By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: A safari is a bucket-list trip, and while the specialized game lodges usually take cash, the most expensive piece, the long-haul flights to Africa, is where points shine. Booking business class to Johannesburg, Nairobi, or beyond with miles can save thousands, and points-friendly city hotels cover your stops on either end.
Where points help on a safari
The lodges deep in the bush are typically small, independent, all-inclusive properties that do not take points, so plan to pay those in cash. The flights, though, are long, pricey, and ideal for points: a business-class award to Africa can replace a five-figure cash fare. Points also cover the gateway-city hotels where you overnight before and after the bush. See best business class redemptions.
Booking the flights to Africa
Africa is well served by award programs. Star Alliance carriers reach Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and more, and you can book them with miles from partners reachable via transferable points. Premium cabins to Africa are among the better-value long-haul awards when you find space, so target business class and book early. See transfer partners and finding award space.
The city stops and planning
Use hotel points for the city nights bracketing the safari, in places like Johannesburg, Nairobi, or Cape Town, where major chains have points-bookable properties. Plan the flights first since they are the scarce, high-value piece, then slot the cash lodges and points city hotels around them. See Cape Town hotels on points.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a safari with points?
Partly. The remote game lodges are usually cash-only, but points cover the most expensive part, the long-haul flights to Africa, and the gateway-city hotels. That can save thousands on the overall trip.
What is the best use of points for a safari?
Business-class flights to Africa, where a points award can replace a five-figure cash fare. Premium cabins to Johannesburg, Nairobi, and beyond are among the better-value long-haul awards when space is available.
Can I use hotel points on a safari?
For the city stops, yes. Major chains have points-bookable hotels in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town, and other gateways. The bush lodges themselves are typically independent and cash-only.
Which airlines fly to Africa on points?
Star Alliance carriers serve many African hubs, bookable with partner miles reachable from transferable points, and other alliances reach the continent too. Target business class and book early, since premium space is limited.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
