3 Days Serengeti And Ngorongoro Crater
Experience three unforgettable days exploring two of Tanzania's most famous wildlife…
From$1,005
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Month-by-Month Safari Guide
Tanzania Safari in May
The Rains Ease, the Crowds Stay Away
May sees the long rains fade, leaving green landscapes, low prices and few visitors. The herds are massing in the Western Corridor as the dry season approaches.
SeasonLong rains taper
WeatherRains easing, green, cooler
MigrationWestern Corridor & Grumeti
CrowdsLow
ValueGreat value
Best ForValue, Western Corridor, birding
The Verdict
Is May a Good Time for a Tanzania Safari?
Quiet, green and great value as the long rains taper off.
By late May the weather is drying out and the migration is building in the Grumeti area, hinting at the river action to come. It remains a quiet, good-value month with lush scenery.
Why go in May
- Great value and low crowds
- Rains easing through the month
- Migration gathering in the Western Corridor
- Lush green scenery and strong birding
Things to note
- Some showers still likely, especially early May
- Long grass in places
- Grumeti crossings are not guaranteed yet
Climate
Weather in Tanzania in May
May is a transition month: showers ease through the weeks and humidity drops, with pleasant days around 24–28°C. Late May is often dry and green — a lovely combination.
For a full month-by-month overview, see our best time to visit Tanzania guide.
Great Migration
The Great Migration in May
The herds concentrate in the Serengeti's Western Corridor in May, moving toward the Grumeti River. The famous Grumeti crossings can begin late in the month, though the big Mara crossings are still weeks away.
| Time of year | Where the herds are |
|---|---|
| Dec–Mar | Calving on the southern Serengeti & Ndutu plains |
| Apr–May | Moving north-west through the central & western Serengeti |
| Jun | Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor |
| Jul–Sep | Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti |
| Oct–Nov | Returning south as the short rains begin |
What You'll See
Wildlife & Best Parks in May
Wildlife highlights
- Massing herds in the Western Corridor
- Resident predators and plains game
- Excellent birding as the rains fade
- Green, photogenic landscapes
Where to go in May
- Grumeti (Western Corridor) — herds gathering
- Serengeti — western corridor
- Ngorongoro Crater — reliable game
- Tarangire — quiet & green
Itineraries
Safari Packages for Tanzania Safari in May
Every trip is private and fully customizable to your dates and the season.
5 Days Tanzania Big Five Luxury Safari
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — in five-star comfort
From$2,450
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6 Days Affordable Camping Safari
Campfires, canvas and the full northern circuit at our best-value price
From$1,290
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6 Days Ultra-Luxury Serengeti Migration Safari
Front-row seats to the river crossings, from the Serengeti’s finest camps
From$4,200
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7 Days Great Serengeti Migration Safari
Timed and routed around the herds, wherever the migration is moving
From$2,350
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7 Days Private Family Safari
Child-friendly lodges, flexible days and guides who are great with kids
From$2,150
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Budgeting
Cost, Crowds & Value in May
May keeps low-season rates while the weather improves — one of the smartest value months, especially for a late-May trip. Prices are per person and exclude international flights — see our Tanzania safari cost guide for detail.
| Level | Per person (land only) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget camping | $2,000–3,500 | Camping & simple lodges, shared 4×4 |
| Mid-range lodge | $3,500–6,000 | Comfortable lodges with pools, private 4×4 |
| Luxury | $6,000–15,000 | Premium lodges & tented camps, private guide |
| Ultra-luxury | $15,000+ | Exclusive camps, fly-in safaris, top service |
Plan Ahead
Tips for a May Safari
- Aim for late May for drier weather at low prices
- Consider a Western Corridor camp for the herds
- Still pack a rain jacket for early-month showers
- Great value on luxury camps this month
See our full what to pack on a Tanzania safari guide before you go.
The Sia Yangu Difference
Why Book with Sia Yangu Africa Safari
- Local Tanzanian company based in Arusha
- Private, custom-built 4×4 Land Cruisers
- Unlimited game drives
- Experienced, licensed English-speaking guides
- Custom itineraries built around the season
- No hidden fees — honest, transparent pricing
- 24/7 in-country support
- Flexible departures, any day of the year
- Responsible, community-minded tourism
- 5.0-rated by travelers on TripAdvisor
Good to Know
Tanzania Safari in May — FAQs
Is May a good time for a Tanzania safari?
Quiet, green and great value as the long rains taper off. By late May the weather is drying out and the migration is building in the Grumeti area, hinting at the river action to come. It remains a quiet, good-value month with lush scenery.
What is the weather like in Tanzania in May?
May is a transition month: showers ease through the weeks and humidity drops, with pleasant days around 24–28°C. Late May is often dry and green — a lovely combination.
Where is the Great Migration in May?
The herds concentrate in the Serengeti's Western Corridor in May, moving toward the Grumeti River. The famous Grumeti crossings can begin late in the month, though the big Mara crossings are still weeks away.
Is May peak or low season, and how much does it cost?
May keeps low-season rates while the weather improves — one of the smartest value months, especially for a late-May trip. Excluding international flights, budget safaris start around $2,000–3,500 per person, mid-range $3,500–6,000 and luxury $6,000–15,000.
What wildlife can I see on a May safari?
In May you can expect: massing herds in the western corridor; resident predators and plains game; excellent birding as the rains fade; green, photogenic landscapes.
Which parks are best to visit in May?
For May we recommend the northern circuit — Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara — with the exact focus set by where the migration and wildlife are that month.
Ready to Plan Your Tanzania Safari in May?
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