This was one of those bookings that felt big even as I was clicking “confirm.”

Our family’s first trip to Africa.
Christmas to New Year’s.
A safari we may only do once at this level.

I wanted this experience to be pristine, calm, safe, and special — especially because it was our kids’ first time on the continent. After months and months of research, planning, and patience, I booked our stay at the JW Marriott Masai Mara entirely with points, without holding a single Marriott credit card.

Here’s exactly how I did it, what it cost, and why this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime points redemption for our family.

Why I Chose the JW Masai Mara for Our First Africa Trip

This was our first time in Africa, and I knew I wanted to remove as many unknowns as possible.

The JW Masai Mara is:

• Located inside the Masai Mara National Reserve
• New and beautifully maintained
• Fully all-inclusive (meals, drinks, game drives, and transfers to and from the gates)
• Designed to feel luxurious while still deeply connected to the land

Each tented suite (they call them huts) sits directly along the river. At night, you hear hippos. In the morning, you wake up to wildlife sounds. It feels immersive but never chaotic, polished without feeling sterile.

For a first safari — especially with kids — this was exactly the environment I wanted.

The Reality: This Is a High-Cost Points Stay

Let’s be very clear: this is not a casual redemption.

When I booked:

• The JW Masai Mara was pricing at 180,000 Marriott points per night (minus 30% thanks to the transfer bonus).
• We stayed three nights between Christmas and New Year’s
• Points bookings cover two adults per hut

Our group required two huts, which meant:

• 360,000 Marriott points per night
• 1,080,000 Marriott points total – the 30% transfer bonus I took advantage of.

Yes — 756,000 Marriott points.

This is not something to do lightly, and it’s exactly why strategy mattered.

How I Booked Without a Marriott Credit Card

I do not hold any Marriott credit cards.

Instead, I earned points through American Express Membership Rewards using a combination of:

• A personal American Express card
• A business American Express card
• A business premium American Express card

The majority of these points came from welcome offers, not everyday spending.

I waited intentionally for an American Express transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy, which ended up being a 30% bonus.

That timing changed everything.

Understanding the Amex to Marriott Transfer Bonus

Normally:

• American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio

During a 30% bonus:

• 1,000 Amex points = 1,300 Marriott points
• That’s a 1:1.3 transfer ratio

This meant I needed significantly fewer American Express points than the total Marriott cost suggested. I still spent a massive number of points — but far fewer than if I had transferred without a bonus.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Amex Points to Marriott

Here is the exact process I followed.

Step 1: Log in to American Express

Sign in to your American Express Membership Rewards account.

Step 2: Link Your Accounts

If you haven’t already, add your Marriott Bonvoy account as a transfer partner. Make sure the names and addresses match exactly.

Step 3: Select Marriott Bonvoy

Choose Marriott Bonvoy from the list of hotel transfer partners.

Step 4: Enter the Transfer Amount

• Minimum transfer: 400 points
• Transfers must be in increments of 400

Only transfer once you have confirmed availability for your dates.

Step 5: Confirm the Transfer

Transfers are:

• Final
• Typically completed within one business day

Once the points were posted, I booked immediately.

Important Things to Know Before You Transfer

This part matters.

• Transfers are irreversible
• American Express points are generally more valuable than Marriott points
• I only recommend transferring:
  • During a strong bonus, or
  • When you are topping off for a specific, confirmed booking

For this trip, I had fixed dates, confirmed availability, and a clear plan. That’s when transferring makes sense.

Booking for a Multigenerational Group on Points

This is where things get interesting.

I booked two huts entirely with points, which covered four adults total. Our kids stayed in those huts as well.

My mom and aunt joined us on this trip, and because I had already covered the four adult spots with points, they paid the child supplement costs associated with having the kids on the reservation.

Those child costs are not small. Depending on age and season, they can range from $1,100 to $2,200 per night per child.

Splitting the stay this way made the trip financially possible:

• Points covered the most expensive base occupancy
• My mom and aunt budgeted for the child supplements
• We were all together for meals, game drives, and downtime

It worked beautifully and allowed us to experience this lodge together without paying full cash rates for additional adult huts.

What It’s Like to Stay at the JW Masai Mara

This property exceeded every expectation I had.

• Twice-daily game drives with incredible guides. We saw everything! Up close!
• Guides who were patient, knowledgeable, and amazing with kids
• Thoughtfully prepared meals and flexible dining
• Quiet downtime watching wildlife from our deck
• Staff who remembered names and preferences almost immediately

It felt luxurious without being stuffy and adventurous without being overwhelming.

Everything felt intentional.

Was It Worth Over 700,000 Points?

For our family, yes.

This was:

• Our first trip to Africa
• A Christmas and New Year spent together in the wild
• A memory our kids will carry forever

This wasn’t about squeezing out maximum cents-per-point on paper. It was about using points to unlock something we would never pay cash for — and doing it intentionally.

Will We Go Back to Africa?

Absolutely.

Will we do this exact redemption again? Probably not.

Next time, I’m already dreaming about Botswana — different lodges, different season, different strategy.

But this stay at the JW Masai Mara will always be special.

It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime points redemption — and exactly why I believe points are meant to be used, not hoarded.