The Month Most Safari Brochures Do Not Mention
May sits between Tanzania's long rains and its peak dry season — and it is, by any objective measure, one of the most beautiful months to visit. The landscapes are extraordinary. The parks are almost empty. Wildlife viewing is excellent in accessible areas. And the prices are 20–35% below what they will be from June onwards. The only reason May is not more famous is that it requires a willingness to pack a rain layer and accept occasional afternoon drama. In exchange, you get a Tanzania that most peak-season visitors never see.
Why May Is Worth Considering
Six Reasons to Choose May for Your Tanzania Safari
The Green Season at Its Best
May represents peak green season — the landscapes are at their most lush and photogenic, rivers are full, waterfalls are flowing, and the usually golden savanna is a vivid, luminous green. The photographic conditions are extraordinary: dramatic skies, vivid vegetation, and light that does not exist in the harsh dry season.
Almost Complete Solitude
May is the quietest safari month in Tanzania's Northern Circuit. You may go an entire game drive without seeing another vehicle in remote areas. This is not the Tanzania of crowded viewing areas and vehicle queues at crossing points — it is the Tanzania that long-term guides remember from decades ago, before tourism volumes increased.
Wildlife at Water Sources
As the last rains ease, wildlife begins to concentrate around the remaining water sources — rivers, marshes, and natural pans. This concentration makes game viewing excellent in accessible areas. Predators follow the prey concentrations, and the predator-prey dynamics around water in May can be exceptional.
Transitional Migration
May marks the transition period in the Great Migration cycle. The wildebeest herds are moving from the southern plains northward through the western corridor. This is a less dramatic phase than the river crossings, but one that offers excellent wildlife viewing as vast herds move through the landscape.
Birdwatching Excellence
May is outstanding for birdwatching. Migratory birds from Europe and the northern hemisphere are still present before departing. The resident birds are in breeding plumage, and the variety of species visible in a single game drive is remarkable — particularly along rivers and wetlands.
Best Prices Before Peak
May offers the lowest rates of the pre-peak window — typically 20–35% below peak season pricing. June begins the high-season premium. Booking a May safari means securing excellent wildlife viewing at shoulder-season prices, just before the crowds arrive.
Where to Go
Northern Circuit Parks in May — The Honest Assessment
Verdict
Very Good
Serengeti (Central & Western)
May is an excellent month for the central and western Serengeti. The herds are moving through the western corridor, and the grass is long enough to create the classic East African photography the region is famous for. Predator density is high as lion prides and hyena clans follow the concentrations of prey. The central Serengeti (Seronera area) is accessible year-round and consistently delivers excellent game viewing.
Road Access
Western corridor roads can be challenging after the long rains. Central Serengeti is fully accessible by 4x4. Fly-in options available for western areas.
Best Time
Morning and afternoon game drives. The dramatic cloud formations of May create exceptional photography at sunrise and sunset.
Verdict
Year-Round Excellent
Ngorongoro Crater
The crater floor is accessible year-round and wildlife density remains exceptional in May. The rim road is fully functional regardless of weather. The crater's enclosed ecosystem means animals are always present, and the dramatic May skies create extraordinary photography against the crater walls. May is one of the finest months for Ngorongoro — the parks are quiet and the visuals are unmatched.
Road Access
Fully accessible year-round. No weather-related access concerns.
Best Time
Early morning descent (6am) to catch wildlife at its most active, before the midday heat.
Verdict
Excellent
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire in May is magnificent. The Tarangire River runs full, elephant herds congregate along its banks, and the ancient baobab trees are at their most photogenic against May's dramatic skies. Migratory birds are present. The park's relatively low tourist volume means game drives feel genuinely private — a stark contrast to peak season when vehicles queue at popular sighting spots.
Road Access
All main roads within the park are maintained year-round. Fully accessible with standard safari vehicles.
Best Time
Full day in Tarangire. Morning game drive, long lunch at camp, afternoon game drive — Tarangire rewards those who give it time.
Verdict
Good
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is a worthwhile addition to a May northern circuit. The lake level is typically high, attracting large flocks of flamingos and other waterbirds. The groundwater forest remains lush, and tree-climbing lions are reliably visible. It is best combined with Tarangire as a two-park day — a classic combination that works well in May.
Road Access
Fully accessible year-round.
Best Time
Morning game drive before the midday heat.
The Honest Picture
What to Be Aware of Before Booking May
Wet-Season Roads
Some roads in Tanzania's national parks and between camps remain challenging in May — particularly in the western Serengeti and remote areas. This is not a reason to avoid May, but it does mean working with an operator who uses appropriate vehicles (4x4), has local knowledge of current road conditions, and can arrange fly-in access where necessary.
Afternoon Showers
May can still see afternoon showers — brief, dramatic bursts rather than all-day rain. The solution is straightforward: structure your day around wildlife activity. Morning and late afternoon game drives are typically dry, leaving midday free for rest, lunch, and欣赏雨后的景色. Pack a quality lightweight rain layer and waterproof camera bag.
Some Remote Camps Closed
A small number of the most remote camps in the Serengeti and southern Tanzania close during the green season for maintenance. Most quality camps in the Northern Circuit remain open. The key is booking with an operator who has current knowledge of which properties are operating and can suggest appropriate high-season-open alternatives.
Practical Planning
What to Pack for a May Tanzania Safari
Clothing
- •Lightweight neutral long-sleeved shirts (khaki, green, brown)
- •Long trousers and shorts
- •Quality lightweight rain jacket
- •Warm layer for early morning game drives
- •Swimwear for pool time at camp
Footwear
- •Comfortable closed shoes for game drives
- •Sandals for around camp
- •Waterproof boots if you plan any walking safari
Essentials
- •High-SPF sunscreen (30+)
- •Insect repellent with DEET
- •Binoculars (essential for birdwatching)
- •Camera with weather protection and extra memory cards
- •Lightweight daypack for game drives
Health
- •Any prescription medications (in original packaging)
- •Anti-malarial medication as prescribed
- •Basic first-aid kit
- •Rehydration salts
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Safari in May
Is May a good time for a Tanzania safari?
Will it rain all the time in May?
Which parks are accessible in May?
Is May high season or low season in Tanzania?
How does May safari pricing compare to peak season?
What should I pack for a Tanzania safari in May?
Start Planning Your Safari in May
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