Africa, Guides, Safari, Wildlife and Where to go when

Where to go on safari in May

Some great suggestions where to have the best safari experiences in May

Alex

Operations & Marketing Development

Published on

30 Sep 2020

Updated on

25 Apr 2025

Baobabs At Sunrise On Kubu Island In Makgadikgadi Pans

The rains are at their peak across the majority of East Africa, including; Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, which can make for a tricky safari. However, further south across Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe these destinations are starting to come in to their own as the vegetation starts to thin and the wildlife is starting to be drawn towards more permanent sources of water.

South Africa

Trees and vegetation continue to lose their foliage, meaning the bush is becoming more and more open – allowing for easier wildlife spotting and visibility. The weather is mild as the dry season starts to kick in making it a great time to explore the diversity of the Rainbow Nation. The Kruger National Park is still a fantastic place to plan a safari at this time of year as is the sub-tropical region of Kwa Zulu Natal.

Zambia

This is the culmination of Zambia's wet and rainy season, with vegetation still lush and green and Victoria Falls is flowing in full force. May isn’t an optimum time for game viewing but there is an abundance of wildlife and there won’t be many visitors, making it feel like a more exclusive wilderness experience.

Zimbabwe

May is a great time to visit Zimbabwe with Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks being highly recommended. It’s the beginning of the dry season, temperatures are becoming more mild and vegetation is starting to thin, which means the wildlife is easier to spot.

Uganda and Rwanda

‘Travel to Uganda and Rwanda during the damp, overcast month of May, you must be daft’ I hear you say. But there is method to the madness. The mist and overcast conditions make for a photographers’ dream when photographing mountain gorillas. The gorillas will have also moved to lower altitudes on the mountains to feed on young bamboo shoots meaning the sometimes-demanding treks could potentially be a little easier.

Shutterstock 424490806 Copy — The magnificent victoria falls is on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe

Murchison Falls In Uganda On The River Nile Copy — Murchison Falls, Uganda

Female Mountain Gorilla With Baby In Bwindi Copy — mountain gorilla trekking in uganda and rwanda

Botswana

The start of Botswana's "prime" safari season is a wonderful time of year for game viewing, with camps in the Northern part of the Okavango Delta starting to receive water from the summer rains in the Angolan highlands. Visitors can take advantage of lower prices to enjoy this amazing area to the fullest.

Namibia

May is a fabulous time of year to head to Namibia, the country is still lush with colourful vegetation, rains are rare, there’s less dust and with the temperate climate, it makes great conditions for hiking especially through the Fish River Canyon region. Wildlife viewing is still not at it’s best but it is a good time to visit Namibia’s famous Etosha National Park as during the peak season, the park can get busy and accommodation is difficult to find if you don’t book early.

Malawi

May sees the start of the dry season in Malawi but the country is still in bloom and the landscape is a carpet of green. The lush landscapes and cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to climb Mount Mulanje as well as combining a safari experience to some of southern Malawi’s striking national parks.

Madagascar

Madagascar in May brings rays of sunshine after the heavy rains and cyclone season. With such a diverse and unique ecosystem, Madagascar offers breath taking natural beauty, white sand beaches, beautiful rainforests… and of course… extraordinary wildlife. This is the only place in the world which you will see lemurs in their natural environment, as they roam through the rainforests which they share with brightly coloured birds and reptiles. The diversity is truly staggering.

With mother nature coming in to full bloom but without a huge amount of travellers visiting, it’s definitely a rewarding time of year to travel to Madagascar.

Hippos Botswana — hippos are prevalent in botswana

Mount Mulanje In Malawi Copy — Mount mulanje - Malawi

Isalo National Park In Madagascar Copy — Isalo National Park - Madagascar

For more inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

Planning a safari holiday? Give our friendly experts a call on 01768 603 715 or fill in our enquiry form.

Check out these

Amazing holiday ideas for May

Luangwa and Lake Safari Adventure

Lusaka
South Luangwa
Lake Malawi

10 days
From $6,231 ^pp.

Zimbabwe Safari Adventure

Hwange National Park
Lake Kariba
Mana Pools

10 days
From $8,852 ^pp.

Rwanda Gorillas, Primates, & Landscapes

Nyungwe
Lake Kivu
Volcanoes NP

11 days
From $7,655 ^pp.

Majete Safari and Lake Malawi Adventure

Majete Wildlife Reserve
Lake Malawi

8 days
From $5,400 ^pp.

Madagascar Wildlife

Andasibe-Mantadia
Kirindy Forest
Berenty
Antananarivo

14 days
From $6,899 ^pp.

Speak with our safari experts today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912

Inquire Now

Ben

Alistair

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025

Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024

Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024

Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024

Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024

Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024

Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024