I am planning a 4 days trip to Masai Mara in Aug-Oct 2011. I have family of 5 (including a 7 year old child). One of the Fodor has recommended me to use services of "Africa Travel Resource" and "Eyes on Africa". I would like to know that anyone else who has used any one of the companies? I want feedback so that I can plan my trip.
Thanks in advance

Don't have experience with both but I'm also looking into the Eyes on Africa offerings. So any tips are wellcome.

I used Eyes On Africa for my last trip. Margueritte was awesome!
She was very patient and didn't think we were annoying with all our questions, concerns, opinions, etc.
And her responses were almost immediate whenever we contacted her.
I would use them again - and plan on it if I ever get enough $ to go back!

Isn't there a "James" (I think) here who works for EOA?

I used EOA for my last trip and Nicky planned it-she was great and I highly recommend them.

You are right, Pixelpower. Maybe he'll chime in with more info and details here.

In case the folks who have used ATR or Eyes on Africa are all out Christmas shopping, here are some links that mention those companies.

You may need to Ctrl F to find the part about those companies as these threads meander.

EOA, which you’ll notice specializes in Southern Africa, but has added East Africa:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ss-safaris.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...to-africia.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...trip-to-sa.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...avel-agent.cfm


ATR:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-outfitter.cfm


Both:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ur-company.cfm


This thread gives pricing for a Southern Tanzania trip in which Fish Eagle comes out ahead over either EOA or ATR cost-wise:

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ame-safari.cfm

One thing to note is that all of the above discussions do not focus on Kenya. The focus is Southern Africa and Tanzania.

In general I think the best pricing in Kenya is from Kenya based companies, especially if you are NOT flying in and out of some of the higher end camps. The only Kenya based company I have personal experience with (2 good trips) is Eastern and Southern, but there are many companies. You can
check out some of the many Kenya operators at the KATO site.

http://www.katokenya.org/katomembers.asp

Oh yea, I did 2 trips with Origins too in Kenya. Excellent company. On the high end of the pricing. They've changed management since I went with them.

Thanks a lot all of you. Your input will help in planning my trip.

I used atr once and would never use them again. I know many have had good experiences with them. Mine was not. Service ended the second they got my check and was handed off to someone else. Travel agent didn't get me best rate until I found it online. Didn't book me direct from mahale to selous. Ground transportation was spotty. I've heard great things from friends about eyes on Africa. After seven years in a row on safari I now prefer just to book direct. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

We used Lenny at ATR for our Southern Tanzania trip and all was marvelous. I would highly recommend. See my trip report.