Best African safari destinations to visit in May, offering exceptional wildlife sightings and scenic beauty. Experience memorable adventures in some of Africa’s most iconic safari locations.
In May, Africa comes alive in a way that makes it one of the best months to experience the continent’s wildlife and natural beauty. The weather during this time is typically mild, with the rainy season winding down in many regions, leaving behind lush, green landscapes and cooler temperatures. This creates ideal conditions for a safari, as the animals are more active and easier to spot.
The reduced rainfall also means that roads are more accessible, and game drives become smoother, providing clearer views of the wildlife. May sees fewer tourists, which means you can enjoy a more intimate and serene experience without the crowds. It’s a sweet spot for those who want to witness Africa’s wildlife without the peak-season hustle.
Some prime safari destinations to consider in May include:
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
- Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
When it comes to safaris, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a name that resonates with most travelers. Located in the heart of East Africa, Serengeti is synonymous with the Great Migration—a natural phenomenon where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing land. Where to go on an African safari in May for a front-row seat to this extraordinary event? Serengeti is a must.
In May, the migration reaches the southern parts of the park. This is the time when large herds of wildebeest start to congregate in the lush grasses of the southern Serengeti, preparing for the calving season. This means that, aside from the iconic herds, you’ll also get to witness the birth of countless baby wildebeest, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs.
The weather in May is mild, and although some light rains may occur, they don’t hinder safari activities, and they help bring the park to life with vibrant greenery. The abundance of wildlife and the thrill of witnessing the Great Migration in person make Serengeti an essential destination for those wondering where to go on an African safari in May.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Located just across the border from Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya offers a similar wildlife experience but with a distinct cultural twist. The Mara is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and in May, it’s one of the best places to visit for those who are looking for a safari experience that combines both nature and culture.
The weather in May is still part of the rainy season in the Mara, but the rains tend to be light, making the safari experience more enjoyable. The lush landscape in May attracts a wide variety of animals, from the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceroses) to cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles in the Mara River. It’s also the season when the Maasai Mara’s famous wildlife—especially the big cats—are most active. Expect to see lions hunting in the tall grass and leopards lounging in acacia trees.
In addition to the wildlife, the Maasai Mara also offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can visit the local Maasai villages, where they can learn about the traditions, dances, and lifestyle of the Maasai people, providing a deep connection to the cultural heritage of the region.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
For those seeking a classic African safari experience in May, Kruger National Park in South Africa should be high on your list of places to visit. This vast and iconic park is one of Africa’s largest and most renowned wildlife reserves, and it’s perfect for those who want to witness a variety of wildlife in its natural habitat.
Kruger’s mild temperatures in May, combined with its dry conditions, make for excellent game viewing. As the dry season sets in, animals tend to congregate around the park’s water sources, making it easier for visitors to spot them. The park is home to a wide range of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and hippos, and it offers some of the best opportunities for viewing the Big Five.
In May, you can also expect fewer tourists, providing a more intimate safari experience. Additionally, Kruger offers a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites, ensuring that there’s something for every kind of traveler.
4. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Botswana’s Chobe National Park is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Known for its large elephant population, Chobe offers one of the best opportunities in Africa to see elephants up close. May is one of the best months to visit Chobe, as the weather is cool, and wildlife sightings are abundant, particularly along the Chobe River.
During May, the park’s elephants gather along the river, providing visitors with a truly awe-inspiring sight. The river is also a prime spot for observing other wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species. As the dry season begins to take hold, animals are drawn to the riverbanks, where they can drink and cool off. This makes it a great time for photography and wildlife observation.
In addition to elephant sightings, Chobe is also home to lions, leopards, buffalo, and a rich diversity of birdlife. Whether you choose to go on a traditional game drive or a boat safari along the river, Chobe National Park in May offers an unforgettable experience.
5. Okavango Delta, Botswana
If looking for a unique and scenic safari experience in May, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is the place to go. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most stunning safari destinations in Africa. May marks the start of the dry season, and although the Delta is at its fullest during the flood season, the wildlife viewing is excellent year-round.
During May, the Okavango Delta begins to dry out, concentrating animals around the remaining water sources. The waterways of the Delta provide a perfect setting for unique water-based safaris. Guests can visit the delta by mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) or on motorized boat safaris, offering a completely different perspective on the wildlife and environment.
The Delta is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and hippos, as well as a wide variety of birds. The calm waters of the delta, surrounded by lush vegetation, provide an idyllic and peaceful safari experience. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, the Okavango Delta in May is a must-see destination for those seeking something extraordinary.
6. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s most famous wildlife parks and a prime safari destination in May. Known for its large elephant herds, Hwange offers an excellent safari experience in a relatively tranquil environment compared to more popular parks.
May marks the beginning of the dry season in Hwange, and as the waterholes begin to dry up, the animals concentrate around the remaining water sources, which makes game viewing exceptionally good. In addition to elephants, Hwange is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species. Birdwatchers will also delight in the rich birdlife of the park, which becomes particularly prominent in the cooler months.
Hwange’s isolated location and relatively low tourist numbers make it an ideal destination for those looking to experience a safari in peace and solitude.
FAQs
1. What are the best countries for an African safari in May?
The best countries to go on an African safari in May include Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe due to ideal weather and active wildlife.
2. Where to go on an African safari for the Great Migration?
To witness the Great Migration, go on an African safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Maasai Mara in May as herds begin moving across lush plains.
3. Is May a good time to go on an African safari?
Yes, May is an excellent time for an African safari as it offers fewer crowds, lush scenery, and concentrated wildlife near water sources.
4. Where to go on an African safari for Big Five sightings?
Kruger National Park in South Africa and Serengeti in Tanzania are top spots to go on an African safari for consistent Big Five sightings.
5. What safari parks are ideal for families in May?
Parks like Etosha in Namibia and Kruger in South Africa are perfect for family safaris in May due to safe environments and great facilities.
6. Where to go on an African safari for luxury experiences?
Consider Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Tanzania’s Serengeti for high-end lodges and exclusive safaris in May.
7. Which African safari offers the most wildlife in May?
Chobe National Park in Botswana and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offer abundant wildlife sightings in May thanks to lush conditions.
8. Where to go on an African safari with fewer tourists?
Hwange in Zimbabwe and Ruaha in Tanzania are great places to go on an African safari in May if you’re seeking solitude and raw wilderness.
9. What’s the weather like on an African safari in May?
In most safari regions, May brings mild temperatures, green landscapes, and occasional short rains—ideal for photography and game drives.
10. Where to go on an African safari for unique experiences?
For a unique African safari in May, the Okavango Delta’s water safaris or the cultural-rich Maasai Mara in Kenya.
