South Africa in May

South Africa in May

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

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May marks the start of winter, but it also pulls back the curtain on a unique safari experience and lush landscapes you wouldn’t see during the dryer seasons.

This time of year has cooler temperatures and little to no rainfall. Because of this, there is a good chance of seeing wildlife in most parks. Some parks you can visit include the Timbavati Game Reserve, which houses many elephants and some giraffes; the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, which is famous for its predators; and the Kruger National Park, which has the most enormous density of wildlife in Africa.

These South Africa safari locations will tick a few wild animals off your list.

Weather in May

May has a greater chance of rainfall than April. Daytime temperatures drop significantly, so pack warmer clothes for early morning and afternoon game drives and birding opportunities.

Pros

• Unique sight-seeing – game viewing is not at its peak but makes room for other sightings such as birding and greener landscapes
• Lower rates – more accommodation options

Cons

• Smaller game viewing
• Some indoor time
• Chilly morning game drives

National Parks to Visit in South Africa and Why

Timbavati Game Reserve

In a relatively dry area, the game reserve houses many elephants as well as the rare white lion. While a good time to visit is between May and September, the park rarely gets busy during the high season, so any month can be good, depending on what you want to see.

To see the most wildlife while out on game drives, visit during the dry season, such as in May, as it’s an excellent time to see animals out and about in search of water sources.

What to do:

• Morning, day, and night safaris
• Walking safaris

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Even though the weather isn’t at its best, wildlife viewing generally peaks in Kgalagadi during May. One of the perks is that it’s low season, which means fewer crowds as well as lower rates at hotels and lodges.

What to do:

• Game viewing

Kruger National Park

May is the best time to visit Kruger National Park for an incredible safari experience. Conveniently, the park experiences low season during this month, offering lower rates. If you’re looking for more affordable safari options, consider South Africa in May.

What to do:

• Spa days
• Birding
• Game drives