Has the 30% for 4 nights expired too?

Sandi and Patty, thanks so much for the additional info! Gosh, there is so much to do !!!

I think given we only have about 10 days and it's our first time, may be IF we go to Kenya, we will just hit the areas that sandi first suggested -- Amboseli (2/nts), Lake Nakuru (1/nt), Masai Mara (3/nts),Lamu Island (3/nts). Since those seeme to be the most popular must sees?

I found a tour company call Eastern and Southern Safaris. It seems that the reviews are pretty good for them. Am looking into it and see if I can do the Amboseli and Nakuru and/or Masai Mara with them so that it will make the travelling much more efficient.

Very interested in staying at Governors camp at Mara and Peponi at Lamu. Any thoughts on these places?

Thanks so much again to you all!!

Patty has used Eastern and Southern for her safaris and they get very good reviews from her and others. I'm sure they will do likewise for you.

Governor's is a nice camp, even if large with about 40/tents. Their smaller Little Governor's is another option, but more expensive than the former. Depending on your budget there are a wide assortment of smaller and more intimate camps you might want to consider especially for honeymoon. In the same vicinity is Olonana which gets excellent feedback. I'm sure E&S can advise. Peponi on Lamu is lovely.

If the travel warning would be enough to make you worried prior to departure, then I'd choose somewhere else. Who wants worry on a honeymoon? Your wedding plans will take enough energy.

But as others mentioned, the warning has been there for probably a decade. It's wording has changed over time so that it is less severe now. I will be in Kenya for a very short stop in Aug (using E&S) and hope to do a longer trip in Kenya next August. I wouldn't consider going to some of the other places on the state dept warning list, but feel fine about Kenya.

Why is Malindi the best if you are Italian?

There is a large Italian population in East Africa, especially in Kenya. Many arriving after WWII, bringing up next generation here... opening safari companies and hotels/camps/resorts; others arriving years after, so a large ex-pat community. Large contingency of Italians holiday on Malindi. As there are some hotels on Zanzibar (even in the Seychelles) that cater mainly to Italians. Certainly doesn't mean others can't/won't visit at these places.

Hi, look at Kaya Mawa Malawi listed as one of the top 10 romantic places on the planet by Conde Naste magazine. Safaris at Liwonde NP. All can be booked with barefootsafaris, they will arrange all flights tranfers atc. Malawi is a real jem, the friendliest place in Africa. few tourists.
Ivan