How to Decide the Best Safari in May? South Africa is entering its autumn season with slightly cooler, drier weather than the hot summer weather in the cloud. East Africa struggles with incredible weather, in the middle of its long rainy season. This article will help you to decide on the best safari in May.
Be sure to pack light clothing to cover open areas, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and high-factor sun lotions.
And of course, keep a raincoat nearby for a weird shower. Read this article for a complete safari packing list and more about asanas tu in Africa.
South African thin bushveld trees begin to turn yellow and some leaves are falling. The formerly bright green grass and shrubs are returning to the dry stems – which means it will soon become easier to find wildlife.
However, seeing wildlife can still be traumatic in places as the plants are still relatively dense and have residual surface water to keep the wildlife disturbed.
Expect fewer tourists and lower prices compared to the Safari Safari months, and offers discounts on available year-rounds far beyond easily accessible regions.
Find Discount
Be aware of mosquitoes during twilight and darkness, wear long sleeves and long pants, sleep under the mosquito and apply some form of mosquito repellent. We suggest you exercise caution during this time – please consult your doctor.
Best Safari in May and How Can You Make It?
1. South Africa
Cape Town and the Garden Route are now enjoying the autumn weather and you can enjoy the beaches and outdoor lifestyle even after the long summer days have passed.
And of course, there is no festive season queue, which means great opportunities for wine, dining, and chilling on the beach.
Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa is good for all seasons and Mayo is no exception.
The national park is busy all year long, and we instead propose a private archive on the west side of the park, where privacy enhances the experience.
Great guides increase your chances of finding the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo).
In South Africa, we also recommend giving the Madikwe Game Reserve a safari. Not only is it a malaria-free zone, but it’s also a great place to look for the Big 5 and other endangered species such as leopards, wild dogs, and brown hyenas.
Autumn Kruger Bushveld begins to dry and game drives become more productive in Africa’s safari.
In Botswana, the dry season has begun and the annual Okavango Delta flood waters are moving south from their source in the Angolan Highlands.
However, the water is still in the northern area in May and many have not yet reached the lodge. Only lodges with permanent deep water channels provide water activities such as boat cruises and macaro excursions in May.
For both Zambia and Zimbabwe, the adventure capital of Victoria Falls is open for business all year long and is a must for any Africa-fanatical fanatics.
The river is high during May, so spray it with a loud noise at the rim of the waterfall and at the lower neck and expect to be deaf.
In Zambia, floods have reduced flood waters over most parts of the country for 3-5 months of the year, and areas like Luangwa Valley and Kafue National Park are now open for business.
Seasonal bush camps in the South Luangwa National Park are a special treat for weekly safari travelers and walking safari enthusiasts.
Zimbabwe’s safari season is also in full swing, with Havaje National Park attracting large numbers of elephants, lions, and other species that are attracted to pump water, and Mana Pools National Park offers some of the best elephants and wild dog breeds.
2. East and Central Africa
If you visit in May to see the Great Wildebeest migration, you will find livestock in Serengeti, southwest of Tanzania.
The ‘long rains’ are here, so you’ll need your rain jacket. The wettest part of the day is dusk. Rain makes the plains slippery and vehicles will fight to get anywhere.
In May, you will probably be able to find livestock between Muru and Mokoma and heading towards the Leg Magadi safari in May. Calves born at the beginning of the year are getting bigger and stronger, and livestock is covering more distances every day.
3. Masai Mara, Kenya
Kenya’s Masai Mara is now enjoying its ‘secret season’ at a later stage when tourists are few, and a large number of hunting species that are not pursuing livestock begin to attack.
It’s hardly surprising that Kenya is the most traditional safari destination in Africa given the country’s breathtaking natural scenery and abundance of species. You may go on adventures here and experience unique wildlife encounters against the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop. Kenya’s hidden gems are the perfect place to obtain a taste of authentic African culture.
Resident breeds such as Thomson and Grant’s gazelles, impulses, warthogs, topsides, and coke’s heartbeats are furs game for the big cats renowned by the BBC’s Big Cat Diary. For many Kenyan locals, this is the perfect time to stay on the Masai Mara safari in May.
Zanzibar is enjoying its annual long rainfall, so for those who prefer cloudless skies, we recommend that you avoid the islands in May and instead travel to Seychelles, where the southeast trade winds keep the rain away and start the dry season.
Mountains and lowland gorillas, chimps, and gold monkeys will see heavy rains in the regions for trekking and so we suggest delaying your humid experience until the horrible wet.
For animal viewing, the Dry season (June to October) is your best chance.
The rainy season (November to May) has lush landscapes, young animals, and lower season prices.
4. Mauritius
One of the greatest times to visit Mauritius is in May. Despite the heated temperatures, the humidity has decreased, creating a more hospitable environment. This time of year is also a great time to visit if you prefer more privacy and there are some wonderful deals to take advantage of.
The start of winter in Mauritius is in the month of May. Due to the moderate and pleasant weather, these months are regarded as the finest times to visit Mauritius. Wintertime temperatures on the island range from a high of 24 degrees Celsius to a low of 18 degrees Celsius.
Among the parks and reserves in Mauritius are Islets National Park, Black River Gorges National Park, Bras d’Eau National Park, and Grande Montagne Nature Reserve. With its stunning beaches, blue oceans, luxurious lodging, and interesting adventures, Mauritius is the ideal add-on to round off your African safari journey. It’s understandable why Mauritius is one of the most sought-after locations in southern Africa for honeymoons and romantic getaways.
5. Namibia
Namibia’s continually shifting terrain would make any adventure traveler envious, whether you are exploring the huge desert vistas, trekking to the wild Skeleton Coast, or finding the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. You might be astonished to learn that the world’s oldest desert is home to elephant, rhino, giraffe, and lion residents.
The Dry season (May to October) is a very lovely time to visit because of the bright, almost cloudless days. Best for wildlife viewing since animals congregate and are easier to locate.
6. Tanzania
Nothing compares to an African safari in Tanzania, where snow-capped mountains tower above arid valleys and teem with colorful animals. Discover world-famous locations like the Serengeti, Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater, and more here. Whatever route your travel takes you on, you will return with lifelong memories.
Tanzania’s long rainy season, which includes May, makes it the least popular month to visit. May visitors should prepare for a lot of rain and travel challenges. The long rainy season in Tanzania is supposed to be the finest time to go birding, so if you’re an avid bird watcher, this is a great month to go.
The wet season, which lasts from late March to April or May and from November to December, is the best time to go on a Serengeti Safari if you want to avoid crowds. The Great Migration will still be visible, but you will avoid the high-season crowds (late June to early September).
You must travel during the dry season to see the huge migration (June to October).
With the calving season in the Serengeti, the wet season (November to May) offers advantages.
7. Zambia
It is simple to understand why Zambia is a popular travel destination for adventurers and environment lovers alike given that parks and reserves comprise over a third of the country and are home to a variety of vivid animals and numerous biodiversity. Adrenaline seekers may get their fix while racing downstream on the powerful Zambezi River, which plunges over one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world at Victoria Falls.
When there is less rain to be observed and animals are easily visible at nearby rivers and waterholes, wildlife viewing is more enjoyable from May to October.
8. Uganda
Uganda, sometimes referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” has 10 national parks and a variety of magnificent scenery. Your explorations will take you across wide savannas, dense woods, and snow-capped mountains.
Uganda will satiate the desire of any intrepid traveler, whether they are looking for elusive predators or white-water rafting down the Nile.
The greatest times to see wildlife in Uganda are during the dry months of June through August and December through February. Additionally, there is a lot of sunshine right now.
9. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s national parks give a really distant and unspoilt feel to them while presenting some of Africa’s greatest wildlife, despite not being as well known as other African safari locations.
If you visit Hwange National Park, you will see buffalo and elephant herds gathered around the waterholes. There are many ways to enjoy everything that Zimbabwe has to offer.
Although the Wet season is a wonderful time of year, the Dry season is often the greatest time to see animals (April to October). Victoria Falls viewing is most enjoyable from May to September.
10. Botswana
It’s hardly surprising that Botswana is one of Africa’s biggest success stories given its pristine scenery, teeming wildlife, and far-flung camps. You may visit Chobe National Park, the Kalahari Desert, or the Okavango Delta here.
You may discover some of the most upscale camps in Africa with a low-impact strategy and a genuine sense of wilderness solitude. The greatest time to visit Botswana’s parks is during the dry season (May to October) when wildlife congregates around the few surviving sources of water.
Final thought
In Africa, there are several safaris that provide a distinctive experience. The type of animal you hope to see typically determines the ideal safari in Africa. The greatest safaris on the continent, in contrast, are regarded by many as being found in Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa.
Mozambique, Seychelles, and other beach locations like Mauritius all have dry days with pleasant temperatures. African nation.
The prime safari season runs from May to October, especially in Hwange National Park when the scarcity of rain attracts species to the waterholes. These destinations may finally have their moment in the safari industry because of their emphasis on eco-tourism initiatives like bird’s nest housing, silent safaris, and smaller camps.
Other Recommended Reading
- 7 African Small Cats – Profile | Facts | Description | Habitat | Traits
- Khwai River Lodge – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- 12 Magnificent African Safari Animals – List | Ecosystem | Travel
- Chitabe Camp Botswana – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- 15 African Nocturnal Animals You Would Encounter in the Safari
- Victoria Falls River Lodge – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- Impala Animal – Facts | Profile | Description | Diet | Habitat | Traits
- Tongabezi Lodge – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- Dung Beetle – Facts | Traits | Profile | Ecology | Behavior | Function
- Inverdoorn Game Reserve – Amenities | Highlights | Review
- Gomoti Plains Camp – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- African Wild Dogs – Profile | Facts | Pet | Traits | Behavior | Prey
- Stanley’s Camp Botswana – Amenities | Highlights | Reviews
- 10 Reasons Travelers Choose Namibia Vacation On the Top
- 22 Curious Facts About The Okavango Delta
- Ndutu Safari Lodge Serengeti – Reviews | Amenities | Contacts
- Galapagos Safari Camp – Reviews | Amenities | Highlights
- Okavango River – Facts | Delta | Basin | Map
- Lewa Safari Camp Kenya – Reviews | Location | Activities
- Mombo Camp Botswana – Rates | Amenities | Reviews | Contacts