gin_beach

Hi - I'm in the process of getting proposals from a few different operators which have been highly rated by folks here and/or in the Fodor's "Complete Guide." It will be our 1st safari, and we have 10 days in Kenya in January. I've given each operator the same preferences. The proposals are very similar; each is in conservancies, and they each claim great viewing sites and expert guides. It seems like the main difference is in the accomodations. I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts about...

1. Is staying at the lower end of a self-billed "luxury" operator better than staying at the high end of a more moderate operator? How are they different?
2. How important is it to have activities offered during your down time, or are the drives tiring and you don't take advantage of what's offered?
3. What are the must-have amenities in your selection of accomodations in general? in Kenya in January?
4. Anything else I should consider when choosing?

Thanks so much!