African Safaris in May
May marks the end of the long rainy season in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, making it a transitional month for safaris. The landscapes are lush and green, water sources are abundant, and many animals are still spread out, making wildlife viewing slightly more challenging than in peak dry months. However, fewer crowds, lower safari rates, and stunning scenery make May a great time for those seeking a quieter, more budget-friendly safari experience.
In Kenya and Tanzania, rains start to subside by mid-month, allowing for clearer skies and better road access. Zambia and Zimbabwe remain quite wet in early May, with some parks still inaccessible, but by the end of the month, conditions improve significantly. In Botswana, the Okavango Delta begins to fill, setting the stage for incredible water safaris in the coming months.
Weather Conditions in May For Safaris by Destinations
| Weather Condition | Kenya & Tanzania | Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana |
| Daytime Temperature | 25-28°C | 23-27°C |
| Nightly Temperature | 14-18°C | 10-15°C |
| Average Temperature | 21°C | 18°C |
| Daily Sunshine | 5-7 hrs | 6-8 hrs |
| Average Rainfall | 80-150 mm | 40-100 mm |
| Rainy Days | 10-15 days | 7-12 days |
| Sea Temperature | 27°C (Kenyan coast) | N/A |
| Humidity | 70-80% | 60-75% |
| Windspeed | 8-12 kph | 7-10 kph |
How is the weather in May By Countries
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.
What to Pack in May For an African Safari In
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.
| Category | Items |
| Clothing | Light long-sleeved shirts, waterproof jacket, safari pants, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses |
| Evening Wear | Warmer sweater/jacket for cool nights |
| Rain Gear | Poncho or lightweight raincoat (for early May safaris) |
| Footwear | Waterproof boots for wet conditions |
| Medications | Anti-malaria tablets, insect repellent, antihistamines, pain relievers, and personal prescriptions |
| Skincare | Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer (humidity can be high) |
For more clothing ideas, check out our guide to what to pack for an African safari.
Our 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.
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.
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
The best time to visit Africa to see the beautiful savannah grasslands, wildlife, and culture is from January to April and from June to November, during the drier, hotter months. The vegetation thins out and wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, and these seasons offer beautiful sightings due to the short grass.
