We concur with Stan that it is difficult to predict the migration, however, you can do so within reason. There are two migrations, which coincide with the wet and dry seasons. The southern migration coincides with the coming of the rainy season and the Northern with the dry season. Most people prefer the Northern migration because the grass is shorter and easier to see all animals. However, the rainy season is generally cheaper for obvious reasons. We wanted to see the Northern migration when we went in mid-August 2010. We booked our trip with OAT, and while we didn't see the migration in the Masai/Mara, in Kenya, we did see it in Tanzania. The sight of the wildebeests crossing the Mara River is a sight to behold.

We chose that time of year, because we got our information by perusing what some noted wildlife tours were offering as to dates of their trips. We booked with OAT because we got what we felt was the best value for the money. But as Stan says, it's a crap shoot. and even if you pick optimum time, luck plays a good deal into whether you will see the migration or not. We recall that on our trip at the Mara River in Kenya, we spotted a herd of what we estimated to be around 500 wildebeests approach the river, move from one crossing site to another, to finally turn away without crossing. But you should be aware, that the Kenya portion of the river is crowded. When we approached the river in the above instance, we saw more safari vehicles than there are cars on the Long Island Expressway during rush hour. In other words, the Kenya portion of the trip is crowded.

By comparison, when we saw the crossing in Tanzania, there were no other vehicles save our two. This is because OAT booked us into mobile camps, which were in close proximity to the river. The lack of permanent camps made for no crowding, and a magnificent view of the crossing. The herd we saw cross was a bit smaller; we estimated it to be not more than 300 wildebeests. We must tell you, however, that the mobile camps were relatively spartan. Bucket showers and limited electricity were the norm, as were flush latrines( yes, latrines with a flush toilet attached ) , bare, but flat floors covered by a tarp which were directly on the ground, but with comfortable beds, running water and some chairs for sitting, as well as a bureau for unpacking( we never did ). the food, however, under those circumstances was actually good. If you take this trip, be prepared for some of those camps in Tanzania. The trade-off was seeing the migration. We would do this again; it was that good.

No, thanks necessary, Kim. ITN runs this site for precisely to permit travelers to help one another. If the information we gave is helpful, we were glad to help. Regarding your COPD: If you consider the OAT trip, you should discuss this in detail before you book. Electricity in the Tanzanian mobile camps is limited. and unfortunately, there is indeed dust. The dry season is notorious for dust; the plants are so covered, they look brown. and the fact that OAT transports you from camp to camp overland, will leave you in a safari vehicle( not a bus ) where the dust will be everywhere. That was one of the major shortcomings on our trip, which we mentioned to OAT. They now provide cautions about the dusty conditions in their pre-trip materials. You will need a face mask to keep out the dust on trips between camps. Given your condition, you may also need it on game drives as well. We suggest that you discuss this with your physician and seek his advice.

You won't slow down the group because there's no walking. they don't let you out of the safari vehicles during game drives, for obvious reasons. So the only walking you will encounter is from your tent or lodge to the dining area and back again. We actually gained weight on both of our Africa trips because of the lack of exercise.

We do suggest that if you consider OAT, you take their "Best of Kenya and Tanzania" trip rather than "Safari Serengeti." We feel adding the sites in Kenya is a plus, however, that's up to you. If you take the Best of Kenya and Tanzania, we do suggest that you add the pre-trip to the Masai Mara, even though it's crowded.

Wilderness Safaris is THE major player in SOUTHERN Africa. they either own, or control the vast majority of the camps in the regions of Botswana and Zimbabwe. OAT rents all its camps from them. This is due to the fact that the principals of that company are major regional politicians. Such is not the case in Eastern Africa, where the OP's proposed trip will take place. When we went to EASTERN Africa in 2009, Wilderness Safaris had a minor presence in Kenya and Tanzania. We don't suspect that has changed much. This is not to say that one should not check them out, only to indicate the role they have in Eastern Africa, where the OP will be going, in relation to other companies.