Should I avoid Tanzania in May?

For first-time visitors hoping for classic safari conditions, May is the month we'd least recommend. The long rains are at their heaviest, some camps close, and dirt tracks in the Serengeti can become impassable after sustained downpours. That said, experienced travellers who understand the trade-offs can have a genuinely extraordinary experience — empty parks, dramatic skies, and exceptionally low prices.

What are the advantages of visiting Tanzania in May?

Tanzania in May is the cheapest it gets. Lodge and camp rates can be 40–50% below peak season prices, and some operators run May-specific promotions for travellers willing to accept weather risk. The parks are essentially empty — you may have the Serengeti almost to yourself. Resident wildlife (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard) is still present, and the lush landscape is genuinely beautiful for photography.

Is Zanzibar good to visit in May?

May is Zanzibar's wettest month, with sustained rains that can last for days. The east coast (Paje, Michamvi) bears the heaviest rainfall. The west coast and north (Nungwi, Kendwa) are marginally drier but still affected. Most resorts remain open, but the experience is far from ideal for beach holidays. We recommend Zanzibar in June–October or December–March for reliable beach conditions.

Which areas of Tanzania are best in May?

The southern circuit parks — Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (Selous) — are sometimes more accessible in May than the northern parks, as their red-murram roads drain faster than the Serengeti's black cotton soil. However, even these parks can close tracks after prolonged heavy rain. Arusha and Moshi as city bases remain fully functional throughout the wet season.

Tanzania Weather in May | The Tanzanian Guide

For the full year picture, see our best time to visit Tanzania guide.

May is Tanzania’s lowest-season month. The long rains are at their tail end but still significant, many camps are closed for maintenance, and wildlife viewing is genuinely harder than in the dry season. In return, Tanzania in May offers its cheapest rates of the year, near-empty national parks, and a lush green landscape that is photogenic in a completely different way from the golden dry season. For solo travellers, photographers, and budget-conscious experienced safari-goers, May has a compelling case.

Weather in May

Region	Avg High	Avg Low	Rainfall	Notes
Serengeti	27°C	15°C	180mm	Rains tapering toward late May
Ngorongoro Crater	21°C	9°C	190mm	Frequently misty; cloud on rim most mornings
Kilimanjaro base (Moshi)	25°C	14°C	170mm	Late-month rains tapering; summit possible but risky
Zanzibar	29°C	23°C	250mm	Long rains still heavy; not beach season
Dar es Salaam	28°C	22°C	210mm	Heavy rain; city can flood
Mafia Island	28°C	23°C	200mm	Rough seas; not suitable for whale shark snorkelling

May rainfall is heavy in the first half of the month and tapers in the second half. By late May, some days are completely dry, particularly in the Serengeti and Tarangire. The rains officially end in late May or early June, though the exact timing varies year to year.

Wildlife in May

Serengeti: The wildebeest herds are moving northward through the western corridor in May. The green-season Serengeti is lush and dense, making animals harder to spot, but the predators — particularly lions — have abundant food and are highly visible. Big cats that hunt daily leave clear tracks in the mud, making them easier for experienced guides to locate.

Tarangire National Park: May is arguably the best green-season park in the northern circuit. The permanent Tarangire River still draws elephants and other wildlife, and the iconic baobab landscape is spectacular when draped in fresh green. Tarangire’s tracks hold up better in rain than the Serengeti’s more remote areas.

Mahale Mountains: This remote park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika is remarkable year-round for chimpanzee trekking. May is within the dry corridor that affects western Tanzania differently — Mahale can actually be more accessible than the northern circuit in May.

Selous (Nyerere National Park): Tanzania’s southern circuit tends to close during May due to road flooding. Most camps in the Selous close for the season and reopen in June. Check specific camp dates before booking.

Zanzibar: May is Zanzibar’s worst beach month. The long rains are heavy and prolonged. Stone Town culture and food are still interesting, but beach activities are limited.

Events in May

International Labour Day (May 1) — public holiday across Tanzania with celebrations in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Moshi
Karibu Travel Fair (Arusha) — Tanzania’s main travel fair, typically held in late April or early May. Industry event but open to the public with tourism promotions
Union Day (April 26 / May 1 area) — commemorating the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964; some public celebrations
Eid al-Adha — may fall in May depending on the Islamic calendar; major celebration on Zanzibar and throughout coastal Tanzania

Crowds and Pricing

May is Tanzania’s cheapest month for safaris. Most lodges offer 40–60% reductions from peak season rates, and some close entirely. This is genuinely the cheapest time to experience Tanzania’s national parks.

Typical costs:

Budget lodge, Serengeti: approximately USD 70–130 per person/night, full board
Mid-range lodge, Serengeti: approximately USD 150–250 per person/night, full board
Luxury lodge: approximately USD 350–600 per person/night, all-inclusive (prices near annual lows)
Zanzibar guesthouse: approximately USD 30–70 per room/night

Best Activities in May

Tarangire National Park — the most rewarding park in the northern circuit during the green season; large elephant herds, excellent birding
Chimpanzee trekking, Mahale Mountains — May is a good month; the western side of Tanzania is less affected by the long rains
Serengeti early-morning drives — mornings often clear; photography in lush green landscape with no other vehicles
Lake Manyara — flamingos on the lake, tree-climbing lions, good birding; resilient in rain
Cultural day in Arusha — Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, Maasai market, local coffee farm tours

Where to Go in May

Best choice: Tarangire — holds up best in the rains, has the most reliable wildlife, and is easily combined with Lake Manyara for a 4-night green season circuit that works well even in May.

Budget safari: Seronera area (Serengeti) — the only part of the Serengeti with consistent road access in May. A 3-night stay here gives genuine Serengeti experience at near-minimum cost.

Adventure: Mahale or Katavi — for experienced travellers, Tanzania’s remote western parks offer chimp trekking (Mahale) and large game in near-solitude (Katavi) during a period when the main northern circuit is at its most challenging.

Named Hotel Recommendations

May-specific open options (always confirm directly):

Tarangire Treetops (Tarangire) — luxury; open year-round; approximately USD 500–800 per person/night
Oliver’s Camp (Tarangire) — excellent mid-range; approximately USD 350–550 per person/night
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge — open year-round in Seronera; approximately USD 280–420 per person/night, full board
Greystoke Mahale — chimpanzee camp on Lake Tanganyika; approximately USD 800–1,200 per person/night, all-inclusive

What to Pack for May

Full waterproof gear — expect rain daily, often heavy
Gaiters or rubber boots for muddy tracks
Insect repellent with high DEET — mosquito season peaks
Anti-malarial medication — malaria risk highest in April–May
Warm layers — cool evenings at Ngorongoro (if visiting) and Tarangire nights can feel chilly
Quick-dry fabrics — cotton stays damp for hours in May humidity
Dry bags for cameras and electronics

FAQs

Is Tanzania worth visiting in May? For most first-time visitors: no. For experienced safari travellers comfortable with green-season conditions, budget-conscious travellers, photographers seeking unique light, and birders: yes, with significant caveats around road conditions and closed camps.

Which camps are open in May in the Serengeti? The permanent lodges in the Seronera area — Serengeti Serena Lodge, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Lobo Wildlife Lodge — typically remain open. Most mobile and seasonal tented camps close. Always confirm directly before booking.

Can I do Kilimanjaro in May? The long rains affect Kilimanjaro significantly. Snow and ice are heavier on the upper mountain, and summit success rates are lower than in the dry seasons. It is possible but not recommended for first-time climbers. June–October and January–February are the better windows.

For the full seasonal guide, see our best time to visit Tanzania guide. For Mahale chimpanzee trekking, see our Mahale Mountains guide. Browse Tanzania tours in May at the lowest prices of the year.

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Tanzania in May: Weather, Wildlife, and What to Expect