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The best credit card for safari lodges in Botswana.

Updated

Why this card

American Express Platinum for safari lodges in Botswana.

Botswana is the highest-end safari country in Africa with Wilderness Safaris, andBeyond, and Great Plains running the Okavango Delta and Chobe lodges. No major US hotel program has properties in the bush. Belmond runs the Eagle Island Lodge and Khwai River Lodge. All bookings are cash, often $2,500 to $4,500 per person per night.

Annual fee

$895

Best earn rate

5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, Centurion Travel access for Belmond

Signup bonus

Currently around 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge and Belmond Khwai River Lodge are bookable through Amex Centurion Travel with property credit and complimentary game drives. On a $20,000 per couple booking the 5x earn delivers 100,000 Membership Rewards points, which is a future Hyatt stay covered. Emergency medical evacuation is built in. These trips are too remote to risk a non-premium card.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Earns 4x on direct hotel bookings if you book through Wilderness Safaris or andBeyond directly. Primary medical evacuation coverage is comparable. Slightly cheaper card.

ChaseAnnual fee $795

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecAmerican Express PlatinumChase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee$895$795
Best earn rate5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, Centurion Travel access for BelmondSee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Botswana caps tourist numbers in the Okavango Delta concessions which is what makes the wildlife density so high but also why the lodges cost so much. Bush flights into the Delta have a strict 20 kilogram baggage limit in a soft bag. Bring crisp US dollars in small denominations for tips (camp staff are heavily tip-dependent).

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for safari lodges in Botswana?

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American Express Platinum from American Express. Belmond Eagle Island Lodge and Belmond Khwai River Lodge are bookable through Amex Centurion Travel with property credit and complimentary game drives. Annual fee is $895.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve a better choice for safari lodges in Botswana?

expand_more

Earns 4x on direct hotel bookings if you book through Wilderness Safaris or andBeyond directly. Primary medical evacuation coverage is comparable. Slightly cheaper card. Annual fee is $795.