It is true both The Ark and Treetops have a similar format with a country club lunch, then on to the lodge. But other waterhole lodges like Sweetwaters or Mountain Lodge don't do this.

There was just a report "from OZ to Kenya" or very similar to that where Mountain Lodge was mentioned. A comment was made about not much waterhole action. I have seen and heard similar comments before. The Ark's waterhole is always praised as a highly active place from anyone I've talked to. It was hopping when I was thre. There have even been giant forest hog sightings there!

Billr137,
When you get some responses from the many companies you have contacted, it would be enlightening for us all if you could share some of that here.

Aby,

I should have stuck this question to you in the last entry but I hit post before I thought of it.

On some other thread awhile back you mentioned the locations of accommodations in Samburu and how you thought some were better placed than others. Can you elaborate on that and why some are in better spots? Thanks.

There is a reason for your price being so low. No. 1, what type of vehicle will you be riding in? We went in August and spent our first two nights in Nairobi. One extra to give us a chance to rest. Then we drove most of the day up to Samburu for a three night stay. We spent ne night, to break up the long drive in Mt. Kenya, Aberdare, where the Ark is. It was OK and a necessary stop because of driving time. The roads are very rough. The next day we drove to Lake Navisha and we didn't get there until the afternoon. We spent two nights there. Then we drove for half a day or more to get to the Masai Mara where we spent 4 nights. I wouldn't even consider a trip where there were less than 3 days in the Masai Mara. There was not time in our tirp to drive to Amboseli. What you will be doing is all driving. Contact Africa Adventure Co. and see what they can do for you. They were great for us. Good luck. I think you will be sorry about all of the driivng you have planned. Good luck. It's a wonderful trip. Betty

Hi, I'm back. I've received responses from the safari outfitters. If any of you would like to see them, email me at [email protected] and I'll forward them to you. I'd love some of your educated opinions. Thanks. Bill and Joan

I'll take you up on that offer but will use my home email tonight. I think it will be an education.