Visiting Tanzania in May

Where To Go

When To Go

Where To Stay

Travel Advaice

Tanzania in May

Weather and Landscape

May in Tanzania is a photographer’s delight. Known as the Emerald season, April showers most definitely give way to May flowers, as the landscape blossoms into vivid colour. Big game herbivores like elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalo are more easily spotted in May due to the tremendous abundance of food and water.

Late May sees the Emerald season move into the dry season – and transition periods often mean that there are fewer visitors around, leading to a more intimate experience. While it can still be wet at the beginning of May, the weather evens out to a decidedly warm and dry daily average between 16°C and 27°C.

ACCOMMODATION

Similar to April, May sees fewer visitors than other months. Early in the month, when it is still rainy, there are fewer tourists visiting the nation, so most lodgings are less crowded.

Due to this seasonal trend, the majority of hotels, resorts, and other lodgings will adjust their pricing, providing better offers and lower rates. May is not nearly as wet as April, especially in the later weeks, so this might be the ideal time to stay in a lavish, opulent hotel without having to pay too much for it!

Visiting the Northern Circuit of Tanzania in May

The wildebeest migration in May

The fact that the Great Migration is essentially a year-round process is one of its best features. The enormous herds of this famous African antelope don't disappear; they just move. It's likely that you will see the herds grazing as they migrate because the wet season has made food abundant.

The vast herd of wildebeest, numbering in the millions, is migrating in May from the southern Serengeti's short grass plains to its expansive and nutrient-rich central and western plains.

Climbing mount Kilimanjaro in May

Because May is less predictable than other months, you could have a clear, sunny climb or a wet climb depending on how much luck you have. May can definitely have beautiful, temperate weather for your ascent to the peak of Africa because May signifies the end of the rainy season.

However, because there are still sporadic rainstorms in May, especially in the early part of the month, you might have to deal with some wet weather on your way up. If so, you'll frequently choose the Marangu or Rongai routes to make your hike more comfortable. There are also a lot fewer people on the mountain in May.

Game drives, wildlife and birds in May

Rutting season, also known as breeding season, occurs during this time of year in the Serengeti; testosterone levels start to soar and visitors will have the opportunity to witness male competition. May is one of the best months to visit Ngorongoro because there are fewer tourists and more animals around.

May starts out with plenty of food because it is the end of the wet season, but as the climate becomes more arid, resources will become more scarce. Wildlife tends to gather around watering holes or small patches of lush grass and trees, which causes wildlife densities to rise.

Visiting the beaches and islands of Tanzania in May

Zanzibar Island in May

Zanzibar is still wet in early May, but as the month goes on, the rainstorms become less frequent and less intense. The month of May averages out to a lovely mild 27°C. Strong gusts of the southerly "kusi" wind accompany the waning monsoons, creating perfect conditions for kite and windsurfing.

Zanzibar enjoys a period of largely tranquility in May, a month that can occasionally feel fleeting. When it's not raining, historical sites can be visited in Zanzibar in May, and when it's sunny, the island's pristine, private beaches can be enjoyed.

Mafia Island in May

In May, the Kaskazi wind from the northeast is still bringing scattered thunderstorms that usually break in the early afternoon. Aside from these storms, Mafia’s beautiful beaches and clear blue waters are often untouched, as this is a lower season for tourists compared to other months.

Pemba Island in May

May and April are the rainier months on Pemba, but these are ecological necessities that allow the Green Island to live up to its name! While May has rainy days, there are still plenty of hours with clear skies, high temperatures, and calm waters to enjoy!