Both are long standing and responsible. If using most of the lodges/camps offered by either outfitter, depending on when traveling you are likely entitled to a discount of some sort. However, either company using their own properties vary in style. Both though as outfitters should also be able to book other properties outside of their specific portfolio.

For specifics you'd have to contact them direct.

Thank you. Could you please tell me what you mean by "vary in style." Which types of properties are usually found with which company.

I haven't used either operator but to me the Porini camps are much simpler in style than Sasaab/Salas/Solio Lodge which place more emphasis on luxury and as Sandi mentioned, both should be able to book properties other than their own. What are you looking for and where in Kenya are you considering?

I am interested in a lion research safari that both Gamewatchers and the Safari Collection run. Gamewatchers has stays in Sasaab and Porini. Safari Collection in Solio, Sala and Sasaab.

I must add I've never traveled to Africa or been on safari so I'm really a novice at this planning.

I couldn't find a lion research itinerary on the Safari Collection website. Could you provide a link? When are you planning to go?

Here is the link for Gamewatchers: http://www.porini.com/kenya.html?sub=lion-research-safari

There is not a link on Safari Collection: They drew up a safari for me.

I'm not going til 2014 but I'm writing a grant to get the money to go which is due now.

There's also a Lion Project being conducted at the Naboisho Conservancy, east of the Masai Mara Reserve:
Niels Mogensen
Project Manager
Mara-Naboisho Lion Project
+254711859407(Ke), +4520660489(Dk)
www.mnlp.org
da.mnlp.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MaraNaboishoLionProject

You may want to check this out.

I met Shivani when I visited at SaSaab about 4/yrs back. Amazing young woman who lives on the grounds of SaSaab, in a small tent with a Masai or Samburu warrior, doing the work for this undertaking.

It would be interesting to see/know what the price for the safari indicated on the Porini website, especially if your accommodations are staying at these camps which are rather expensive. Advise what the cost.

Good luck.

There's lion monitoring on Ol Pejeta Conservancy as well. There are a number of camps on the conservancy. They also have inexpensive accommodations for researchers.

Thank you so much, both of you. The prices are on the Porini websie--varies depending on when you go. 5% goes toward Shivani's conservancy.