Hi E B, is there a particular reason why you’ve chosen to combine the camps you’ve listed? As far as I am aware, there is incentive for combining Asilia’s Encouter Mara with Ol Pej Bush. There is, however, a 10% incentive for Kicheche. Also note that Porini has a camp in Ol Pej as well.
For your rhino/elephant fix, you are best off at Lewa or Borana. The two neighboring conservancies have knocked down the fence-line and now a part of one larger conservancy. In the near future, Borana will be under Lewa management. These areas are reporting increased number of wild dog sightings as well. At Lewa, lake a look at Lewa Wilderness (independent) or Lewa Safari Camp (Elewana Collection). In Borana, take a look at Borana Lodge.
Other places to check out would certainly include Sosian (as mentioned by Stokeygirl) – phenomenal for dogs, but no rhino. I believe their pay 6, stay 8 promotion applies if you combine 4 nights Sosian and 4 nights Offbeat Mara in Mara North.
Another one to look into would be Meru National Park. Dog sightings are, again, becoming a bit stronger here in recent years. Elsa’s Kopje is a lovely camp and a part of the Elewana collection. There are incentives for longer stays with Elewana. Time and budget permitting, you can do Elsa’s Kopje, Lewa Safari Camp and Elephant Pepper (Elewana’s camp in the Mara North). Meru is a very remote and rugged Big 5 park with 70+ rhino – if you are lucky, you can get your rhino, elephant and wild dog fix here as well.
Based on the species you’ve listed and optimizing your chances of rhino and dogs, my inclination is to recommend Lewa, Borana or Meru (noting that Meru is a National Park with some regulations in terms of activities [no vehicle traffic]). All the camps you’ve noted in the Mara are great. Naboisho Conservancy has come a long ways since it opened and now pumping with game. I also recommend you check out Alex Walker’s Serian “The Original” in Mara North. Costs are similar to Encounter Mara at $570/person/night, but each booking is allocated a private guide and vehicle which makes Serian superb value. This will give you total control over your day and experience. Serian is a winner.
If I had to make my personal recommendation, I’d do the Lewa Wilderness and Serian combo and fly each segment (you can drive/be driven, but flying is much more efficient and not much higher in cost). If time and budget permits, I recommend you add in Sosian – I haven’t had a client return from there in years without seeing dogs on a 3-4 night stay.
Best wishes,
Kota Tabuchi – Managing Director: Africa – Travel Beyond