We are organizing a trip to East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania), in August 2010, I don’t think it is too late to organize the trip now. A friend of mine who organized the same trip for his company last September said the larger the group, the lower the cost. This is an incentive tour and we do not want to spend a fortune. They organized this trip with a company in Kenya Africa-magic safaris, www.africa-magic.com.
Their trip was awesome, the drivers were excellent and the lodges exceptional. The lodges were Sopa lodges www.sopalodges.com in all the parks and reserves. Another friend is recommending Way to Africa Safaris www.waytoafricasafaris.com, and Sarova hotels, www.sarovahotels.com they also had a memorable holiday. Now I do not know who to book with between the two, they are both equally good operators and my acquaintances used them. I don’t see reviews in any forums, am confused!
Sopa Lodges and Sarova Hotels which ones do you prefer?

Any Suggestion is highly welcomed!

Ooops, see you already did start your own thread. Good.

Both Sopa and Sarova are in the mid-price, but in the Mara, Sarova at least has a camp (though large) and in the Reserve, vs the Sopa which is a lodge quite a distance outside the Reserve.

But, do you want to go with a "group" or have a private itinerary? This too you have to decide, though the latter might be a bit more expensive, you can pick/choose where you visit, how many days and the accommodations.

If both friends were pleased with the outfitters and the prices are comparable... it's your decision to make.

I do not think you can go wrong either way, because you have received good information from your friends who have used them before.

It is always a more comforting thought to deal with a TOUR company in Kenya or Tanzania that your friends have previouly used.

Maybe you will pay more for a private tour but believe me it is well worht it !!

Last September I did private tour with a tour company that we book with , in Arusha Tanzania.

It was terrific to have a private guide/driver just for the two of us !

If you can afford the extra for a private tour...I would pay it.

Good Luck in your planning

Sounds like the OP is putting together an incentive trip for his company. Yes a larger number of passengers will bring the cost down particularly on a driving safari as the vehicle cost is shared by more people. Most safari vehicles can hold 6 with each person still having a window seat though fewer passengers may be more comfortable and give everyone more room to move about and take photos. You don't have to go with all Sopa or all Sarova lodges as not every park has a Sopa or Sarova and even if it did, they might not be in a good location as Sandi's examples show. You can choose different properties depending on the parks you visit. Also consider Serena as their lodge is well located in the Masai Mara for that time of year (better than Sarova or Sopa). How many days do you have?

Actually I don't think Sarova is even in Tanzania. They're in Kenya only. Sopa and Serena are in both countries. In any case, you can work with either tour operator to design a custom itinerary for your group based on your budget and the number of days you have. Or post that information here and perhaps we can make itinerary suggestions. Good luck!

Tim, I don't wish to clog the board with shameless self-promotion, but I happen to service the incentive travel industry with my photography. My work serves as both a cherished keepsake for winners and a motivational/promotional tool for the next incentive you offer employees (thus paying for itself). Email me at samscrofani at incentivetravelphoto.com. I don't know what your budget is, but I'm actually looking for some new portfolio images and can definitely cut a compelling deal for you. Let me know. Thanks.

Cheers,
Sam