17 Incredible Safari Photos That Will Make You Want to Book a Trip to Africa!
Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.
My in-laws recently returned from a bucket list trip to Africa. They started their trip in Cape Town (one of my favorite destinations in the world) where they explored the natural beauty of the area while learning about the complex culture, and social and political makeup of the city. Their next stop was an unforgettable safari in the Sabi Sand private game reserve.
My mother-in-law books epic vacation itineraries through her company Memorable Adventures by Ellen. And my father-in-law is an incredible photographer! After seeing his unbelievable photos, which include pictures of all “big 5” game animals, I’m itching to book a return trip to Africa!
If you want to use credit card rewards to save on a safari vacation, be sure to check out our guide to using AMEX Membership Rewards points for flights to Africa. And don’t miss out on the best American Express card offers.

My in-laws had numerous close encounters with the “big 5”. Highlights of the safari included watching a leopard stalk its prey, observing hippopotamuses mating, and having an elephant unexpectedly join them for dinner at the lodge.
While every portion of the trip was memorable, the true highlight was the opportunity to interact with the people of South Africa. The ranger and tracker on the safari, both native South Africans, were extremely knowledgeable and professional. While on safari, they had the opportunity to visit Huntingdon, a small village near the game reserve. They were invited to participate in a church service and were introduced to the congregation.
They visited the Community Center and toured the local preschool. Also, they met the local shaman, learning about tribal medicine and traditions. They danced with local women and children and had the opportunity to purchase hand-made traditional crafts. Their trip to South Africa was an amazing adventure, educational and exotic, made truly memorable and authentic by personal interaction with native people.
Take a look at a few of the amazing shots my father-in-law captured during their safari adventure!
















For more African trip inspiration, you can check out Million Mile Secrets reader Rick’s miles & points success story, which includes highlights from Victoria Falls and Kruger National Park!
Have you taken an African safari vacation? Let us know in the comments below!
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Walmart+ members enjoy shopping perks – both online and in-store – at Walmart. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive a statement credit that covers the full cost each month. $12.95 plus applicable taxes. Plus Up Benefits not eligible.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Benefit renews annually.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back per calendar year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Learn more.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction, and an Equinox+ subscription is required.
Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile on the Resy app or website and unlock Global Dining Access by Resy to exclusive tables and events.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
Intro APR on purchases
N/A
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Annual Fee
$695
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Rates & Fees
Other
MORE INFO
Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
Join the Discussion!