What could be the reason some tour operators are offering very low prices? Please assume that they are all completely vetted. They are all legit. They are also top tour operators by credible standards.
I see one outlier offering 20% lower than the average or the median. I read in the reviews that it may have something to do with the cars, e.g. their cars are old, it gets broken inside the park, etc.
I have scoured Safaribookings, checking the accommodations listed and they seem to fall under rough categories:
Budget camps that have outstanding views (think about seeing Kilimanjaro from a flat terrain upon stepping out of your camp). The facilities/amenities are budget level obviously.
Mid-range lodges that you can still see Kilimanjaro but the foreground are brick walls.
Luxury lodges where you do not see Kilimanjaro at all.
Ultra luxury lodges where you can clearly see Kilimanjaro inside your tent.
So in the true sense of value for money, it does not seem to make sense to prioritize staying in/near Amboseli if the goal is to see Kilimanjaro whenever it shows up. Obviously, if the goal is convenience and to maximize game drives, then it's a different story.
Due to the conflict in the Middle East, I am forced to have my fly out changed from JRO to NBO.
Have an option to choose between the two areas for this period.
I would really like to see the migration herds during my visit but I am concerned of the landscape in Western Serengeti. Is it less appealing compared to areas near Ikoma gate or Seronera?
I currently do not have the option of splitting my time between the two areas.
3 nights = 4 days, including 2 days of transiting in and out of Serengeti. So essentially, two full days of safari.
This is my third time of safari. First one was in Maasai Mara. Also stayed for 3 nights there with two full days of safari. And honestly, that was already enough for me, granted I went there on November so there was no migration action.
My trip in Serengeti is leaning towards seeing a portion of migratory herds (not necessarily the river crossings).
I already have booked a noncancelable accommodation in Serengeti (for 3 nights) a month after my trip to Maasai Mara and back then I most likely felt that 4 nights in the bush is something I probably would not want. But I know Serengeti is way bigger than the Mara.
We were supposed to fly out of Kilimanjaro Airport after doing Serengeti and Ngorongoro but due to flight rearrangements, we are forced to either fly out of Nairobi or Dar.
Points for choosing Nairobi
We have to obtain e-Visa.
Flight going to Nairobi (than Dar) is more expensive.
More appealing as daytrip to Nakuru or Amboseli is possible.
Consequently, we should spend at least 48 hours here.
Points for choosing Dar
No need additional visa.
Flight is less expensive.
Basically nothing to do?
Therefore, literal layover with 1 night acommodation before fly out.
For Kenya/Nairobi, I know we can choose to do land transfer to Amboseli from the Northern Circuit but I honestly do not want to deal with the border crossings and finding tour operators that would sync our itinerary after doing Serengeti and Ngorongoro. I feel the flight to Nairobi is a good break from days of game drives and land transfers (not going for bush planes).