MKT

We are planning our first safari for some time between middle of June and middle of August 2025. 4 adults. Approximate time in Africa - 14 days- flexible. In researching the various areas for Safari, it becomes very confusing!
We are not fans of being where everyone else is/crowds nor are we fans of traveling as part of a tour group. Don't need to stay in a family friendly place given that there will be no children with us. But it feels like this kind of trip does need a little more structure in the planning and itinerary. So, based on that, should be go to Kenya/Tanzania or Botswana and maybe Kruger?

MKT

I think we have narrowed the itinerary down to Kenya. Please give me your thoughts on what we have laid out:
1. Nairobi - 2 nights stay at Hemingways
2. Ambroseli - Selenky Conservancy - 3 nights at Porini Ambroseli Camp
3. Ol Pejeta Conservancy - 2 nights at Porini Rhino Camp
4. Ol Kinjei Conservancy - Mara - 3 nights at Porini Mara Camp
5. Gulu Beach - 2 nights stay at Pinewood Beach Resort

We may knock off #5 and just go back to Nairobi, spend the night and fly home.
What do you think of the itinerary? Are there accomodations other than Porini that we should consider? I'm not excited about them but they look ok. It is just what Gamewatchers initially recommended, which isn't surprising since they own Porini. I'm open to other recommendations. I'm going to ask Gamwatchers to provide alternative recommendations as well.

Open to any ideas/suggestions!

Naper54

If you have a public library, please loan out "Fodor's Travel book on The complete guide to African Safaris". It is excellent book to consult, covers almost every question that a first time African Safari tourist needs to know.

MKT

I'm making progress, but now I really need your input -- I have 2 potential itineraries at basically the same price:

Itinerary 1:
2 nights - Nairobi TBD
3 nights Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
2 nights - Rekero Camp
3 nights - Encounter Mara
1 night - Nairobi

Itinerary 2:
2 nights - Nairobi TBD
3 nights - Porini Ambroseli Camp
2 nights - Porini Rhino Camp
3 nights - Porini Mara Camp
1 night - Nairobi TBD

Please give me your thoughts and opinions.
Thank you in advance!!

africanbreezesales76

The above itinerary looks good but you can compare with the below one-

Itinerary 2:
2 nights - Nairobi in Argyle Grand hotel. (City tour excursions).
2 nights - Tortillis tented camp or Tulia Amboseli or Kilima safari camp Amboseli
2 nights - Sweetwaters Serena camp
1 night - Lake Naivasha in (Kiboko Luxury camp)
3 nights - Masai Ashnil tented camp or Base camp Leopard Hill
1 night - Nairobi in Crown plaza hotel.

MKT

I'd really like to get input from travelers who have personal knowledge of these areas and of these lodges/camps. We will have a private truck/guide on either of these itineraries. Porini seems to get great reviews but the others do as well.
Are all of the camps on both itineraries pretty comparable or are there any that stand out as extra good or bad?? Or is there a great camp in the area that we're travelling that we should consider?