African Safaris in May
May marks an important transitional month for African safaris, given that the long rains have begun to ease off in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
There is plenty of lush scenery that is still very green and vibrant, although there are many water holes where animals will be scattered around rather than clustered.
It is also an advantageous time to go on safari due to reduced crowds and more affordable prices compared to other months throughout the year.
In East Africa, the rains begin to ease off halfway through the month, providing clear blue skies and excellent conditions for road travel into the wilderness.
Zambia and Zimbabwe may be quite wet during the beginning of May, but dry off quickly by the end of the month when most of the bush camps open up again.
- Transitional Period: The month of May signifies the close of the wet season in East and Southern Africa.
- Scenic Beauty: There are lush surroundings, but game becomes scarce because of excess rainfall.
- Tourist Advantages: Tourists benefit from reduced costs and smaller numbers compared to the high season.
- East Africa: The rains in Kenya and Tanzania have ceased by mid-May, making roads clearer and vision better.
- Southern Africa: The rain in Zambia and Zimbabwe drains fast, making it possible for seasonal camps to open.
- Okavango Delta: There are rising flood levels in Botswana, enabling water safaris.
How are Weather Conditions in May For Safaris by Destinations?
Scheduling your safari trip in May is an excellent chance to enjoy Africa in its greenest and fullest colors while avoiding the usual hustle and bustle of tourists.
We have revised our weather highlights and suggestions for each popular safari location to make sure your preparation and expectations match those conditions.
If you need any assistance regarding your plans, our safari specialists will gladly share some valuable insights into planning and destinations suitable for your trip during May.
May Safari Weather Highlights
- Plan: In-depth research about the best locations for safaris, depending on the month and climate conditions.
- Kenya & Botswana: Comfortable climate, with daily daytime temperatures around 25°C–28°C, whereas night-time temperatures drop sharply down to 5°C–6°C at Botswana because winter starts.
- Tanzania & Rwanda: Hot and tropical but enjoyable weather, with temperatures averaging 25°C–29°C; humidity level lowers due to the end of the long rains.
- Uganda & Zambia: Great climate, especially good for primate tracking and bush walks, with daily high temperatures around 25°C–27°C and refreshingly cool nights of 11°C–17°C.
- Zimbabwe & Namibia: Extremely clear, sunny weather, with warm temperatures of 29°C during daytime hours but with cold desert nights of 2°C–3°C.
- South Africa: Significant regional variations; although northern safaris experience relatively mild weather conditions with daytime temperatures of 22°C, the Cape Region experiences the beginning of its winter period, characterized by rainfall and cold winds.
- Zanzibar: Stays the warmest and wettest place to visit, experiencing warm days averaging at 30°C and warm nights not falling below 23°C.
| Countries | Weather in May |
| Botswana | Max 28°C (82°F), Min 5°C (41°F) |
| Kenya | Max: 25°C (77°F) Min: 14°C (58°F) |
| Tanzania | Max: 29°C (84°F) Min: 20°C (68°F) |
| Uganda | Max: 27°C (81°F) Min: 17°C (63°F) |
| Rwanda | Max: 25°C (77°F) Min: 13°C (55°F) |
| Zambia | Max: 25°C (77°F) Min: 11°C (52°F) |
| Zimbabwe | Max: 29°C (85°F) Min: 3°C (38°F) |
| Namibia | Max: 29°C (85°F) Min: 2°C (35°F) |
| South Africa | Max: 22°C (72°F) Min: 8°C (46°F) |
| Zanzibar | Max: 30°C (86°F) Min: 24°C (76°F) |
How is the weather in May By Countries?
Being the end of the rainy season and the start of the ‘green season’, May presents itself with a beautiful landscape that has shed all the dust and has come out in its true splendor.
Kenya Safaris in May
For a safari in Kenya, May is an interesting time as the long rains end and bring about a green carpet on the plains, along with some quietness in the Maasai Mara just before the peak season starts.
Tanzania Safaris in May
May is one of the most dramatic months to visit Tanzania as the Great Migration herds move to their next destination through the central plains in a stunning sky full of clouds.
Uganda Safaris in May
After the rainy period, May is a great month for going gorilla trekking in Bwindi in Uganda because of the cooler weather and fewer permits being sold out.
South Africa Safaris in May
May ushers in the best safari months in South Africa, with temperatures in the day not exceeding 22°C, along with the thinning out of vegetation.
Botswana Safaris in May
During May, the floodwaters start coming into the Okavango Delta from the Angolan highlands and provide a great experience of canoeing through the new water channels in Botswana.
Namibia Safaris in May
The desert dust is washed out during May, and this provides clear air for enjoying the view of the red dunes of Sossusvlei with a comfortable climate in this period of time.
Zambia Safaris in May
When the dry season begins in late May, there are some of the best walking safaris in Africa provided by reopening the most popular bush camps of Zambia.
Zimbabwe Safaris in May
A good choice to visit Zimbabwe is the month of May because the Zambezi River reaches the maximum level of flooding, which causes “smoke that thunders.”
Zanzibar Island Beach Holidays in May
The month of May marks the end of the wet season on the island, but the price of staying in luxury beach resorts drops, and you may enjoy clear sunny afternoons and tropical showers in Zanzibar.
Best Places to Visit this May?
Under the best places you can visit in May, and if you would probably enjoy the best safari in Africa. We prefer luxury and guided safaris in Africa for an optimum experience. With this May guide, you will be able to understand if it suits your interests and preferences. For further assistance, kindly get in touch.
May is an excellent time for the best deals on wildlife holidays and allows travelers to explore prime wilderness destinations without the high costs associated with peak season travel.
The flooding waters of Angola make the Okavango Delta region of Botswana a wet, fertile paradise for large herds of wildlife that migrate to follow the expanding channels of water.
The thinning bush at South Africa’s Kruger National Park provides favorable conditions for spotting predators with ease during the warmer seasons.
The dramatic change in color from green to gold in Namibia’s Etosha National Park marks the beginning of animal migration to water holes.
The peak flow of Victoria Falls occurs in May, while the dried-up tracks of Zambia and Zimbabwe make remote areas accessible to tourists, especially in Mana Pools.
Tanzania’s Serengeti enjoys a serene environment devoid of crowds when the migratory herds move to the central and western parts of the park.
Northern Kenya’s Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy areas offer an excellent alternative destination, which receives less rain and greater animal sightings than the southern parks.
What to Pack in May For an African Safari?
Understand the best things and items to pack during a safari in May. The guide below will help you know what to pack this month so you can have an easy, stress-free time on your safari.
Packing Lists are very important for ensuring you have the right items for certain seasons, and our detailed African Safari Packing List will be helpful to you.
As May serves as a transition period between the wet season and cold, dry winter, one’s packing should reflect a combination of versatile clothing items and protective elements to withstand changes in temperature.
For instance, light cotton or khaki clothing should be included in your wardrobe for the midday warmth, such as several T-shirts and shorts.
Strong shoes and comfortable sneakers are recommended for bush walking, while flip flops can serve as excellent accessories for relaxation at the lodge or near its pool area.
Since early morning and evening game drives can be unexpectedly cold, a windbreaker or fleece jacket will be useful as an extra protective clothing item.
Moreover, a hat with a brim or a baseball cap should be included in the luggage list as an important item for keeping your face from the strong African sun and preventing dust accumulation in your hair while traveling in an open vehicle.
Finally, two pairs of long pants and several long-sleeved tops will ensure additional protection in terms of cool evenings and insects.
One more thing that should be taken into account when preparing your packing list is that most lodges have nice pools, which makes a swimming costume a good addition to your luggage.
Pack all medications and vitamins inside their respective bottles in your carry-on bag to keep them easily available during your travels.
An individual’s medical kit can include over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, anti-allergens, and antiseptics for any cuts.
Rehydration pills and anti-diarrhea pills can aid your body in acclimating to the environment and maintain stamina on days when you are working hard outside.
One should be carrying Dramamine or other similar pills for motion sickness in case they get affected by motion sickness during off-road rides.
| What to Wear in May | Medication to Pack for Safari |
- Comfortable sneakers/sandals/walking shoes for game walks
- Flip-flops or similar for pool or in-room use, or even in a safari vehicle
- Baseball cap or hat to keep dust/sun from the head
- Windbreaker/fleece jacket for layering during game drives and evening
- Jeans (one or two pairs)
- Khaki or cotton pants/slacks, for dinnertime
- Four T-shirts for daytime wear
- Button-down long-sleeve sports shirts (optional at dinner for men)
- Long-sleeve and mid-sleeve women’s cotton shirts for layering
- Shorts/cut-offs—two or three pairs for mid-day wear
- Sleeveless shirts for warmer days—very necessary for summer
- Bathing suit
- Underwear (sports bras are recommended for game drives)
- Socks
| Pack enough daily vitamins and prescribed medicine to last your entire trip. Keep your prescriptions in their original bottles and store them in your carry-on bag. - Allergy remedy
- Rehydration salts like Liquid I.V.
- Pain reliever
- Antiseptic cream
- Motion sickness tablets
- Dramamine
- Dramamine Natural Non-Drowsy
- Heartburn remedy
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Cold/flu tablets
Anders |
For more clothing ideas, check out our guide to what to pack for an African safari.
Which are the best Tailor Made Safari Packages to Book in May?
Looking for a perfect African Safari to book in May? We’ve got some of the best safari ideas for you here. Browse and choose the best that suits your holiday safari interest. In case there is none, please get in touch with our Safari Experts, and we will ensure you get exactly what you are looking for.
Which Other Months to Explore For Safaris in Africa?
Looking for the perfect Time for an African Safari? We have listed below more guides that will help you determine the best time and place to visit Africa for your safari Adventure.
Why Book Your African Safari Holiday with us?
Are you in search of a luxury safari adventure where you can view interesting wildlife? Well, you are in the right place. At Cheetah Safaris, we offer customized luxury safaris that are aimed at catering to your demand to explore and have an adventure.
In addition to its plains, Kenya also holds Africa’s second-highest mountain, Mt. Kenya. Do not forget to witness and experience one of the Wonders of the World, made possible not elsewhere but only in Kenya: The Great Wildebeest Migration. Indeed, the Maasai Mara provides an awe-inspiring view and is not just an experience but a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
May Safaris in Africa – FAQs
