Safaris in May

May is still part of the long-rain period, particularly early in the month. Some camps remain closed, but improving conditions can create good-value opportunities later on. Green landscapes, fewer vehicles and dramatic skies are the main attractions.

We would choose between the Maasai Mara, its private conservancies, Laikipia and Amboseli according to the month's rainfall, wildlife movement and the level of exclusivity you want. Camp location matters as much as the country itself, particularly when migration timing or clear Kilimanjaro views are priorities.

May remains wet, with demanding forest trails and slower road transfers. Gorilla trekking is possible and permits may be easier to obtain. Travellers should pack properly for rain and avoid overloading the itinerary with distant regions.

Gorilla permits and the forest sector should be confirmed before the rest of the route. We also consider trail conditions, transfer times and whether chimpanzee trekking or a savannah safari in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls is worth adding, rather than treating Uganda as a single-day gorilla stop.

May is an appealing shoulder month. The Okavango flood begins arriving as local rainfall fades, creating a striking meeting of water and dry-season weather. Temperatures cool, wildlife viewing improves and some camps still price below peak season.

The Okavango is not one uniform destination. We pair water-focused and land-focused camps according to flood levels, then decide whether Chobe, Linyanti or the Makgadikgadi adds a genuinely different experience. In transitional months, choosing the right concession is more important than simply booking the Delta.