Yes, May can be a surprisingly rewarding month for a Masai Mara safari, especially for budget-conscious travelers and nature enthusiasts who don’t mind a bit of adventure. According to MasaiMara.ke’s expert analysis, May earns a Safari Experience Score of 4 out of 10, primarily due to the challenges posed by the long rains. However, this score doesn’t tell the full story. While May is not the traditional peak season, it offers unique advantages that many seasoned safari-goers appreciate—dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, minimal tourist crowds, and incredibly low safari costs. If you’re looking for an affordable, uncrowded safari with rich photography opportunities and a wilder feel, May could be your hidden gem.
1. Weather in May: The Green Season’s Double-Edged Sword
May is part of Kenya’s long rainy season, characterized by frequent showers—often heavy, but typically in the late afternoons or evenings, leaving the mornings relatively clear and cool for game drives.
- Temperatures: Daytime averages around 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F), with cooler mornings and evenings dropping to 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F).
- Rainfall: Expect short, intense downpours, but not continuous rain all day. The landscape is lush and vibrant, with rolling green plains and dramatic skies—perfect for photographers.
- Road Conditions: Some tracks become muddy and challenging, making a 4×4 safari vehicle essential. Skilled guides know how to navigate these conditions, often leading to off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Forum Insight: “We visited in May, and while we did get stuck in the mud once, it was part of the fun. The Mara was so green, and we had sightings without a single other vehicle around.”
2. Wildlife in May: Still Abundant and Thriving
Contrary to the misconception that wildlife disappears during the rainy season, Masai Mara’s resident animals are present year-round, offering plentiful sightings even in May.
- Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs remain active, often easier to spot against the green backdrop. The cooler weather keeps predators more active throughout the day.
- Resident Game: Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and hippos are abundant. The scattered water sources mean animals don’t cluster as densely, but sightings are still frequent and natural.
- Birdwatching Paradise: May is a dream for bird enthusiasts, with migratory species still present and resident birds in full breeding plumage.
While the Great Migration herds are still in Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Mara offers raw, undisturbed wildlife encounters—often without another vehicle in sight.
3. Budget-Friendly Safari: Unbeatable Prices in May
May is part of the low season, making it the most budget-friendly time to visit Masai Mara.
- Park Entry Fees:
- Non-residents: $100 per day (half of the $200 charged from July to December).
- Kenyan citizens: KES 1,500 per day (compared to KES 3,000 in peak season).
- Accommodation Deals: Lodges and camps offer deep discounts, with some luxury properties slashing rates by up to 50%. You can enjoy luxury safari experiences at budget prices.
- Exclusive Safaris: With fewer tourists, you’ll have private game drives and personalized attention from guides—luxuries that cost a premium in the high season.
Traveler Review: “In May, we stayed in a camp that would’ve been triple the price in August. The value for money was incredible, and we had lion sightings all to ourselves.”
4. Pros and Cons of Visiting Masai Mara in May
✅ Pros:
- Affordable Safaris: Low park fees and discounted accommodations.
- Uncrowded Parks: Enjoy peaceful, private wildlife sightings.
- Stunning Green Landscapes: Perfect for photography with dramatic skies.
- Active Predator Sightings: Big cats remain active in the cooler weather.
- Birdwatching Heaven: Migratory birds and vibrant plumage.
⚠️ Cons:
- Unpredictable Weather: Expect occasional heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons.
- Muddy Roads: Some areas may be inaccessible without a reliable 4×4.
- No Great Migration: The famous river crossings happen later in the year.
Comparing May Visits to Masai Mara to Other Months’ Visits:
May ranks the lowest in MasaiMara.ke’s Safari Experience Score, earning a modest 4 out of 10, reflecting the challenges posed by the long rainy season. This score places May below April (also rated 4/10 but with slightly drier conditions towards the end of the month), primarily due to heavier and more persistent rains that can lead to muddy, inaccessible roads and occasional disruptions to game drives.
However, when compared to June (8/10) and July (10/10), the contrast is stark. June marks the start of the dry season, offering excellent wildlife sightings, fewer weather-related disruptions, and the first wave of the Great Migration. By July, Masai Mara reaches its peak safari potential, with dramatic river crossings, dense wildlife concentrations, and ideal weather conditions, making it the ultimate safari month. While May’s lush landscapes and budget-friendly prices have their charm, especially for birdwatchers and photographers, it lacks the consistent game-viewing conditions and accessibility that define the superior safari experiences of June and July.
Final Verdict: Is May Worth It?
Absolutely—if you know what to expect. While May isn’t the best time for those chasing the Great Migration or avoiding rain, it’s a paradise for budget travelers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude. The combination of lush scenery, active wildlife, minimal crowds, and unbeatable prices makes May an adventurous, off-peak safari experience. If you’re flexible, don’t mind a bit of rain, and crave a wilder, more authentic safari, May could be your best-kept secret in Masai Mara.
