May

East Africa: Green Season Beauty and Wildlife Riches

Kenya: The Masai Mara and Beyond

Kenya in May is a paradise for travelers who appreciate scenic beauty and quieter parks. The Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Laikipia regions are particularly rewarding.

Highlights:

• The Masai Mara is lush and dramatic, with resident wildlife present year-round
• Excellent sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes
• Birdlife is at its peak, with migratory species in full display
• Fewer vehicles around sightings compared to peak season

Weather: May sees diminishing rainfall, especially toward the end of the month, with mild daytime temperatures.

Why Visit in May: If you want the Mara’s iconic landscapes without the crowds of the Great Migration season, May is ideal.

Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire

Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, and May offers a unique perspective on its famous parks.

Serengeti National Park:

• The wildebeest herds are usually in the western and central Serengeti
• Calving has recently ended, attracting predators such as lions and hyenas
• The plains are green, creating stunning photographic opportunities

Ngorongoro Crater:

• Year-round wildlife viewing, including black rhinos
• Fewer tourists than in peak months
• Misty mornings add atmosphere to game drives

Tarangire National Park:

• Beautiful green scenery with massive baobabs
• Large elephant herds and diverse birdlife

Why Visit in May: Lower prices, fewer visitors, and excellent predator action make May a smart time to explore Tanzania.

Uganda: Primates and Classic Safaris

Uganda shines in May, especially for travelers interested in combining classic safaris with primate experiences.

Key Destinations:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Mountain gorilla trekking
• Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee tracking
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Tree-climbing lions and boat safaris
• Murchison Falls National Park – Nile cruises and big game

Wildlife Highlights:

• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking remains excellent in May
• Lush savannahs attract elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes
• Migratory birds enhance birdwatching experiences

Why Visit in May: May offers slightly fewer visitors for gorilla trekking and greener, more photogenic landscapes.

Rwanda: Intimate Gorilla Safaris

Rwanda’s compact size and well-managed parks make it a superb May destination.

Volcanoes National Park:

• Mountain gorilla trekking in mist-covered forests
• Cooler temperatures and dramatic scenery

Akagera National Park:

• Big Five safaris in a savannah setting
• Lakes and wetlands full after rains

Why Visit in May: Lower demand for permits and quieter trails enhance the exclusivity of Rwanda’s safari experiences.

Southern Africa: The Start of Prime Game Viewing

Botswana: Okavango Delta Awakening

May marks the beginning of Botswana’s prime safari season.

Okavango Delta:

• Floodwaters start arriving, transforming the delta into a wildlife haven
• Excellent sightings of elephants, leopards, lions, and wild dogs
• Mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris become possible

Chobe National Park:

• Large elephant herds along the Chobe River
• Fewer crowds than later dry-season months

Why Visit in May: Rising water levels and improving game viewing make May one of the best-value months in Botswana.

Zambia: Emerald Season Transitions

Zambia’s emerald season fades in May, opening the door to outstanding safaris.

South Luangwa National Park:

• Lush landscapes with high concentrations of wildlife
• Leopards are particularly common
• Birdlife remains exceptional

Lower Zambezi National Park:

• Canoe safaris along the Zambezi River
• Elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in abundance

Why Visit in May: May offers excellent photography, fewer visitors, and attractive lodge rates.

Zimbabwe: Wildlife and Waterfalls

Zimbabwe is a rewarding May destination, combining classic safaris with iconic scenery.

Hwange National Park:

• Large elephant populations
• Improving visibility as vegetation thins

Victoria Falls:

• May is one of the best months to see the falls at full volume
• Mist creates rainbows and dramatic views

Why Visit in May: You get both strong wildlife viewing and peak waterfall conditions.

Namibia: Desert Landscapes in Bloom

Namibia’s arid regions come alive after the rains.

Etosha National Park:

• Wildlife spreads out but remains plentiful
• Green plains contrast beautifully with salt pans

Damaraland and Sossusvlei:

• Cooler temperatures for exploring desert landscapes
• Occasional desert blooms add color to the scenery

Why Visit in May: Comfortable weather and fewer tourists make May ideal for scenic exploration.

South Africa: Diverse Safaris and Easy Travel

South Africa is an excellent choice for May, especially for first-time safari-goers.

Kruger National Park:

• Vegetation begins to thin, improving game viewing
• Big Five sightings remain strong

Private Game Reserves:

• High-quality guiding and off-road tracking
• Luxurious lodges often offer shoulder-season discounts

Why Visit in May: Pleasant weather, good wildlife viewing, and excellent infrastructure make South Africa highly appealing.

Birdwatching in May: A Continental Highlight

May is one of the best months for birding in Africa. Migratory species are still present, and breeding plumage is at its most colorful. Top birding destinations include:

• Uganda and Rwanda forests
• Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes
• Zambia’s wetlands
• Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Photography in May: Light, Color, and Drama

For photographers, May is exceptional:

• Green backdrops enhance animal portraits
• Dramatic skies after rains create striking compositions
• Softer light and fewer dust clouds improve clarity

Practical Tips for Safari Travel in May

• Pack lightweight rain gear, especially early in the month
• Choose lodges with good road access
• Work with experienced safari operators who understand seasonal movements
• Be flexible with itineraries to maximize wildlife encounters

Is May the Right Time for Your African Safari?

Africa in May offers a compelling blend of beauty, wildlife, value, and tranquility. While it may not be as famous as the peak dry season, May rewards travelers with greener landscapes, fewer crowds, and deeply immersive safari experiences.

Whether you dream of gorilla trekking in misty forests, drifting through the Okavango Delta, witnessing predator action on the Serengeti plains, or standing in awe before Victoria Falls, May opens the door to some of Africa’s most memorable adventures.

For travelers seeking authenticity, diversity, and exceptional value, May is one of the best months to explore Africa’s top safari destinations.