Booking An African Safari in the Month of 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.
How is the weather in May For Safaris
| 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 |
What to Pack For an African Safari In May
| 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.
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.
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.
Gallery of Safaris 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.
