Group tours are cheaper than Private trips but you travel with total strangers.private safaris are always are better option,comfort is always a worthy expense.

The key to any successful holiday is proper planning is finding the best travel company.
make inquiries from multiple tour operators on websites that offer comparison features plus genuine reviews(both +ve and -ve) from former travelers.

Group joining is cheaper than private tour.The $ difference is worth it.Customized tours usually takes much of your interest and money for exclusive usage of safari facilities-transportatio.

June-September is a good period for a commbined tour of Kenya and Tanzania.The wildebeest migration will be at its peak in Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya thus good time to view the spectacular river crossing by the wildebeest plus the other wildlife accompanying them.
Your international flight will be first landing in Kenya before crossing to Tanzania.You can use this opportunity to watch the migration before crossing to Tanzania.

There are several tour operators who organize safaris for Kenya and Tanzania affordably.
Wish you a safe and memorable safari to East Africa-fascinating tourist sites and craddle of mankind.

speedbirdsafris - another first time poster - tout/fishy!

Hi! I don't know if you have already made arrangements for your safari, but I just returned not long ago and I went on an excellent safari. I went with a company WayoAfrica, which I guess used to be called Green Footprint or something. They were extremely accommodating to my desires for what I wanted in a safari. I did 4 nights and 5 days in the Serengeti in a remote tent camp along the river. Stunning! to say the least. They were also willing to work with my budget to provide the best safari possible.

As someone who works in conservation, I was also really impressed with the company's ethos. The owner is very conscientious and the staff was awesome. They were all super knowledgeable and really made an effort to provide a unique safari.

I had gone on a safari with a different company previously, which was nice, but much more focused on lodges and game drives. I saw wildlife, but it wasn't that feeling I was looking for when imagining going out into the African bush! that's when I sought out another safari operator to go and get the safari experience I was hoping for and this company really came through.

I also saw on their facebook page that they can organize sleeping in some sort of tree house at an elephant watering hole and other amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing. How I would love to do that! I think they do camping, lodge combos too if that is more your style.

There are so many companies to choose from! For me, I like supporting smaller companies with good practices, so for me this one was a winner! I like being able to talk to the company owner directly, for me that is a good sign. Good luck with your trip!

My first trip to Africa was Tanzania in June 2010. I also used Kiliwarriors and we had a great trip. I know Eben has now separated Kiliwarriors (which does the Kilimanjaro treks) and the newer company which does safaris. You can look under my username to find the trip report. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Eben and his company, although as Sandi points out, there are many good companies. I also had looked at Thompson and found it was about $1000 more per person for the private safari my friend and I ended up doing. Well worth the money in my opinion.

Hope you have a great trip!