Trip to Africa, Courtesy of Two Chase Sapphire Reserve Cards

Last fall, our friends Jessica and JR spent one month in Africa, something they dreamed about doing for years.

One of the main reasons they were able to pull off this trip was due to getting approved for 100k offer on Chase Sapphire Reserve X 2. They applied before the bonus was reduced to 50k points and before Chase changed the terms to only allow one $300 travel credit per cardholder year.

Our friends were planning to buy an expensive camera for that once-in-a-lifetime trip, but I had a different idea. I told them they could borrow ours and in exchange, Jessica would contribute a short trip report. Done! I think it’s nice to show miles and points in action, so to speak. It’s what this hobby is all about. Enjoy!

Jessica:

AIRFARE AND LODGING

I got Chase Sapphire Reserve card for myself right when it first came out in August of 2016, and was able to book our round trip tickets from Tampa, FL to Johannesburg, South Africa entirely with my rewards.  I spent 106,767 points, plus an additional $264.02 charged to my card, which was reimbursed via $300 travel credit, a perk of CSR.

Almost free round trip tickets to Africa! I say “almost” because, of course, we had to pay  $450 annual fee, though I was able to use a second $300 travel credit on a trip to Puerto Rico, so I definitely got my money’s worth.

Then in January of 2017, right before the terms on the Chase Sapphire Reserve changed, I was able to get it in my husband’s name.  The application was actually pending at first, but we called in, and after an hour on the phone he was approved.

I was then able to use the Reserve points from my husband’s card for our inter-Africa flights: 2 tickets from Johannesburg to Harare, Zimbabwe; 2 tickets from Harare to Windhoek, Namibia; 2 tickets from Windhoek to Cape Town, South Africa; and 2 tickets from Cape Town back to Johannesburg for our return flight home.

I also used his Reserve points for a one-night stay in Johannesburg at a budget lodge near the airport and for a 4-night stay at a very nice 4-star lodge in Cape Town.  We stayed with friends (for free) in Zimbabwe and Namibia.  I used the 2017 $300 CSR travel credit for airfare to Denver, and the credit for 2018 a few days ago for a car rental in Denver this year… so again, $450 annual fee was well spent.

The most expensive part of the trip was Victoria Falls.  I didn’t use any points or rewards at all for these two days of the trip, so we had to pay for the activities (expensive!), the airfare (only available through a budget airline, FastJet), and the lodging.  We stayed at Mandebele Lodge, which I do recommend.  The host at the hotel was great and so was breakfast. Everything was so expensive, but this was a must-see, plus, we were already  in Zimbabwe.

I did use some points from my Chase Sapphire Preferred to cover car rentals as well, thereby booking almost all the lodging, airfare, and transportation with Chase Ultimate Rewards.  I know that the points sometimes go further when you transfer them to travel partners, but with so many airlines/ flights to keep track of, I chose to just use them through the portal for the sake of simplicity.

AIRPORT LOUNGES/PRIORITY PASS

We were able to use the Priority Pass benefit we got with our Reserve card at 6 different airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Harare International, Windhoek International, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.

The London Heathrow and Gatwick lounges were absolutely packed and had quite spotty Wi-Fi, but the food was decent and appreciated since we were going to have to buy it at the airport anyway.  The Harare lounge was fine, nothing super impressive, but it had free food and alcohol, and was much better than the outside waiting area.

The Cape Town and Johannesburg lounges had great food and drink options (including an open bar) and we really enjoyed them.  The Windhoek lounge did not have much food because we were there early, but they made us sandwiches when we arrived and took good care of us.

I would not pay for Priority Pass out-of-pocket, but when we go on a long international trip again, I will definitely make sure that I have a credit card with a complimentary access.  I never arrive at an airport early enough to enjoy this kind of thing when I’m flying domestic, and many domestic terminals don’t have a lounge anyway, but I think it’s a great benefit for international trips with at least a couple of long layovers.

We were also able to use our Global Entry (reimbursed by CSR cards) on the way back and flew through customs and immigration. Love Global Entry!

HIGHLIGHTS

We got to do so many things in Africa and loved spending time with friends and locals, seeing the unique landscapes and tasting all the different foods.  As far as touristy things go, we did a safari in Chobe Park, Botswana, visited Victoria Falls, marveled at the dunes in Namibia, and hiked a mountain  in Harare.

We also got a chance to pet a five-month-old lion cub at Lion & Safari Park (AWESOME!!) and snorkeled with seals through a company called Animal Ocean in Cape Town (EXTRA AWESOME!!)

Johannesburg didn’t have a lot to interest us (we don’t like museums), but we did enjoy a great beer tour and tasting at South Africa Brewery. Cape Town had so much to offer and do as far as scenery, outdoor things, food, wine (wine tasting with cupcakes paired, enough said), and activities go. We also loved Namibia and Zimbabwe for the unique culture and experiences we had there.  Highly recommend experiencing Africa for yourself if you ever get the chance.

Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses