Which Kenya Itinerary?
 

I am planning a safari for August 2008 in Kenya for my partner and myself and would love to hear what experienced African travellers think of our itinerary. The first 8 nights we have definately decided on, and have 2 options as to how to finish the safari off. Any feedback would be much appreciated, as well as any suggested alterations we could make to further enhance our experience.

1 Night Nairobi - Holiday Inn
1 Night Mt Kenya - Mountain Lodge
3 Nights Samburu - Samburu Serena
1 Night Sweetwaters
2 Nights Lake Nakuru - Lion Hill Camp

OPTION 1

5 Nights Maasai Mara - Keekorok Lodge
5 Nights Maasai Mara - Mara Serena Lodge
1 Night Nairobi- Holiday Inn

or

OPTION 2

4 Nights Maasai Mara - Keekorok Lodge
4 Nights Maasai Mara - Mara Serena Lodge
1 Night Nairobi - Holiday Inn
3 Nights Amboseli- Amboseli Serena Lodge
1 Night Nairobi - Holiday Inn

All travel will be done by road as we want to see as much of the country as we can.
The main reason for going is to see the migration but also want to see as much of Kenya as possible as we dont know when we will get back there again.
Thanks to everyone in advance for any help given

Nice itinerary but you will be spending too many nights in certain places.

I do recommend you an itinerary like this:

Day 1: Nairobi - Amboseli
Day 2: Amboseli
Day 3: Amboseli- sweetwaters (long drive)
Day 4: Sweetwaters - Samburu
Day 5: Samburu
Day 6: Samburu - Nakuru
Day 7: Nakuru - Mara
Day 8: Mara
Day 9: Mara - Nairobi

You can also start it vice versa.

Why too many nights? The place is not interesting enough to stay that long? Or, more camp variety is better, or???? I have not been to any of these camps under discussion, but in general I like to stay 3 or more nights in a camp. And maybe not here with these camps, but too much time can be wasted traveling between camps. But again I plead ignorance regarding these specific camps and itinerary
regards - tom

Thanks for the advice so far. We will be traveling from Australia so want to spend more time in Africa than the 9 nights suggested. Should we also add another 9/10 nights by doing Tanzania as well? Is it worthwhile going to the Serengeti when the migration is on or just concentrate on the Mara?

I love your beginning. It's obvious you like to hang around in one place.

I'd do #2 since 8 nights in the Mara in Aug is a very good amount of time and #2 lets you see Amboseli too. With 3 nights in Amboseli you'll likely get some views of the mountain and maybe even some animals in front of it.

If you are intending to spend more nights than 9, you can also include other National parks in Kenya like Amboseli then head for Tanzania. If it was me, i can not visit Serengeti while i have visited Mara during the migration.

Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara,taragire and other southern parks would be nice to visit.