Thank-you so much for that very detalied information
My DH really wants Jambo House, so that's why we chose to stay there. We will not be doing the Sunrise Safari as my kids are too young.
One more question- do you happen to know what a "standard view" could be if we booked a 1 bedroom at Jambo House. A king bed would be great, and so would a washer/dryer. The tub/shower thing isn't as important, but I really appreciate all your help!!
As Deb&Bill said, at Jambo House the Standard View rooms have either a pool view or partial savanna view. Kidani's Standard View rooms can face the driveway, the pool or have a partial savanna view.
Except for the Value 1BRs, the 1BRs in both buildings have a king bed in the bedroom and a queen size sleeper sofa and twin size sleeper chair in the living area. (There is no sleeper chair in the Value 1BRs.)
Jambo 1BRs have one bathroom with a combo whirlpool tub and shower. The issue people have with the combo tub/shower is that it's a very deep tub so it can be difficult for some people to step in and out over the high sides of the tub when they want to take a shower. Plus it means only one person can bathe/shower at a time.
In Kidani, the 1BRs have two bathrooms. One has a whirlpool tub and separate shower stall and a toilet in an enclosed space. The second bathroom is off the kitchen and has a toilet and a regular tub/shower combo plus a small vanity. This second bathroom is another reason why Kidani is popular with families. Another thing I like about Kidani is that the park buses stop there first, then they pick up passengers at Jambo House. It can make a difference between standing and sitting if there are a lot of guests boarding the bus at that time.
The main advantage to Jambo House is that it has more dining options, particularly if you want a hot breakfast. Jambo's lobby is also more lively and some people prefer that. Kidani's lobby is very pretty but smaller and quieter.
Kidani's only restaurant (Sanaa) is wonderful but it doesn't serve breakfast. Jambo is only a 10 minute walk door to door so we don't mind walking over to go to The Mara or Boma for breakfast. There is also a shuttle bus that goes between buildings if you don't want to walk.
If your kids are too young for the Sunrise Safari you have eliminated the main reason to book CL. The other advantage to CL is the free continental breakfast (cereal, pastry, fruit, coffee, juice) and the snacks throughout the day but if you are planning on getting the dining plan, it's not clear whether you will be hungry enough to eat anything in the lounge other than the breakfast. To take advantage of the good stuff (appetizers and desserts in the evening) you have to be there at the right time. They put the food out, a line forms and poof! it's all gone. You can also get a beer or a glass of wine in the lounge in the evening but you have to decide if the extra cost for CL is worth it.
We did one CL stay and enjoyed it but it was for a laid back trip where we spent a lot of time at the resort. We did the Sunrise Safari, the Wanyama Safari, enjoyed the breakfast every morning and the appetizers and desserts several evenings. It was worth it to do it once but since then we've been unwilling to give up the space and amenities of a 1BR for a CL studio. For us the main reason to stay at AKV is to enjoy the animals so I want a room with a great savanna view and CL doesn't offer that.
