Africa Trip Planning Guide for Families: Safari, Zanzibar, and Using Points and Miles
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post..
Planning a trip to Africa can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re doing it as a family.
Between long-haul flights, safaris, multiple countries, visas, safety questions, and cost, most people assume a trip like this is out of reach.
We thought the same thing at first.
But with intentional planning and points and miles, we were able to take our family to Africa — including Kenya, Zanzibar, and even a stop in Cairo — without paying cash prices for flights and without turning it into a luxury-only experience.
This page brings together every part of our Africa trip in one place so you can see exactly how we planned it and what it was really like traveling with kids.
Quick note
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. I don’t publish direct credit card links on my blog. If you’re interested in applying for any card I mention, please message me on Instagram at @pointsandmilesteachers so I can send you the correct link.
Using my links is how I get paid and allows me to continue sharing free travel guides and planning support for families — thank you for being here.
Start Here: Planning an Africa Trip With Kids
If Africa is on your dream list, I recommend reading these posts in order.
Each one builds on the next and walks through the full planning process step by step.
✈️ Step 1: How We Got to Africa Using Points
How We Booked Our Africa Flights With Points (Step by Step, No Guesswork)
Flights are usually the biggest barrier when planning Africa — especially for families.
In this post, I walk through:
• how we booked long-haul flights with points
• how we handled multiple routes
• what flexibility mattered most
• what these flights would have cost in cash
👉 Read how we booked our Africa flights here
🌍 Step 2: Planning a Multi-Country Africa Trip
How We Booked a Multi-Country Africa Safari With Points (Flights, Hotels, and Logistics)
Africa trips often involve more than one country — and that’s where planning can feel intimidating.
This post covers:
• how we structured our route
• how we handled transfers
• where points helped most
• how we avoided overcomplicating the trip
👉 Read the full multi-country planning guide here
🧳 Step 3: Africa Travel Logistics With Kids
Africa Travel Logistics With Kids: Visas, Transfers, Safety, and What Actually Matters
This is the post most families worry about — and the one I wish I had before we went.
I break down:
• visas and entry requirements
• airport transfers
• safety concerns
• what mattered far less than I expected
👉 Read the logistics guide here
🐘 Step 4: Is an African Safari With Kids Worth It?
Is an African Safari With Kids Worth It? Our Honest Masai Mara Experience
Safari with kids is one of the most asked-about parts of our trip.
In this post, I share:
• what surprised us most
• how kids handled game drives
• what worked well
• what I’d do differently
👉 Read our honest safari experience here
🏕️ Step 5: Booking Safari Lodges With Points
How I Booked the JW Masai Mara on Points (Without Holding a Marriott Credit Card)
Safari lodges are often the most expensive part of an Africa trip.
In this post, I walk through:
• how we booked a luxury safari lodge with points
• how we didn’t need to hold a specific hotel card
• what this stay would have cost in cash
• why this redemption mattered so much
👉 Read how we booked the JW Masai Mara on points here
🌴 Step 6: Adding Zanzibar After Safari
Zanzibar Without the Crowds: What We Loved, What I’d Change, and How to Plan It Right
After safari, we added time in Zanzibar — and it was the perfect balance.
In this post, I share:
• why we added a beach destination
• how Zanzibar worked with kids
• what we loved
• what I would change next time
👉 Read our Zanzibar experience here
🕌 Bonus Stop: A Surprise Day in Cairo
We Left the Airport — and Cairo Gave Us One of the Most Memorable Days of Our Trip
This wasn’t originally part of the plan — but it became one of our favorite memories.
This post covers:
• why we decided to leave the airport
• what we were able to see in one day
• why I’m so glad we said yes to it
👉 Read our Cairo day trip here
Why I Share This Kind of Travel
I’m not a luxury travel advisor.
I’m a public school teacher and a mom who wanted to show her kids the world without going into debt.
We travel during school breaks.
We fly economy.
We plan intentionally.
Everything in this series is based on a real trip we took — not hypothetical examples or influencer itineraries.
My goal is to help families see that big trips don’t have to be impossible.
With the right strategy, they become achievable.
Want help planning your own Africa trip?
If Africa is on your dream list and you want help understanding flights, points, or where to even begin, message me on Instagram @pointsandmilesteachers before applying for anything.
Using my links is how I get paid and allows me to continue creating free guides and trip breakdowns — and I’m always happy to help you think through your options.
Bookmark This Page
This page will continue to grow as I add:
• updated routing strategies
• future Africa trips
• long-haul family travel guides
If Africa is on your someday list, bookmark this page and come back when you’re ready.
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
I found out about points and miles accidentally.
I was researching index funds and happened upon the points and miles community through creators who also post about budgets, financial independence, and investing.
Points and miles allowed those people to travel and work toward financial independence simultaneously.
Thank goodness I got started when I did. The past almost two years of travel have been something we will never forget.
Earning points and miles through credit cards is only a good choice if you have the financial discipline to use them, like cash/debit cards.
Since we started traveling with points and miles, we have had more money going into our investment and savings accounts than ever.
Now I'm excited to teach you!
Welcome
I am excited you are here
New to points and miles? START HERE!
