I'm hoping to get to Kenya later this summer (probably early September) for a short break (probably a week) and was hoping for some advice from the collective genius of this forum. We're nature lovers and have been on safari in ZA but never been to Kenya before...

1) We are looking to spend a few days (3-4) in the Mara for safari. We are looking for a private lodge style place that has electricity, comfort and ideally some internet access but without massive crowds. Current favourite is Royal Mara Lodge (only 8 rooms) but would gladly appreciate any other suggestions. We have a reasonable budget but ideally no more than $500-600USD per night (assuming all inclusive at that rate). We are hoping to see some of the migration and river crossings but appreciate that its not a given. Either way, being close to the rivers would be a bonus, just in case.

1b) I have been reading a little about Amboseli. Is it worth doing as well as the Mara? Or heading through Serengeti NP in Tanzania from the Mara? (there is so much to see here that I am trying to plot a good trip for a week).

2) I'm contemplating driving to Lake Nakuru when we get to Nairobi and spending the first day or so driving ourselves there and doing a self-safari at the NP (possibly overnighting at the lodge there before driving to the Mara). Is this worth doing? I'm hoping to see lots of flamingo. From what I can glean the drive is not too difficult and we'd likely rent a 4x$ anyway. I'd appreciate any estimates on driving times from NBO to Nakuru and Nakuru to the Mara? I am thinking 2.5 hours and 4 hours respectively? We drove to Sabi in ZA before so have some idea what to expect.

3) Any other thoughts/feedback would be great. Any detours enroute or perspectives on safari, etc. I'm hoping to see something slightly different from ZA (Sabi) where the game viewing was great but lots of small and up close encounters where in the Mara I am hoping for scale as well.