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Update, 7/28: Most dates are now available with points, however rates have gone up to 98K-132K points per night (78K-105K on 5 night stays).
Update, 7/7: Most nights are no longer available with Marriott points.
Originally posted on 7/5:
Marriott’s new JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has opened in Kenya and has some award bargains available for next year, with nights for 74.5K Marriott points, or 59.6K Marriott points per night with a 5 night stay.
Rooms normally sell for $2,000-$3,000 per night.
“JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge marks the debut of the first luxury safari lodge in the brand portfolio. Overlooking the Talek River and the Masai Mara National Reserve, this lodge features 20 luxurious and expansive en-suite tents (including an interconnecting family suite and accessible suite), all with their own private outdoor Jacuzzi tub and deck. Your experience includes meals (breakfast, lunch, high-tea/ sundowner, and dinner), both on-property and bush meals, a selection of beverages, game drives, airstrip transfers, and many meaningful moments. Communal areas include a dining area, lounge bar, spa, gym, photographic studio, garden and a large outdoor viewing deck with a fire pit.”
Award rates are for 2 adults. Kids under 6 are not allowed and kids 6 and older will cost $1,000/night to be added to your room.
The hotel is located about 4.5 hours from Nairobi, Kenya. You can also fly from Nairobi to the hotel, though that will set you back some $400 per person.
There are additional expenses. Park fees are $70 per night per person.
The hotel ([email protected]) says that they can work with guests to figure out kosher food options, though I’d imagine you’ll be better off bringing your own food with you as they don’t seem to have much experience with kosher accommodations yet.
I went on safari in 2021 at Kings Camp in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and in Botswana’s Chobe National Park and they were truly incredible experiences. Due to COVID, we had the entire Kings Camp to ourselves, which was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, they offer a fully supervised mehadrin kosher safari from their dedicated kosher kitchen, which was amazing. We got an insane bargain there due to COVID, but prices are much higher now.
Safari in Kenya is certainly on my bucket list and January-March is peak safari season for Masai Mara, though the great migration occurs in July-August.
Marriott cards include:
- Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Consumer Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express®Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card
You can also transfer points from AMEX and Chase cards to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio, something that is rarely worthwhile, but might be in some cases like this.
Will you take advantage of this award redemption option?
HT: Davidthebest, via Frequent Miler
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18 Comments On "[Alive Again, At Higher Rates] Stay At The All-Inclusive JW Marriott Masai Mara Safari Lodge From Just 59K-74K Points Per Night!"
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As I’ve never been and am hoping to enjoy the experience to the fullest… how many nights do you suggest booking for? Thanks!!
I’d guess 3-5 nights, depending on how much time you have to spare.
Thx. Do you feel 7 would be too long?
I’d probably go to another safari area with that much time.
Believe it or not my trip is coming up! I am very looking forward but am very lost. Do you have any ideas on airports to fly thru (or not fly thru) – or information I would need to know beforehand? (I looked thru all the relevant forums and contacted the hotel as well.) Thanks so much!! Can’t wait to report back afterwards!
I booked for the way back thru frankfurt with money (Prem econ for 9 hours and bus on united with pp) and using a great point value on kenya with VA to JNB and then direct with Ua to EWR in bus. any reason to do one and not the other? thx!!
Which flights do you suggest for flying to Nairobi on points
Kenya airways bookable with af
This is an incredible steal and my guess is this will likely be a one-time opportunity (new resort offer) at these points rates. @Dan peak is July-October: Cooler weather, mostly dry and migration draws insane cat activity all over the reserve. But really awesome all year round! Been on 8 safaris and the Mara twice in just past 3 years. JW location is very good right inside the reserve…and IMO the only points hotel with a prime location. It is about an hour drive from the heart of the reserve…but the new jeeps look A+ with extended height open roofs like most luxury Kruger jeeps (not a given in East Africa luxury lodges).
Want to book this, I’ve never been or done research on a safari. What’s the difference between peak season (Jan-Mar) and migration (Jul-Oct)?
Booked 3 nights in executive room with plunge pool for 91k a night.
Thanks Dan!
Please let us know what your experience is when you go. What month are you going?
matos masei
LOL!! the first stop after yam suf in parashas masai was mara.
Masai Mara!
Got in a little late. How bad is end of May for the area?
Is this dead? Not seeing any availability
Guys please let’s all create a WhatsApp group so we can arrange a minyin with all the Jews that will be there….
I would love to know when someone goes and how the kosher food works out.