Kenya - a safari in National Parks or private reserves?

[palomapear]

I'm lucky enough to consider a safari next July. This really is a once in a life time trip.
I have read the recent posts and it's so tempting
I am not clear on one thing:
We have a choice of national parks with our own driver or private reserves.
The cost difference is roughly £2000 each ( national parks are cheaper ) and there are 5 of us so is it worth £10k more ? Would a National Park be crowded ? I'm picturing lots of vehicles the same place. Like Longleat!
I am not bothered about chandeliers and fine dining but don't want to be digging my my toilet I would like to spend the money wisely and that is to see as much as we can

@LadyWithLapdog

Personally I’d say you will need to take a jacket for Kenya. We went in September, and for early morning drives wore leggings / trousers, T-shirt, hoodie and jacket. Then started to strip off the layers as it warmed up. At night it was that, plus a poncho blanket that the staff provided us. If you’re in an open sided vehicle it can get very cold driving around before the sun has properly risen. Our camp also provided hot water bottles on the trucks at night if anyone wanted them.

We both just took lightweight fleece lined windproof jackets, they fold up as small as a hoody would.

@WhatYouGonnaDoKatie thank you for your advice about clothing. This is getting very exciting.

We received more extensive info with the booking confirmation: avoid blue or black clothes (colours attractive to the tsze-tsze fly), camouflage pattern not allowed (!) though blending in colours advised. Oh, no plastic bags either, not even those duty free ones. The kids are already learning.