Marriott Bonvoy's program. We'll keep an eye out to see if rates drop after opening.
Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection
If Tanzania's Serengeti is more your style, the Mapito Safari Camp might be for you. With only 15 rooms (again, the luxury tent style), with retractable roofs for stargazing, Mapito Safari Camp offers an incredible experience for Marriott Bonvoy members.
The property offers all-inclusive accommodations, including all game drives and fees, plus a private luxury safari vehicle during your stay.
With rates north of $3,000 per night, you'll want to stack up Marriott points to redeem. That's because the property starts at 185,000 points a night. Still a high price to pay per night, but less expensive than the other Bonvoy properties above.
Leopard Sands, Kruger Park
Moving over to South Africa, Leopard Sands in Kruger Park offers only 18 suites, each with private pools, indoor/outdoor showers, and more. Keep in mind, this property includes meals, coffee to-go, two shared game drives a day, Boma dinner and entertainment, and nonalcoholic beverages. It also does not include Kruger National Park entry fees.
With rates starting around $750 per night, it's much more reasonable to pay cash here. Still, using Bonvoy points may be the best option.
Because there are fewer inclusions, it's also more reasonably priced to stay at Leopard Sands on Marriott Bonvoy points. Points rates drop to as low as 94,000 points.
That also means that it's possible to use 85,000-point Free Night Award Certificates for your stay, with some extra Bonvoy points added to top it off. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to take advantage of a 5th night free booking unless you book the whole reservation on points. Still, whether you're staying a few nights or planning a longer trip, it's a great option.
Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Lodge
While all the Marriott properties we've mentioned so far have been all-inclusive to some degree, the Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Lodge, is not. Located in Tanzania, the property does not include any game drives or food and beverage in its base rate. Rooms are quite spacious and start at around $200 per night.
Still, the property is worth considering, especially if you're not looking for an all-inclusive experience.
As a non-inclusive property, it's much easier to stay here on points, with rates starting at 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. That means it's possible to stay here for a total of five nights (with the 5th night free) for fewer points than one night at the JW Marriott or Ritz options on this list!
Plus, this is priced low enough to use Marriott's 35,000-point certificates — which can now be topped off with up to 25,000 additional points
Protea Hotels
If you're looking for a less luxurious option in Africa, consider Protea. With reasonably priced properties throughout the continent, they can help save money on airport layovers and pre-safari stays. Plus, two properties stand out for self-guided safari trips: the Protea Hotel Zambezi River Lodge in Namibia and Protea Hotel Lusaka Safari Lodge in Zambia. Both offer rooms for less than $100 per night or award nights starting at 7,500 points.
While your rate won't include any sundowners or guided game drives, you'll save a boatload of Marriott Bonvoy points on your stay and can use cash to book your own independent or self-guided safari experiences.
How to earn Marriott points for safari stays
Most of the safari properties on this list are aspirational redemptions requiring a serious points balance. Award nights at the top-tier camps can cost well over 200,000 points per night, so this isn’t the kind of redemption most travelers will fund through hotel stays alone.
Marriott credit cards
The most straightforward way to build your balance is through a co-branded Marriott credit card, particularly one with a large welcome bonus. For premium safari stays, I’d generally prioritize cards that earn a stash of Bonvoy points rather than cards that primarily offer Free Night Awards, since many of these properties price beyond the range where certificates are useful.
One strong option is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. In addition to its welcome offer, the card provides Marriott Platinum Elite status and earns 6X Bonvoy points on eligible Marriott purchases. Its annual Free Night Award could also be useful at lower-priced properties on this list, such as Leopard Sands, when award rates are within range and you can top off the certificate with points.
(Terms Apply)
- Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status, earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 50% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
- With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
Transferable points
Transferable points can also help close the gap. Programs such as Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and other bank programs transfer to Marriott Bonvoy, often at a 1:1 ratio:
That said, Marriott transfers aren’t always the highest-value use of transferable points, so this strategy makes the most sense when you’re topping off an account or booking a redemption that delivers outsized value.
Other ways to stretch your Marriott points
You can also buy Marriott points, especially during a sale, but this usually works best as a top-off strategy. Marriott limits how many points members can purchase each year, and buying enough points for multiple nights at a premium safari lodge generally won’t be realistic.
Finally, don’t overlook the math on Marriott’s 5th night free benefit. If you have enough Bonvoy points to redeem for at least a five-night award stay, you'll get one night free for every five nights redeemed. That can make a meaningful difference at expensive properties.
Mahali Mzuri, Kenya (Virgin)
As part of a special offer, you can also redeem Virgin Points for a safari stay at Mahali Mzuri in Kenya. Owned by Richard Branson, the camp offers an all-inclusive experience for Virgin members.
With just 12 tents and twice-daily game drives, the camp makes for an amazing vacation.
How to book with points
Rates begin at 330,000 points for a two-night stay, but can reach 800,000 points on select dates. Extra nights cost 165,000–400,000 points per night.
How to earn Virgin points for your stay
You can apply for the , which offers a hefty sign-up bonus, but will only get you part way to a redemption here. Virgin has many bank and rewards transfer partners, including Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One Miles, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Bilt at a 1:1 ratio.
You could consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for the sign-up bonus, but also for the travel perks while traveling to Africa. Plus, it offers amazing travel protections in case you need assistance while away from home.
Asilia Properties (World of Hyatt)
World of Hyatt has also jumped into the safari game through its partnership with Mr and Mrs Smith. With over a dozen properties across Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, Hyatt members now have more options than ever before.
We've previously written up a guide on these properties linked above, but the same Mr and Mrs Smith rules apply. Members can earn Hyatt points on eligible cash stays, though elite benefits at these properties are limited. Depending on the hotel you choose with this partnership, you may have an all-inclusive experience that includes game drives, food and beverage, airport transfers, and more.
Personally, I like the Sayari Camp for my next safari, but here are all the current options available:
Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya
Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Nyerere National Park, Tanzania
Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
How to book with points
Mr and Mrs Smith use a dynamic award structure, rather than an award chart like other Hyatt properties. So, you'll need to look up the rate for your desired dates on the Hyatt website. The good news? This means that these properties aren't affected by the latest Hyatt changes coming to the program in 2026.
How to earn Hyatt points for your stay
To earn Hyatt points, you'll want to apply for The World of Hyatt Credit Card for personal expenses or World of Hyatt Business Credit Card if you run a business. Having Discoverist status can also help you earn more Hyatt points on eligible on-property spending during your stay.
Bottom Line
There has never been a better time to travel in Africa on safari using award points. While Marriott has made a strong push in the region, World of Hyatt is worth considering as well. Whatever option you choose, remember you'll need to fly there as well. We have guides for just that on AwardWallet.
Page Contents
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Mahali Mzuri, Kenya (Virgin)
- Asilia Properties (World of Hyatt)
- Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya
- Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
- Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
- Nyerere National Park, Tanzania
- Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
- How to book with points
- How to earn Hyatt points for your stay
- Bottom Line
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)
