My first word of advice to those considering safari in east Africa is that you have to go to both Kenya and Tanzania to really get the full picture.
Nakuru
Rhinos
Masai Mara in Kenya
Balloon ride
Serengeti
Make sure you get the right vehicle.
Get up early and be out of your hotel before the sun goes up so you are in the middle of the action for sunrise. This is both when the predators (read big kitties) are most active and when the light is most perfect for taking that kill shot photo you have been dreaming off. After a few hours you can go back to your lodge for lunch and a nap because it’s going to get hot and dusty and the animals will be sleeping and hiding. Come back out on the road around 2-3 and stay as late as possible even past sunset if you can talk your driver into it. At sunsets the big cats wake up again and the light is surreal.
Make sure to bring the right camera lens and binoculars.
We booked with African Sermon Safaris who were an excellent budget options.
If you can afford to go all out luxury, I suggest you go with a small boutique outfit rather than the large behemoths. The popular ones didn’t look so great. The guide is really key.