Start Planning
Call Call us toll-free 020 3199 8875
Search

book with confidence BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE  Read more >>

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 booked our safari holiday for Oct 2020 over 18 months ago and Sam there was fantastic in his advice and booking us our dream trip. A couple of months ago Emma, one of their managers, contacted me with a choice of moving our holiday to next year or still going this Oct but with one accommodat..."

    Emma trustpilot-inline-white.png

  • "Yellow Zebra was immensely helpful during these uncertain times. They communicated often and were very transparent. They also made rescheduling our honeymoon a complete breeze and stress free. I highly recommend them and they’re the best travel agency we’ve ever worked with!"

    Kari trustpilot-inline-white.png

  • "We were unable to take our trip to Tanzania this year because no flights were available due to Covid-19 country restrictions on US citizens. Yellow dog quickly and seamlessly re-booked us for next year. Based on my experience with Yellow Zebra in comparison with other agents I have been dealing w..."

    Jeff trustpilot-inline-white.png

  • "When we had to cancel our wedding due to Covid-19 we were distraught. This also meant we unfortunately had to change our honeymoon plans. Julian personally contacted us to discuss this and we really appreciated his compassion and empathy and we were very grateful of the amazing customer service w..."

    Sam & Alex trustpilot-inline-white.png

  • "My wife Susan and I planned a nearly month long safari vacation in Tanzania last year. My experience with Charlotte and everyone else at Yellow Zebra was exceptional. I found them not only helpful but extremely knowledgeable. And their enthusiasm for Africa was obvious. And then came the curre..."

    George & Susan 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