I considered Friendly Planet and Smartours, but finally decided that --despite their great prices-- their schedules would be too hectic. There would be tremendous time spent traveling and little flexibility. Greater flexibility comes by traveling with a small group and a private guide. Although it will definitely cost me more, I am planning a Feb (Migration period) tour in Northern Tanzania for 11 days, not including travel days. We will be staying in a mix of lodges, permanent and mobile camps. To save money (but lose some experience, IMHO) you can stay mostly in lodges. If you look on some of the other travel sites (especially Tripadvisor) you will find lots of experiences with tour operators. There are a couple that are based in Tanzania but partner with operators in the U.S.; this really helps communication. Most can put together a tour to meet your needs, with a wide range of price. However, unless you are up for very simple camping experiences, be prepared to spend more than Friendly Planet. Airfare alone is so expensive from the U.S.

Have you check the OAT itinerary Kenya/Tanzania... small groups, 16/pax including air and believe a better overall itinerary and better paced.

For private, if for June consider Tanzania; if Sept then Kenya. Both are peak season with prices to match. Unlikely even at the least expensive accomm you can get both countries for about $3,500 for the land portion only, why month when traveling I mention the better areas. However, as mentioned in your other thread, prices are lower in Kenya during June, though both peak if in Sept.

Airfare to NBO is usually lower (more air carriers) than if into JRO, but you can use Shuttle Bus between the two countries. Turkish Air usually has the cheapest fare (about $1000+/-) into NBO via IST, even if flight arrives NBO early morning - 2am.

For private, there are many options for tour operators in the US or if using an in-country outfitters.

You've got time to research, so do so.

We loved Roy Safari company when we used them before and plan to use them for our next trip to Tanzania. They work well with any budget level of trip.

Turkish Air (via ISTanbul) will soon be flying into JRO, believe as of Dec '12. Also heard that Qatar (via Doha) and Emirates (via Dubai/DXB) soon... about time some competition to KLM.

Great! I can use my United miles into JRO on both Turkish and Ethiopian airlines. Yep, maybe the competition will drop the prices.

Qatar flight arrives JRO 10am. Do know that when flying from Doha, their first stop is DAR, then onto Kili. On the return, JRO via DAR onto Doha.