Rains easing, still green
Tanzania in May
The rains ease and the parks stay green. Herds start moving north through the central Serengeti, and crowds are still thin.
- Showery
- For a safari
- Showery
- For Kilimanjaro
- Showery
- For Zanzibar beaches
- Green season
- Main draw this month
Tanzania in May at a glance
Green, calm and affordable
The weather
The rains ease through the month. The parks stay green and showers become shorter, though roads can still be slow.
Where the herds are
The herds keep moving north through the central Serengeti. The rut begins, with territorial bulls calling to passing females, which gives the plains a restless, noisy mood.
The parks
Quiet, green and affordable. Birdlife is rich and vehicles are few, though some remote camps are still closed.
Kilimanjaro
Still a wet month on the mountain, with mud, cloud and colder nights on most routes.
Zanzibar and the coast
Still part of the long rains, so Zanzibar can be wet.
Crowds and rates
Crowds are thin and rates are gentler, with early May among the quietest weeks of the year.
Planning a trip in May
Good for
Green scenery, Quiet parks, Value
Watch out for
Closed camps and slow roads in the wettest weeks, so check before you book.
What to pack
A light waterproof jacket, a warm layer and sturdy shoes.
Our verdict on May
May is a calm, green month with few vehicles, good for those who value space over one famous event.
Safaris that suit May
Itineraries from our collection that list May among their best months, from the lowest starting price.
Nyerere Fly-In Escape from Zanzibar
One night on the Rufiji River, by air, between two days of beach.
2 days · From $1,665
Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire in Seven Days
Baobab elephants, a pair of Serengeti days and a full morning-to-evening descent into the crater.
7 days · From $1,891
Fly-In Serengeti Escape: Five Days, No Long Drive
Be on the plains by lunchtime, then finish with the crater and Lake Manyara.
5 days · From $2,575
Compare with other months
Choose another month to see how it differs. The bars show how good each month is for a safari.
January
Calving on the southern plains
Mixed
February
Peak calving and big cats
Mixed
March
Lush landscapes, lower prices
Showery
April
The quietest month
Quiet and wet
May
Green, calm and affordable
Showery
June
Dry season begins
Very good
July
Classic big-game safari
Best
August
Mara River crossings
Best
September
Crossings with fewer crowds
Best
October
Last of the dry season
Very good
November
Short rains, fresh green
Showery
December
Herds return south
Mixed
Questions answered
What travellers ask us
May is a calm, green month with few vehicles, good for those who value space over one famous event.
The herds keep moving north through the central Serengeti. The rut begins, with territorial bulls calling to passing females, which gives the plains a restless, noisy mood.
Still a wet month on the mountain, with mud, cloud and colder nights on most routes.
A light waterproof jacket, a warm layer and sturdy shoes.
Free guides
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The Tanzania Safari Planning Guide
Where to go, when, and what each park is best for: a clear primer before you choose a safari.
- The best months for every park, park by park, on one page
- A profile of each destination: the landscape, the wildlife to expect and the size of the park
- The ways to travel, from classic game drives to walking, beach and combination trips
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