Kenya/Tanzania safari - must sees
 

On safari in Kenya and Tanzania in June, but we have to tell the safari guide what we want to see. This is where we will be and would love to have some advice about where we should tell the guide to take us:

Arusha
Mto Wa Mba
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorogoro Wildlife Lodge
Serengeti National Park
Gol Kopjes
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Western Corridor
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
North Serengeti
Tarangire National Park
Olduvai Gorge
Naitolia
Boundary Hill
Sand river
Sidai
Amboseli National Park

Any advice would be welcome.

Depends on your interests. Also, those of others in your group and opportunities as they present themselves. Vegetation, geology, birds, reptiles, small mammals, larger mammals, etc. As well as cultural activities and events. Crops, industry, people, crafts, etc. A good guide will also develop an understanding of when to move on. It could be as simple as someone saying "ok" once the group is satisfied at a particular sighting or stop. Let the guide know of your interests and non-interest as he is not a mind reader. You may also want to read up on particular parks and other places so you have some idea as to what you might see at that time of the year. The size of your group may also influence what the guide can do. Have a great time.

Isn't the point of having a guide so that he ensures you see everything? Its not like you have much choice -- you'll see what's there.

Looks like an exciting itinerary. I was impressed with Boundary Hill when I looked it up. Never heard of it before but it has an admirable approach to tourism.

I agree with rsnyder's remarks. Africa is unlike other trips where once you get to your city or town, you need to seek out specific sights, landmarks, restaurants, museums, cathedrals, historical buildings, etc.

When you arrive in the parks on your itinerary, the show begins around you and your guide can spot, explain, and position the vehicle for good viewing and photography. Based on your guide's experience and communication with other guides, you may spend more time in one area of the park or another.

But it is less a matter of being taken to and more a matter of enjoying what is around you.

At some of your camps, it appears you'll be doing some walking, so that will offer a nice change of pace. On walking safaris, the guide is even more in control of where you go and what you do for safety reasons.

By booking this itinerary you have done your work and in effect you are telling the guide where to take you in the broad sense. But that doesn't mean you can't offer suggestions.

"We want to see elephant herds. Let's just wait by the lion pride for a while, even if they are just resting. Can we take a picnic lunch and remain out all day tomorrow? Where are the most flocks of birds? I still can't see the baby gazelle, can you show me again? I'd like to see an African Hoopoe." The guides want to please and prefer you to voice your preferences so they can do a better job of meeting your needs.

Have a wonderful trip and if it is not too much trouble, I'd be interested in seeing your actual day by day itinerary.

Thanks everyone. I love the idea about the guide supposed to know where to take us! My thoughts exactly but, I would like to be prepared just in case!