It sounds so exotic! I Does it make sense to make a trip there. I wasn't looking to go to the coast but are there some must sees on the Kenyan Coast such as Zanzibar that are unique to Africa?

Zanzibar is not on the Kenyan coast. It is an island off Tanzania. Are you looking for a beach resort?

Oops. Of course. I'm not really looking for a beach resort as I think the Savannah would be what you go to Africa for. But it seems Zanzibar is highly regarded and "paradise." But I'm thinking I should go to see the gorillas instead.

Uganda is amazing, but NOT just for the gorillas. Have you read the trip reports here?There's recent ne wit photos.
There are areas on the Kenyan coast that are beautiful and unique. how important is a beach to you? I personally woulnt make a trip just for the beach. I've been Mombasa and south of there. Haven't been to Lamu (north of Mombasa) but i understand it is unique not just for its beach, but also for the town.
Again...sounding like a broken cod. A GOOD trip planner can help you decide where you want to go and what you want to do. Sounds like your focus is East Africa It is big region. What do YOU want?

LOL--above should say, a broken record, not broken cod!! Seriously though, do NOT make any commitments to a particular hotel or company yet. Sounds like you still have a lot of investigation to do.

Thanks for the good advice. I don't want to go to the beach in particular. There are lots of gorgeous beaches in the world but not gorillas. I have not committed to anything and am grateful for the advice so I can find out what I want. I think if I'm paying for private tour, I can listen to their ideas but ask for what I want.

>>I think if I'm paying for private tour, I can listen to their ideas but ask for what I want.<<

YES!!! And don't be afraid to ask for absolutely everything and anything that strikes you. It's the planner's job to come up with your unique itinerary. They are there to serve you, you should get everything you ask for! They may come up with something you haven't thought of, but ultimately the final itinerary is yours to approve!

I may be saying thank you to the same people from another post but I want to thank everyone here again. Hearing insight from people who have already been has put me in the right direction.