Start Planning
Call Call us toll-free 020 3199 8875
Search
5. May in Tanzania shutterstock_231617179.jpg

Tanzania in May

May

It’s the last month of the long rains and even starting to dry up towards the end of May – Great Migration and other wildlife viewing is excellent in the Serengeti, and a lot of migratory birds may be seen.

  • Day time maximum temperature = 27°C
  • Night time minimum temperature = 16°C
  • Average rainfall = 70mm
  • Average daylight = 12 hours

What's the weather going to be like in Tanzania in May?

  • Afternoon downpours are the norm, particularly on the coast and islands
  • It’s the last month of the long rainy season, and the second half of May often has numerous dry days
  • There are high temperatures and high humidity
  • It’s very wet, so waterproofs are essential
  • Zanzibar sees the most and heaviest rainfall, which can continue for days on end

What are the highlights of visiting Tanzania in May?

  • There’s good availability of properties
  • Most properties offer discounts at this time of year, so it’s a good time to travel if you’re on a budget
  • There’s less dust in the air, as the ground is still damp
  • The Serengeti offers excellent game viewing, including around the Moru Kopjes area as the Great Migration herds pass through on their journey north
  • May is the end of the calving season, so there are still young animals about – and predators too
  • It’s a good month for keen birders, as many migratory bird species may be viewed
  • There are some exciting wildlife photography opportunities, especially in the Serengeti

Any lowlights?

  • Many camps and lodges are still closed
  • There’s a high chance of rain
  • Humidity levels are high, which means more mosquitoes
  • Wildlife is fairly spread out because of the abundance of water and vegetation
  • This is not the best time to visit Tarangire National Park, as most of the big game has left by May
  • It’s a risky time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, as rain, ice, mud, and fog are all likely this month.
  • May is not a good time of year to visit the Southern and Western parks

Recommended Safaris to Tanzania in May

2760304530_01842022bd_o.jpg

Tanzania Couple Safari (7N) - Classic

This exhilarating trip involves wildlife viewing in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti! And all year round apart from July and August, your Serengeti accommodation offers 4 nights for the price of 3.

  • "We knew we wanted to go on safari but weren't sure where to start. I googled "best safari company" to help and found Yellow Zebra who listened, came up with some recommendations, answered all our many questions patiently and quickly, and we had the most amazing holiday. It was all painless from a..."

    runningmad trustpilot-inline-white.png

  • "Working with Yellow Zebra Safari was a true pleasure and made planning a breeze for my boyfriend and I. Our expert, Charlotte, was professional, responsive and an overall delight to work with. From the moment we contacted, she was extremely helpful in providing plenty of details, answering ques..."

    Kimberly C. trustpilot-inline-white.png

  • "Working with the Yellow Zebra folks was great, and the places they selected for us were all absolutely luxurious. All ground transfers were professional, polite, and knowledgeable - and were always timely. Our overall experience was incredible and we would recommend YZ to anyone looking for a hig..."

    Mike trustpilot-inline-white.png

  • "Yellow Zebra gave us everything we wanted from a safari - amazing service, very friendly, always responding immediately to any questions we posed, including while on the trip itself. All accommodations were excellent, safari guides very friendly and knowledgeable. Would never use a different comp..."

    k RICHARDS trustpilot-inline-white.png

  • "The trip they planned for us was beyond expectation. Transfers between the different locations came off without any problems. We highly recommend them, and if we have an opportunity to travel to Africa again, we will use Yellow Zebra!"

    Ronald Hahn trustpilot-inline-white.png

Europe's Leading Safari Tour Operator 5 years in a row

  • europes-leading-safari-tour-operator-2015.png
  • EuropeLeadingSafariOperator2016.png
  • 2017 NEW europes-leading-safari-tour-operator-2017-winner-shield-256.png
  • europes-leading-safari-tour-operator-2018-winner-shield-256.png
  • europes-leading-safari-tour-operator-2019-winner-shield-256.png
footer-painted-cropped-top.png

Tried & Tested

  • We have visited all the destinations we offer
  • We use only the best suppliers and guides
  • We offer unbiased opinions and honest advice

Accredited & Bonded

  • Fully accredited and bonded under ATOL 10614
  • Fully independent and owner run
  • On standby 24 hours per day, 365 days per year

Passionate Experts

  • Our consultants have lived and worked in Africa and have a real passion for what they do
  • We offer fully bespoke and skilled itinerary design with a friendly and helpful approach

Our Guarantee

  • Fair, consistent pricing
  • No surprise credit card fees
  • Skilled advice from real experts
  • It’s that simple

footer-painted-cropped-top.png
©Yellow Zebra Safaris
  • Atol Protected Black
  • atta-logo-transparent-01.png
  • trustpilot-fivestars-logo-transparent.png