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Kenya Safari Calendar

Kenya Safaris in May

Rains easing, excellent value

As the long rains taper, Kenya is lush, green and very quiet. The Mara, Laikipia and Tsavo offer great-value game viewing with spectacular green-season scenery.

Tail of the long rainsEasing rains, lush14–27°CLow season
Plan a May Safari
See May Itineraries

Is May a good time to visit Kenya?

Rains easing, excellent value in Kenya. As the long rains taper, Kenya is lush, green and very quiet. The Mara, Laikipia and Tsavo offer great-value game viewing with spectacular green-season scenery. May offers superb value as the long rains taper off. The bush is lush and green, rivers and waterfalls are at their fullest, and crowds remain low with shoulder-season rates. In Tanzania's western Serengeti the wildebeest rut peaks and the first Grumeti River crossings can occur. Expect easing but still-possible afternoon showers and warm days around 14–27°C. Late May begins the transition toward the dry season.

Best forLush sceneryGreat valueQuiet parks
Green season
Easing rains, lush
14–27°C
RainfallModerate
Crowds
Low season
Visitor numbers this month
How busy1/4
Pricing
Great value
Relative cost to travel
Cost level2/5
Safari rating
4.0/5
Overall game-viewing quality

Great Migration in May

Herds push through the western corridor; the rut peaks and the first Grumeti crossings can occur.

Why May

Why go on safari in May

Rivers & waterfalls peak

Full rivers and thundering waterfalls make for dramatic, green-season landscapes.

The wildebeest rut

In the western Serengeti the rut is in full swing, with the season's first Grumeti crossings possible.

Shoulder-season rates

Excellent pricing and quiet parks before the June peak season pushes prices up.

May safaris in depth

May is a transitional month as the long rains gradually ease. Early May can still be wet, but conditions improve steadily, and by late May many areas are drying out ahead of the June peak. The landscape is at its most verdant — thick bush, full rivers and spectacular waterfalls — and the low-season atmosphere means you'll often have sightings to yourself.

In Tanzania, the migration herds are moving through the western corridor, where the wildebeest rut peaks in a frenzy of activity and the first dramatic Grumeti River crossings can take place. With low visitor numbers and shoulder-season pricing, May rewards travellers who don't mind the chance of a passing shower with green-season beauty and great value.

Where to Go

Where to go in Kenya in May

As the long rains taper, Kenya is lush, green and very quiet. The Mara, Laikipia and Tsavo offer great-value game viewing with spectacular green-season scenery.

Masai Mara

Kenya · May

Masai Mara is a standout choice for a May safari in Kenya.

Lush sceneryGreat valueQuiet parks

Laikipia

Kenya · May

Laikipia is a standout choice for a May safari in Kenya.

Lush sceneryGreat valueQuiet parks

Tsavo

Kenya · May

Tsavo is a standout choice for a May safari in Kenya.

Lush sceneryGreat valueQuiet parks

Ready-Made Itineraries

Kenya safari itineraries for May

3 hand-picked itineraries suited to May — every trip is fully customisable to your dates and budget.

Mid range 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$1,972/person
mid range

Mid range 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
Luxury 7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$3,510/person
luxury

Luxury 7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
Ultra luxury 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$4,509/person
ultra luxury

Ultra luxury 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
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Safari Calendar

Compare every month

Each month offers something different. Tap any month to explore the best safaris and conditions for that time of year.

Plan With Experts

Why plan your Kenya safari with Imara Africa Safaris

We design Kenya safaris month by month, not from a template. As a Nairobi-based, KATO bonded and TRA-licensed operator, we know which of Kenya's parks and camps are at their best in May — and how to balance wildlife, weather, crowds and value.

From your first enquiry to your final game drive, every Kenya itinerary is tailored to your dates and interests, honestly priced and backed by round-the-clock support.

On-the-ground knowledge of Kenya's seasons
Camps positioned for the month's best wildlife
Honest advice on crowds, weather and value
Fully tailor-made itineraries
KATO bonded & TRA licensed
24/7 support before and during your trip
KATO Bonded Member TRA Licensed Operator 4.9/5 Traveller Rated

Curated and reviewed by the Imara Africa Safaris planning desk and senior guiding team, Nairobi, Kenya.

Meet our safari experts·Why travel with Imara·Read traveller reviews

Plan your May Kenya safari

Tell us your dates and we'll craft the perfect Kenya safari for May — matched to the season, honestly priced and tailored to you.

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May Safari FAQ

May safari questions, answered

Everything travellers ask us about safaris in May.

Rains easing, excellent value. As the long rains taper, Kenya is lush, green and very quiet. The Mara, Laikipia and Tsavo offer great-value game viewing with spectacular green-season scenery.

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Related Pages

All Kenya SafarisKenya GuideAll Safari PackagesPlan Your SafariDestinationsCost CalculatorBest time: Masai Mara National ReserveBest time: Nakuru CityBest time: Tsavo East National ParkBest time: Amboseli National ParkBest time: Lake naivashaBest time: Lake Nakuru National Park

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