Hi, yes I've heard that as well...
Actually we're probably booking ours through my roommate's family's travel agent... Her mom is doing all the arrangements - the quote they gave us is still pretty expensive (I'm not sure how these prices compare to the ones online or through agents in North America). Anyway, here is an excerpt from the email she sent me:
Option A
Luxury Safari
1. 1 night at Naivasha Sarova lion hill hotel
2. 2 nights in Maasai mara Sianna Springs luxury tented camp
Price: $US717 per person for the 3 nights.
Option B
Camping Safari
1. 1 night at smaller hotel in Naivasha
2. 2 nights camping inside the maasai mara
Price: $US360 per person for the 3 nights.
Incl food.
For both options, you get a van with driver to and from Nairobi, and while
you are at the place, he'll take you into the mara and show u the animal hot
spots. Flying is a lot more expensive, and if you drive you get to see a
lot of the scenary on the way. Naivasha is pretty, by the rift valley, so
its cool you can go seeing that too..equator (ooh, haha). Option 2 is the
"white folk" special, seeing as its camping and all. My mum was a
bit unsure about that one coz black folk don't like to camp, but i'm sure
it's nice. The first option is pricier, but it really sounds sooo good. Let
me know the dates when you want to go and I can get back to the agent and
see if there is another group going on the same dates that you can share a
van with and cut down the cost a bit, but I'm not sure if this will be
possible.
My roommate just sent me this email so I haven't had the chance to check it out for myself. It makes sense that it would be cheaper booking it there since you get rid of the 'middleman' but maybe they'll also take advantage of the fact that you have no choice but to book...
As for the 2 options: I'm not sure which one to take; Option A is expensive; Option B is less money but may be more 'adventurous' seeing as it's camping in the savannah - I'm not sure how I feel about that...
I'll have to ask her for more specifics...
Anyway, I'll ask her about your question and will get back to you..
Take care.