Just an update - Ended up booking Shepherds Tree Game Reserve in an Executive Suite with full board included. It's located in the Pilanesberg Game reserve so only 2.5 hours from Johannesburg. Protea Kruger Gate never even got back to me on whether my existing point reservation beginning of October would be honored (guessing not). Saving significant driving/flying time and staying in a malaria free area. Amazing the places you can find when you aren't tied to Marriott!

I cancelled my reservation for February 2023 and going to Pilanesberg as well. Hard for me to justify the 6hr drive vs 2 hr drive but I'll pay for the room vs using points. I'll survive somehow.