Yesterday I stumbled upon a couple of very interesting Preferred Hotels in South Africa. They are all-inclusive Last Word properties with daily game drives. And while each usually costs over $1,200 per night if you pay in cash (and sometimes far more than that), they can be booked instead with I Prefer points. Don’t worry if you don’t have or have never heard of I Prefer points: The trick is to get Citi ThankYou Rewards points and a Citi Strata Premier card so that you can transfer Citi points to I Prefer at an amazing 1 to 4 ratio.
Overview
There are two interesting Last Word safari camp properties that are bookable with I Prefer points. If you follow this blog closely, that should raise some red flags for you: booking Preferred Hotels with points can be fraught with problems (details here). In this case, though, the main booking page for these properties has a prominent option to “Use I Prefer Points.” So, at least we know that they intended to allow this option. I’m not going to lie to you: booking these properties with points will probably be fraught with problems. But these appear to be bucket-list worthy and so are likely to be worth the effort.
I’m still waiting for Citi to fix an issue where I can’t transfer Citi points to I Prefer, so until that happens I can’t test out these bookings. My cynical prediction is that the website will error out somewhere in the booking process and that it will be necessary to call Preferred Hotels to get these booked. Whether or not that happens, I strongly recommend contacting the hotel directly after getting your booking confirmation in order to confirm that the property knows about your reservation and to find out if there are any other details you need to know (are there any other fees, for example?).
The two properties, Last Word Kitara and Last Word Madikwe, charge 150,000 and 100,000 points per night, respectively. That sounds like a lot until you consider that Citi points transfer to I Prefer at a rate of 1 to 4. So, with Citi ThankYou Rewards points and a premium card like the Strata Premier, the cost in Citi points comes down to 37,500 and 25,000 points per night, respectively. That’s a great deal.
Last Word Kitara
Greg’s Quick Take
Based on photos and reviews (TripAdvisor currently shows a great 5.0 review score), this place looks terrific. Elephants and other animals frequent a path by the river. All meals and two game drives per day are included. The rooms don’t really look like luxury suites to me, but I’m sure they’re comfortable enough.
One of the things I find compelling about this safari camp is that its private reserve abuts Kruger National Park without any fencing between them. As a result, the same animals found in Kruger can be found here, but without crowds of people.
Quick Facts
- Point Price Per Night: 150,000 I Prefer Points (37,500 Citi Points)
- Location: Private nature reserve near Kruger National Park
- All meals included
- Two daily game drives included
- Property features only six rooms. All are suites with river views.
A full fact sheet for Last Word Kitara can be found here.
Property Photos
All photos shown below were downloaded from the hotel’s gallery page, here.
Public Areas
Dining
Suites
Safari
Last Word Madikwe
Greg’s Quick Take
Based on photos and reviews (TripAdvisor currently shows a great 5.0 review score), I’m even more interested in this camp than the more expensive Last Word Kitara. This one includes a protected nature trail where guests can get some exercise, and it includes a watering hole right on the property that appears to be very popular with wildlife. Even better, there’s a hide where guests can safely view animals day and night. It’s fun reading reviews where people report the difficult decision of whether to go on game drives or stay on property to see animals up close.
Quick Facts
- Point Price Per Night: 100,000 I Prefer Points (25,000 Citi Points)
- Location: Madikwe Game Reserve, northwest of Johannesburg, near Botswana.
- All meals included
- Two daily game drives included
- The lodge contains six bedrooms, four with verandas
- The property includes:
- A waterhole frequented by many animals
- A hide, open 24 hours, where guests can safely get up close to animals drinking from the waterhole
- A private nature trail inside the electrified boundaries of the camp
A full fact sheet for Last Word Kitara can be found here.
Property Photos
All photos shown below were downloaded from the hotel’s gallery page, here.
Public Areas
The Hide and Watering Hole
Dining
Rooms
Safari
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I have been to Madikwe Game Reserve, two years ago. Feel free to contact me with questions. I actually drove there from another safari lodge halfway betweek JNB and Madikwe. I did not stay at this reort. I stayed at Madikwe Hills. I got a last minute cash rate they they offer to locals in South Africa. It was an amazing place and didnt break the bank. I thnk we paid half of what other guests paid. As far as animal sightings we saw Zebra, Giraffes, Elephants, baboons, Antelope, cheetah, leopard,Wildbeast, Lions. Surprinsingly no wild dogs which they are known for. Its a huge property. I was able to drive in because I was staying there, otherwise they dont allow anyone to drive inside there unless you are going to a lodge. The watering holes are great. Lion sightings vary but I got lucky two days. Only one leopard sighting. I have been to S Africa twice and only saw this one leopard at Madikwe at nigght for a few seconds. When I first drove into the property I had a ton of elephant sightings, giraffes, zebra. My Tmobile cell phone worked great there and there is actually a cell tower I saw from the game reserve. I did one hike on foot. You need to go to both game drives everyday if you want good sightings .Between game drives and meals, and most have afternoon tea, you will be busy and fall asleep eary for that 5AM wakeup. Most of the lodges have backup generators for power. You lose power alot in South Africa. Ask them.
Even with 4 custom cash cards, its difficult to accumulate large amounts of TY points.
It is not clear that game drives are included on the points bookings because nowhere does it say so. Meals do seem to be included at Kitara under room details but are not mentioned for Madikwe. Anyway, good luck booking this given all the issues.
The fact sheets show that the game drives are included, in general. I’m sure they don’t make an exception for points bookings.
Yes, they include game drives. I booked Last Word Kitara back in Nov ’24 using iPrefer points and confirmed with the property on all the included amenities.
Did you like it? How was the food and service? I stayed two yrs ago at Madiwke Hills and it was unreal. I paid cash and got a last min rate for South African residents. It was custom and gourmet all the way.
Sorry, I meant I placed the booking back in Nov ’24. The stay is later this summer. Glad to hear Madikwe was great; hoping to receive similar service at Kitara as well, given that they’re from the same brand.
Usually they are covered with these places. I would find it hard to believe they are not covered. Most of the lodges will also have an option for a private game drive. I didn ithat for my birthday and they actually gave me two 3 hour drives (Madiwke Hills). It did not break the bank and it was UNREAL as I had a close lion sighting that day that the other trucks missed. They waited around sleeping lions and when they left we got there as they woke up and I got a ton of pix. My last day there I was going to leave without game drive because I had a far drive to JNB and didnt want to have issues. I was encouraged to do the morning drive and I was able to get a ton of lion cub pictures and a female, before we got a flat tire in the game truck. I think Madiwke is good fir safaris. Keep the kids at home with grandma. Some of the lodges there I think are no kids. Others may allow certain ages.
Good find, but the reality in South Africa is that most of the accommodations are much cheaper/affordable compared to the US prices. During our 2-week self-driving tour we stayed at chain hotels, like Marriott-owned Protea Hotel at Kruger gate, to private lounges, like historic all-inclusive 5-room property in Swaziland national park, and prices are very affordable, like $100-$250 for 2 people. We did use Marriott points at Protea hotel as it was super cheap deal, although we had to pay for breakfast which otherwise included. But for the most stays just used UR points for 1.5c value (with Chase Reserve via Chase Travel portal). At one game reserve we stayed, swimming pool and private bungalows were literally surrounded by groups of zebras, herds of antelopes and some wildebeests – was so cool and surreal to swim and lounge at such setting; and the price for stay was around $150 in semi-luxurious chalet, including breakfast buffet. We also stayed at couple of AirB-nBs to get a closer feel of the local life: one was at the citrus orchard, another at Durban family house – ocean view included, both places inexpensive. For cultural immersion we stayed 2 days at Shakaland with actual Zulu tribe – one of the best experiences for us in Africa (all-inclusive with 3 daily meals, expansive semi-private cultural program with a guide, evening dance presentation, and more). It’s actually a part of Aha hotels, but can be booked elsewhere, including Chase Travel.
The safari game drives can be had for a low cost as well. The above game reserve offered them at low price, including walking safari; Kruger park has official ranger drives during the day and night for $25-$50 per person depending on length. So travelers can essentially build a la-carte menu of things they wan to experience. And the crowds are not that big, sometimes you can feel very secluded. Meals are also generally 30% cheaper in Africa, but quality is 100% better! Kruger Gate Hotel had the best buffet brie at night, outdoors with the big fire and huge grilled meat selection, all for about $25.
Happy travels!!
How did you book the game drive? Online or locally?
At location. But maybe they offer online option too. We also went on the hippo/croc water safari on the boat at Hluhluwe park, just bought tickets on the spot.
Which game reserve did you stay at that was surrounded by the zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests? And how many years ago was it? Seems like prices have really skyrocketed lately. Sounds amazing!
We have to remember though this helps him pimp Citi cards, so he’s not going to research/report these type of options. Thank you for telling us about them though!
It’s smart in general to be suspicious of a blog’s motivations but at Frequent Miler we don’t alter our content in any way based on the desire to “pimp” credit cards. And in fact at this time we don’t earn anything from Citi cards.
Thats just not true. I have been with Greg from the start of the blog and can dispute that. I have also been to Africa twice and to Madiwke in 2022. I am no expert on all of Africa, but I do know options in South Africa. If I can get this lodge for 40K points a night, I am there. In fact I was just thinking abotu South Africa again. Its amazing. This is a luxury resort.
Leslie to make such a comment you must be new to Frequent Miler. They do not do that here. They are very transparent about how they make their money, and provide excellent, honest, balanced content.
I suspect it is almost always a better deal to book safaris with local groups instead of with international chains. (Of course, if you have a ton of points lying around you need to burn, I guess go for it.) I know our experience in Kenya was that booking locally was ridiculously cheap by comparison and the service and food at even the mid range properties was insanely good, on par with what you would get in the US at a high end hotel. I recently saw someone raving about their experience at a very expensive chain lodge in Kenya, and their experience sounded exactly like what we experienced at a nearby lodge that is currently going for less than 1/3 the cost.
Booking locally doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or safety. Obviously you want to check reviews, but there are local guide companies that will arrange everything from the time you walk out of the airport to drop off for your flight home, including driver/guide, lodge bookings, and handling any local challenges. And again, prices can be much cheaper than booking with the big chains.
One other thing to keep in mind about safaris is that you normally be doing 2 game drives per day, and when you are at the lodge in the middle of the day you will want to maximize the chances to see wildlife. I would always prioritize a lodge with a good location for daytime viewing over a lodge with a spa, etc. So before you drop extra money for high end luxury bookings think about whether a safari is the trip for it.
I have done South Africa twice including Madiwke. After two game drives a day plus meals and maybe afternoon tea, your day is pretty full. If you are paying CASH money I suggest you reach out to a travel agent. This is one case where a travel agent is the way to go. Madiwke (the property iteself) has agets that cover the lodges there. They healp you pik correctly, meals everything. I am a do it yourselfer on every single trip. But for this kind of experience _luxury lodges, you want a travel agent to assist if paying cash. They went out of their way. Did things for me. I can go on and on. Didnt stay at this exact resort. Stayed at Madiwke Hills. I know how to drive there becuase I dont like bush planes.
These lodges are much more a luxury experience than that Marriott. I know because I have stayed at a luxury safari and the king you mention. The luxury ones can be incredible and far more than I even expected. I have done both. I can tell you which one my wife loved the most.
Last Word Madikwe looks really cool! Thanks for the article and heads-up!
We also had issues transferring points from citi to preferred, we found the iprefer customer service very helpful in resolving our issues.
how many people can stay in the same room for 125/100K points?
Two adults and one child, I believe
This looks very nice. But it is very wrong to say that you would encounter “crowds of people” seeing the same animals in the adjacent Kruger National Park. I’ve spent many weeks in Kruger. With the possible exception of the Skukuza headquarters, I’ve never seen “a crowd” anywhere in the park. Kruger offers affordable game drives (about $25 each) but most people self drive themselves around the park. Occasionally, a big cat sighting can lead to a small bottleneck (like perhaps 10 cars), but never a crowd. With decent rest camp cottages going for about $110/night, Kruger is perhaps the best value travel experience in the world. Even on points, this offer would never equal that value, but would certainly be appealing to those who value and enjoy luxury experiences. A Kruger trip can be very comfortable, but not luxurious.
Hi iahphx, thanks for the post. Any other affordable safari destinations you’d recommend?
We really loved our stay at the Ndaka Lodge inside a private reserve that is about 2-3 hours drive from Durban airport. 3 years ago, it was $300 a night for a three room “luxury tent” and is all inclusive (minus alcohol, which was self-serve and self-report, and was very cheap). While we haven’t been back to do any of the true luxury properties, we absolutely loved this lodge and nothing felt cheap or budget (I also don’t want to oversell it since I don’t have experience at the $2k night places to gauge). The size of the private reserve means you don’t have to go long distances to see a bunch of animals and we saw 4 out of the Big5 (minus jaguar). It is a fenced lodge, and we saw animals from out tent window every day of the trip. Staff were great and super friendly (wife ended up insta friends with several of them). Combined with over 40 hours in Qatar Qsuites, it was an amazing trip. We would definitely go back, and combine it with something at Krugar to compare/contrast the small private reserve to the massive national park.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1055401-d4610830-Reviews-Ndaka_Safari_Lodge-Ladysmith_KwaZulu_Natal.html
How did you book the resort 3 years ago? It’s like over $1000 now for the same room when I dd a quick search online on their website.
South Africa is dirt check in the cities for food and most city hotels. Safari hotels and game drives are adjusted for the USD and UK. There are lower priced options.
Etosha in Namibia is also a big value safari destination.in the dry season, the wildlife tends to collect at watering holes and each camp has their own hole with flood lighting at night. I’ve self driven both there and Kruger. While both are very rewarding, I’ve decided they’re not for me for 2 reasons.
1) You can’t go off road. So if you see a lion 100 meters away from the road, that’s how close you’re going to get to it.
2) Guides are more adept at finding and spotting wildlife than tourists are. When you self drives, you see what you and your passengers see, though if another vehicle is pulled over on the side of the road, that’s a hint that something good might be there.
You’ll almost certainly get excellent elephant and giraffes sightings in both parks. In Etosha, you’ll also get excellent rhino sightings (and you might see them in Kruger, but they’re practically guaranteed in the dry season at night at the watering holes in Etosha). The problem really is predator sightings. In Kruger, I saw one lion and one hyena, both from far away, in 4 days. In Etosha, we did see a few hyena reasonably close, and a leopard from far away. But any time there were lions sighted at a watering hole, it turned into such a disgusting traffic jam of 20+ vehicles in the parking lot trying to get a look—that part really stunk.
For people that can afford it, I recommend going to a private conservatory/concession.
You had bad Kruger luck. Wildlife is unpredictable, but we typically see at least one lion and one hyena everyday. We usually see more. Cheetah and leopards are unpredictable. In 5 days you are extremely likely to see each at least one time. There is no doubt that professionals are better at spotting African wildlife, but after the 500th elephant, I don’t care. I also agree with Brian that Etosha is a good self-drive safari park.
You need luck for good lion sightings. My first trip we saw one lion from a far distance. My trip to Madiwke we had great sightings two days. South Africa doesnt have that many lions in general. They sleep most of the day and its not easy to see them in action exept at sundwn or at night. My Africa night drives have been mixed. I have seen alot more on morning drives. But you never know.
Another suggestion for affordable and family is Bakubung Bush Lodge which is at Pilanesberg National Park. Its two hours from JNB. Super reasonable. Clean rooms. Good for familys and kids. ood was pretty good. I have been there twice. I prefer Madiwke but that was a luxury experience. I have not been to Kruger but plenty of options there. Potentially you could do both. Dont expect to see a ton of lions in Pilanesberg.
Agree with you on Kruger super value. Although it’s also nice to mix various accommodations into one trip, especially if you can use points to cover the cost.
I rarely see any I Prefer awards. Hopefully this one stays around.
Great find by Greg! Biggest issue for most (including myself) is accumulating enough Citi TY points.
Citi’s cards have much better general earn rates (especially for the annual fees) than the other two big banking ecosystems.
Between the Double Cash, Strata Premier, and a few Custom Cash cards, you should be able to rack up a decent number of TY points very quickly just through general spend.
If you’re struggling, you need to open up a wider variety of Citi cards and focus on strategies to hold multiple Custom Cash cards to get those higher multipliers.
But yes, the lack of multiple welcome offers on Citi cards and the complexities of combining points makes this ecosystem a lot more work for points enthusiasts.
All good points. I spend a lot of time traveling overseas for work so the only Citi card worth putting spend on is the Strata Premier as the rest have Fx fees. If only I had the old Prestige…
Good used of Citi points indeed, thanks for sharing! I actually found a pretty comprehensive rundown of a bunch of points-enabled Safari properties the other week: https://youare.travel/points_miles_university/the-possibly-definitive-list-of-how-to-safari-in-africa-on-points-in-2024/