Your Guide to a Safari in May
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
Looking to experience a luxury vacation before the peak summer months? Then why not consider a luxury safari adventure to Africa in May? A safari in May offers a thrilling adventure and is a wonderful time of year to visit as much of eastern and southern Africa transitions from the green season and the long rains to the dry season.
During May, you’ll witness verdant landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, ensuring thrilling encounters with some of Africa’s most majestic animals. Top safari destinations are at their peak, including Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. It’s also an ideal time of year for combining a beach and bush safari in paradisal destinations like Mozambique.
If you want to enjoy a luxury safari experience in May, we can help. As a leading luxury travel company in Africa with decades of expertise, we boast in-depth knowledge of the best safari destinations and experiences. Our handpicked selection of luxury lodges, tented camps, and boutique hotels ensures discerning individuals enjoy top-tier amenities and service levels for an unforgettable safari in Africa. No matter when you choose to visit, we go above and beyond to create an incredible safari experience. Contact our team today to learn more about enjoying an African safari in May.
“A luxury safari in May offers the best of both worlds – lush landscapes from the rains and incredible wildlife viewing as animals start gathering around water sources,” says Sarah Morris, General Manager, Private Clients. “It’s an intimate, exclusive experience before peak season begins.”
Top May safari destinations
Botswana
May is an excellent time for a Botswana safari as it marks the beginning of the dry season, offering prime wildlife viewing. With water sources drying up in surrounding areas, animals start to gather around permanent waterholes and rivers, making sightings easier. The Okavango Delta begins its annual flood, creating stunning landscapes and attracting diverse wildlife. Cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall provide comfortable conditions for game drives and fewer tourists at this time of year means a more exclusive experience.
Namibia
May is a fantastic time to visit Namibia for a safari, as it marks the transition into the dry season with mild temperatures, clear skies, and excellent wildlife viewing. Water sources begin to dry up, drawing animals to rivers and waterholes, especially in Etosha National Park, where large herds of elephants, lions, and rhinos gather. The landscapes are breathtaking, from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the rugged terrain of Damaraland, home to desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos.
South Africa
May marks the start of the dry season in South Africa, bringing cooler temperatures, clear skies, and optimal wildlife viewing. With less water in the bush, animals congregate around rivers and waterholes, making sightings of the Big Five in parks like Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands more predictable. The lack of summer rainfall means fewer mosquitoes and comfortable conditions for game drives too. May is also a wonderful time of year to visit Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the Garden Route. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking, coastal drives, and enjoying Cape Town’s vibrant food scene.
Madagascar
A beach safari is a wonderful addition to a luxury May safari. During the month of May, Madagascar is at the start of its dry season, offering pleasant sun-drenched days, lush landscapes following the rains, and fewer tourists. The warm, sunny weather is ideal for maximising time on Madagascar’s white sand beaches and enjoying an island-hopping experience. Madagascar’s national parks like Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana are bursting with flora and fauna at this time of year, making it a great time for lemur spotting and birdwatching. Finally, Madagascar’s famous Baobab Avenue is at its most picturesque in May, bathed in golden light.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a superb destination to visit in May, with exceptional wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures, making for a more comfortable safari experience. Highlights include Victoria Falls, which are at their peak, creating a breathtaking spectacle, and Hwange National Park, considered one of Africa’s top national parks for spotting elephants, lions, and wild dogs. Finally, May is a prime time for canoe safaris along the Zambezi River, where you’ll likely spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the water banks.
Our top May luxury safari packages
Seeking May luxury safari inspiration? Explore some of our carefully curated safari packages in Africa below and discover some of the best experiences and destinations you can enjoy in May.
From our base in Cape Town, South Africa, our luxury safari specialists excel in creating bespoke safari itineraries with your preferred experiences, destinations, and choice of luxury accommodations. Contact our safari consultants today if you wish to visit Africa in May and let us curate a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Africa.
What are the benefits of a luxury safari in May?
A luxury safari in May offers a perfect blend of exclusivity, comfort, and prime wildlife viewing, making it an ideal time for an unforgettable African adventure. These include:
- Exceptional wildlife viewing – The dry season begins in East Africa and Southern Africa, concentrating animals around waterholes for easier sightings, including the Big Five, wild dogs, and rare species.
- Comfortable weather – Cooler temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rain ensure pleasant game drives and walking safaris without excessive heat or humidity.
- Fewer tourists– May falls during the shoulder season, meaning more privacy at luxury lodges and less crowded national parks.
- Lush landscapes and photography – The mix of greenery from the wet season and golden dry season light creates stunning scenery and perfect conditions for photographers. Browse some of our photographic safari experiences in May.
- Exclusive experiences– When you book a May safari with us, you will enjoy private game drives with highly experienced guides, top-tier lodges, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and personalized service for a seamless, high-end adventure. Furthermore, all our safari experiences are designed to leave a positive lasting legacy in Africa.
If you wish to enjoy a luxury African safari in May, we can help. As a premier luxury travel company, we have been curating bespoke safari experiences for decades, helping discerning individuals enjoy the very best of Africa. Contact us today to learn more about our tailored safari experiences in May.
7 day sample African safari itinerary in May – Botswana, South Africa, and Madagascar
This luxury May safari experience offers a spectacular combination of Africa’s vast wilderness, the vibrancy of South Africa’s Cape Town, and the tranquility of one of Madagascar’s most paradisal beaches.
Day 1-2: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Arrival in Maun, Botswana, and fly to a luxury safari lodge.
- Game drives and traditional mokoro canoe excursions in the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its pristine wildlife.
- Encounter elephants, lions, leopards, and rare antelope in this lush wetland ecosystem.
- Enjoy a sundowner cruise on the delta.
Day 3-4: Kruger National Park, South Africa or Cape Town experience
- Fly from Maun to Johannesburg, then take a short flight to Kruger National Park
- Stay in a luxury safari lodge or private game reserve for an exclusive experience.
- Morning and evening Big Five game drives with expert rangers.
- Visit Blyde River Canyon for stunning views and a short hike.
Alternatively
- Fly from Maun to Cape Town
- Stay in one of Cape Town’s best luxury resorts, such as Ellerman House
- Take the cable car up to the summit of Table Mountain and enjoy spectacular views
- Visit the V&A Waterfront, a bustling working harbour that offers an abundance of unforgettable experiences
- Enjoy a day trip to the Cape Winelands and enjoy a private tour and tasting experience at one of South Africa’s top wine producers
Day 5-7: Nosy Be, Madagascar (Beach Holiday)
- Fly via private plane from South Africa to Nosy Be, Madagascar’s tropical paradise.
- Relax at a luxury beachfront resort.
- Enjoy activities like snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping to Nosy Iranja or Nosy Komba.
- Explore Lokobe Reserve, home to lemurs and exotic wildlife.
- Enjoy a private sunset cruise and fresh seafood dining.
Departure on Day 7
- Fly back from Nosy Be to Antananarivo, then connect home.
When you book with us you will enjoy tailored safari itineraries that ideally match your desired safari experience. Contact our travel experts today.
Plan your luxury African safari in May with Ker & Downey® Africa
As a premier luxury travel company, we’ve been at the forefront of creating sustainable travel experiences across the continent of Africa for decades. Our extensive expertise and in-depth knowledge allows us to carefully select the most exclusive luxury lodges and safari experiences in Africa’s top safari destinations, ensuring an unparalleled adventure. Every safari experience we offer is designed with a focus on conservation and sustainability, leaving a meaningful impact on Africa’s natural environment. If you’re planning a luxury safari in Africa during the month of May, our team is ready to assist. Get in touch with one of our safari specialists today and let us plan your ideal safari experience in Africa.
May safari holiday: FAQs
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Is May a good time to enjoy a luxury safari in Africa?
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What weather can I expect on a safari experience in May?
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When is the peak season in Africa?
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What should I pack for a May safari?
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What wildlife can I expect to see on a May safari to Africa?
Lions
Elephants
Leopards
Buffalo
Rhinoceros
Zebras
Wildebeest
Springbok
Giraffe
Cheetahs
Hyenas
Wild dogs
Crocodiles
Multiple bird species
Whether you want to see big cats or rare birdlife, let our team know what wildlife you want to see and we will craft a bespoke itinerary that gives you maximum opportunity to witness your choice of wildlife in their native habitats.
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What are some of the best parks and reserves to visit in May?
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Can I see the Wildebeest Migration during an African safari in May?
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Is it a good time for gorilla trekking in May?
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Why should I choose Ker & Downey® Africa for an African safari in May?
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