Monthly Safari Guide

Kenya Safari in
May

Long Rains Ending 16-27°C 140mm rain 7678 tours

May sees the long rains tapering off in Kenya, with the landscape at its greenest and most photogenic. The tail end of the wet season offers excellent value with low-season pricing still in effect at most lodges. Game viewing improves steadily as tracks dry out and animals become easier to spot in the open. The Masai Mara is quietly beautiful with rolling green hills and fewer tourists. May is a transitional month that rewards flexible travellers with affordable luxury and improving conditions.

Season overview

Long Rains Ending in Kenya

May falls within Kenya's long rains ending, characterised by daytime highs of 27°C and overnight lows of 16°C. Average rainfall is 140mm, making this a rainy period.

The rainy season brings lush green landscapes, baby animals, and exceptional birdwatching. Rain typically falls in afternoon bursts, leaving mornings clear for game drives. The trade-off for occasional rain is significantly fewer tourists and lower prices.

Wildlife & nature

Wildlife Highlights in May

● Green season photography with lush backdrops
● Young animals growing more active and playful
● Resident bird species in full breeding plumage
● Predators hunting in tall grass create dramatic sightings

Where to go

Best Parks in Kenya for May

★ Masai Mara

Top pick this month

Laikipia

Recommended for May

Samburu

Recommended for May

Amboseli

Recommended for May

Planning

Crowds & Pricing in May

Crowd Level

Low

Price Level

Low Season

Average price per person

Budget

$1650

from $70 · 1160 tours

Mid-range

$2050

from $50 · 2992 tours

Luxury

$4311

from $150 · 736 tours

Ultra-Luxury

$15061

from $2595 · 46 tours

May is one of the most affordable months for a Kenya safari. Lodges and camps offer significant discounts, sometimes 30-50% below peak rates. This is the time to experience premium properties at mid-range prices.

Preparation

What to Pack for May

✓ Layered clothing for variable weather

✓ Waterproof jacket

✓ Warm hat for cool mornings

✓ Mudproof footwear

✓ Plastic bags for wet laundry

Waterproof gear is essential for May in Kenya. Pack a good rain jacket and waterproof bag for electronics. Quick-dry fabrics are more practical than cotton. Despite the rain, sunscreen is still necessary for the strong tropical sun between showers. Neutral safari colours remain the best choice.

Book your adventure

Top Kenya Safari Tours

Spirit of Kenya

10-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari

10 days luxury 5.0★

From $5,940

Spirit of Kenya

8-Day Wonders of Kenya & Tanzania - Mid-Range

8 days standard 5.0★

From $4,210

Spirit of Kenya

6-Day Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania - Mid-Range

6 days standard 5.0★

From $3,140

Spirit of Kenya

6-Day Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania - Luxury

6 days luxury 5.0★

From $3,620

Spirit of Kenya

8-Day Wonders of Kenya & Tanzania - Luxury

8 days luxury 5.0★

From $4,950

Spirit of Kenya

6-Day High End Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania Tour

6 days luxury 5.0★

From $4,530

View all 7678 Kenya tours →

Frequently asked questions

Kenya Safari in May FAQ

Is May a good time for a safari in Kenya?

May falls in Kenya's long rains ending, with temperatures of 16-27 degrees Celsius and 140mm average rainfall. Crowd levels are low, and pricing is at low season rates. Green season photography with lush backdrops. Overall, May is an excellent value month for a Kenya safari.

How much does a Kenya safari cost in May?

Kenya safari costs in May vary by comfort level. Budget safaris average $1650/person from $70. Mid-range options average $2050/person. Luxury safaris average $4311/person. Ultra-luxury experiences average $15061/person. Prices are at their lowest in May. Compare 7678 tours on SafariPicked.

What wildlife can I see in Kenya in May?

May wildlife highlights in Kenya include: Green season photography with lush backdrops. Young animals growing more active and playful. Resident bird species in full breeding plumage. Predators hunting in tall grass create dramatic sightings. The best parks to visit this month are Masai Mara, Laikipia, Samburu, Amboseli.

What should I pack for a Kenya safari in May?

Essential packing for a May Kenya safari: Layered clothing for variable weather, Waterproof jacket, Warm hat for cool mornings, Mudproof footwear, Plastic bags for wet laundry. Temperatures range from 16 to 27 degrees Celsius with 140mm rainfall, so waterproof gear is essential.

Which parks are best to visit in Kenya in May?

The top parks in Kenya for May are Masai Mara, Laikipia, Samburu, Amboseli. During the long rains ending, these parks offer the best game viewing conditions. Masai Mara is particularly recommended this month. Browse all Kenya park guides and tour options on SafariPicked.