Patty

Here are the rack rates for Olonana - http://www.sanctuarylodges.com/reservations.htm (scroll down)

E-gnu must have given you the low season rates. Peak season rates go into effect on July 1. These rates also don't include daily park fees.

For more moderately priced camps, try Basecamp, Intrepids or Kichwa Tembo. I can't say that any of these are comparable to Olonana though.

sandi

Take a look at Naibor at www.shompole.com - on the Mara River, just relocated to this position during the '06 season. Though high-season prices, way lower than Olonana, their prices don't go up to Premium till Aug 1. Small intimate camp, a beauty.

But, again, you have 6/days in the Mara. If you want 6/days, I'd split the time between a camp inside the reserve (Naibor or Rekero) and one outside, so you can do night game drives (Elephant Pepper, Richard's, Saruni). At beginning July it doesn't make much difference exactly where you're located in/around the Mara, as game is still widely dispersed.

As far as off-roading, if you do a drive itinerary, there is no off-roading in the national parks. However, the guides do tend to cheat somewhat in the Mara. If using camp/lodge vehicles these should all be 4WD.

Patty

Oh and all of the lodges are moderately priced (Serena, Keekorok, Simba, Sopa, etc.) unless you really had your heart set on a tented camp.

What happened to "willing to compromise on our sleeping accommodations"?

Patty

Sorry, there was supposed to be a behind that last sentence!

sandi

Intrepid's Camp is way more expensive than Basecamp or Kichwa Tembo, but not as high as Olonana. They should have completed their refurbishing by June... it's looking good.