How to Have a Royal-Inspired Honeymoon in Namibia With Points & Miles
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available – Citi Prestige Card
Rumor has it that Prince Harry and his bride-to-be, Meghan Markle, will have a faraway honeymoon in Namibia following Saturday's royal wedding. Though they've decided to postpone their trip (because even royals have to work), we've been busy wondering how the newlyweds will spend their time in the coastal African country.
After all, Namibia means vast place — so though safaris are popular, they're hardly the only reason to honeymoon in this underrated destination. In addition to luxurious tented safari camps, Namibia is also home to one of the world's largest deserts and the haunting Skeleton Coast, with its wrecked ships and animal bones.
Couples dreaming of a honeymoon fit for the next Duke and Duchess may think a grand tour of Namibia is out of reach. But by maximizing your points and miles, you and your significant other can enjoy marital bliss in one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth. Here's how to make it happen.
What to Do in Namibia
Seeing wildlife on a Namibian safari will likely be your first order of business. Start by visiting Etosha National Park, where you'll be on the lookout for four of the Big Five: elephants, leopards, desert lions and the endangered black rhinoceros.
Namibia is one of only two countries where you can spot desert elephants, distinguishable from typical African bush elephants by their longer trunks, larger feet, taller legs and smaller bodies — adaptations that allow them to live more comfortably in the blistering desert. The dry, rocky region of Damaraland is a likely place to see these elephants congregate around watering holes.
Etosha is also famous for its massive salt pan — a dramatic stretch of gleaming white that can be spotted even from space.
Serious explorers should visit the nearby Dragon's Breath Cave where, in a nation known for cracked earth and windswept dunes, an underground lake plunges more than 400 feet down. Hire a guide to help you safely explore the cave.
Begin traveling southward, following the Skeleton Coast. This harsh shoreline is virtually uninhabited, save for a few nomadic tribes that navigate the inhospitable sands littered with more than 1,000 corroded shipwrecks and, true to its name, sun-bleached whale and seal bones.
Uniquely adapted to the hostile conditions, travelers may also encounter Cape fur seals, the only species with external ears.
Farther south, travelers can scale the ochre Sossusvlei sand dunes in the Namib Desert, which are considered some of the tallest on Earth, reaching skyward nearly 1,000 feet.
Where to Stay in Namibia
Marriott has a significant presence with the brand's Protea Hotels scattered across Namibia, and they're all Category 1 or 2 properties, making award redemptions very reasonable.
TPG recommends the Protea by Marriott Walvis Bay Pelican Bay, nestled between the Namib National Reserve and the Skeleton Coast. Rooms here all feature balconies or patios, and cost approximately $125, or 7,500 Marriott Reward points per night.
If you need to spend a night in the city before heading out to explore the country's wilder stretches, the contemporary Hilton Windhoek has a rooftop swimming pool and bar with views of Namibia's modern skyline. Room rates here start at $140, or 30,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Tempting as it may be to use your points for the duration of your trip, Namibia's desert lodges are truly spectacular — and you should consider splurging for at least part of your stay. With only six luxury tents, honeymooners will fall in love with the intimate Hoanib Valley Camp. Located in the remote northwestern corner of Namibia, tents here are furnished with pieces crafted by Rundu carpenters and Himba carvers.
At the &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, on the other hand, couples can bed down in a suite featuring an in-room fireplace and outdoor shower, or cool off at the lodge pool, which overlooks the vast desert landscape.
Consider using the Citi Prestige card if you decide to book a non-points property, since you'll get a fourth night free on the paid stay when booking through the Citi Concierge. This can be a great way to save (and collect considerable points for your hotel splurge).
Getting There
Reaching Namibia’s capital, Windhoek (WDH) can be a long trip. One option US-based travelers have is to fly there from Washington Dulles (IAD) via Accra (ACC) and Johannesburg (JNB) on South African Airways. It's an intense itinerary, but it can easily be combined with a short stay in South Africa to punctuate the journey. A brief getaway to the Cape Winelands for a celebratory glass of sparkling Methode Cap Classique, perhaps?
Because South African Airways is a member of the Star Alliance network, you can redeem United MileagePlus miles to book your flights. It’ll cost you 40,000 MileagePlus miles one-way in economy to fly IAD-JNB, or 80,000 miles one-way in business class. You’ll also have to pay the taxes and fees on the ticket. You can also use those United MileagePlus miles to fly from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Windhoek (WDH) via Addis Ababa (ADD) on Ethiopian Airlines (also a Star Alliance member), which will cost you the same number of United MileagePlus miles as South African.
Delta is another option, flying nonstop from Atlanta (ATL) to Johannesburg (JNB). There, you can snag a cheap ticket on South African to Windhoek, which usually hovers around $140 one way. Delta doesn’t publish an award chart, but expect to fork over a minimum of 40,000 miles for one-way in economy or 110,000 in DeltaOne for a one-way award. You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio or Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints to Delta SkyMiles, also at a 1:1 ratio.
You can also fly Qatar from Los Angeles (LAX), Houston (IAH), Dallas (DFW), Miami (MIA), Washington, DC (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), New York (JFK), Boston (BOS) or Atlanta (ATL) to Doha (DOH) and then onward to Windhoek (WDH). If you have time to stop for a few days in the Middle East, this could be a good opportunity for a mini-moon, but it does route you rather out of the way.
For the ultimate honeymoon treat, book you and your Mrs. or Mr. in one of Qatar's QSuites, available from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD) or Washington, DC (IAD). You can book a QSuites award with a variety of mileage programs, though your best bet is probably Japan Airlines’ Mileage Bank program, which is a transfer partner of Starwood Preferred Guest.
It will cost you 125,000 miles round-trip in business class (and keep in mind that if you transfer from SPG, you’ll get a 5,000-mile bonus for every 20,000 points you transfer, bringing down your total cost to 100,000 Starpoints). Also note that QSuites aren’t available on the DOH-WDH segment of the itinerary, but you’ll still be flying comfortably in Qatar’s 787 business class.
Check out the complete TPG guide to maximizing your points, miles and credit cards for your wedding and honeymoon.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.