We are going on a Kenya Mara Safari next June for our 25th anniversary. We are trying to choose between Capri-Amalfi Coast and Santorini-Crete for Part II of our vacation.

Is there any difference in crowd/tourist levels in mid-late June?
We are traveling from US East Coast. Which is the better trip sequence - Kenya first or Kenya last? Why?

Thank you for your feedback!
DM

Late June is the end of the rainy season in the Masai Mara, so I would leave the safari as late as possible. You get better game viewing in the dry season, and of course it is easier to get around in the bush. Unfortunately you will be a bit too early for the wildebeest migration, as they will still be further south in the Serengeti.

I don't believe it makes much difference what part of June you visit Italy or Greece—high season is late July and August.

If your time is limited - then AC and Capri. Or pick one, Crete or Santorini but to do both Santorini and Crete - you would need a longer period of time IMO.

Hi

Thank you for the guidance. We are planning for 6-8 nights for Part II of the vacation (either AC/Capri or Santorini/Crete).

Does that impact your guidance re: which is better and whether to stay at Santorini or Crete but not both?

Please let us know.

Thank you!

The nice part about going to the Mara during the green season is the lack of crowds. Yes, you will have the long grass here and there, but the Mara has excellent viewing any time. Try to stay on a conservancy if you can. Sundowners in Mara North, early June:
http://www.pbase.com/leelygoes/image/153058608

Timing wise, I agree with Heimdall, although the times I've done stopovers in Europe before/after safari, I think I liked the post-safari r-and-r a bit better. That's just my personal preference, though.

Enjoy your trip! It sounds wonderful to me.

Sorry, I meant to say the point of showing that photo is that you will still see lots of wildlife during the green season, but sometimes grass can really get in your frame. For me, no big deal.

Thank you Leely and Heimdall! Your guidance re Kenya Mara is much appreciated!

Based upon your guidance, we will set last week of June for Kenya Safari (Serian Original + Serian Nkorombo Mobile Camp).

For Part II of our vacation, we are targeting 1st week of July at either of the following destinations. Which destination provides best relaxation atmosphere during 1st week of July? Relaxing for us = quiet, no schedule, no traffic congestion, no long wait lines for dining (>30mins). Any recommended changes to # of nights in each location?

Italy:

Capri: 3-4 nights @ La Scalinatella
AC: 3-4 nights at Santa Caterina

Greece:

Santorini: 3 nights @ Astra Suites or Grace Suites
Crete: 3 nights @ Domes Noruz in Chania or Elounda
Athens: 2 nights

I was in the AC last year at the end of June/beginning of July. We were staying in Ravello, which is a bit quieter than the other towns from what I could tell, but I can't say you will find "no traffic congestion." There's a lot of traffic on that coastal road. However, if you're not planning on driving and can take boats here and there, you'll be fine. It is a stunningly beautiful area. We walked from Ravello to Amalfi (and back again!), and I liked Amalfi quite a bit. The walking is good if you like to walk/hike.

Unfortunately, I've not yet been to Greece.

Serian camps! Lucky you! They are reported to be excellent, with fantastic guiding, but then I am sure you already know all that. I would dearly love to return to Kenya. Perhaps within the next two years. Safari njema!

Can't speak for Italy, but in Greece, Santorini gets very busy with cruise ship passengers, especially in Fira and Oia. Both times I've been to Santorini I've stayed in Oia, but still managed to avoid the cruise ship crowds. The two hotels you've chosen are, I believe, in Imerovigli, which doesn't get many cruisers.

On Crete, Elounda is a major package holiday center, but wouldn't be really busy in early July. Nevertheless I would choose Chania if going to Crete.

If you want somewhere even more relaxing, think about going to Naxos instead of Crete.