choosing tour operator
 

Hi, my friend is planning a trip to Kenya in September. Can anyone advice a good and not too expensive tour operator? She would also appreciate if anyone can share experiences of using the services of KenyaOneToursOperator. Is it common that people make 50% prepayment of their tours?
Thanks in advance

You will get more answers on www.lonelyplanet.com : thorntree forum. (the real Thorntree is in Stanely Hotel Nairobii

I have had several good experiences with Africa Serendipity, based in NYC. Sandi S. runs the place, and she's a Kenya/Tanzania specialist. Excellent advice, personal service, and prices that compare favorably to others. (You can tell her that Don Topaz recommended her if she asks.)

I did mine with Intrepid.

But it depends on what you are looking for

You can pay anything from $100 a day to $1000 a day or more.

$1000/day? OMG, if I spend that much in Kenya, I demand a royal service. =)

Yup take a look at this for example:
http://www.abercrombiekent.com/travel/?tid=4883

You can do a similiar trip, see all the same sights, camp amongst the animals in the Serengeti, for much much less

I used Suntrek Safaris and was very pleased. I did 8 days for about $2000pp for two people and visited Lake Baringo, Nakurnu, Samburu, Masai Mara, Mount Kenya

We had a private jeep and meals (but not drinks) were included. Stayed in nice but not luxury lodges.