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Best May Getaways in Tanzania

The Last of the Green Season

The long rains begin to taper off in May, leaving behind green landscapes, full rivers and some of the best value of the year — before the dry season and the crowds return in June.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park

Season: Green season  •  Average Temperature: 23°C to 28°C
  • What: Full baobabs, migratory birdlife and elephant herds along the river.
  • Why: Green-season growth makes for some of the most photogenic landscapes of the year.
  • When to Book: Rates are at their lowest — a good option for flexible, budget-conscious travel.
  • Good to Know: Crowds are minimal compared to the July–October dry season.

Tarangire in May is lush and quiet, with its famous baobabs at their greenest and elephant herds still gathering along the river, but with only a handful of other vehicles to share the view.

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

Season: Long rains easing  •  Average Temperature: 18°C to 24°C
  • What: Reliable wildlife viewing as the rains begin to ease.
  • Why: The crater's resident animals remain visible year-round, rain or shine.
  • When to Book: One of the easier months to book on shorter notice.
  • Good to Know: Roads improve steadily as May progresses toward the dry season.

By May, the heaviest rains have usually passed, leaving Ngorongoro green, quiet and still reliably rich with wildlife on the crater floor.

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park

Season: Green season  •  Average Temperature: 24°C to 29°C
  • What: Full rivers and wetlands, ideal for boat safaris.
  • Why: Water levels remain high, keeping the Rufiji system at its most scenic.
  • When to Book: Good availability and value throughout the month.
  • Good to Know: Bring binoculars — birdlife is still abundant into May.

The Rufiji River system stays full through May, making this one of the best months for boat-based game viewing and birdwatching in southern Tanzania.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park

Season: Green season  •  Average Temperature: 22°C to 27°C
  • What: A lush landscape with newborn wildlife and dramatic scenery.
  • Why: The tail end of the green season offers a rare, uncrowded window before dry-season demand rises.
  • When to Book: Flexible booking with strong availability.
  • Good to Know: A great pairing with Nyerere for a southern-circuit itinerary.

Ruaha closes out the green season with dramatic, storm-lit skies over its baobab-dotted hills — one of the wildest and least-visited corners of Tanzania's safari country.

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