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Zambia in May

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

May is considered a shoulder season month, as the rains fade away to pave the way for the dry season beginning in June. During a Zambia safari at this time of the year, you’ll witness the magical transition between the emerald season and the peak safari season.

As the weather becomes drier, vegetation loses its lustre, making wildlife easier to spot through the bush. Water sources also dry up, causing animals to be less dispersed.

The air is crisp and cooler thanks to lower humidity levels, making walking safaris and game drives far more comfortable.

Weather in May

Red Lechwe jumping over water on Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park, Zambia
Red Lechwe jumping over water on Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park, Zambia | Photo credit: Getty Images, Canva

By May, the rains have cleared, leaving behind bright, sunny days and a landscape that is beginning to dry. This transition significantly improves wildlife viewing as animals begin to congregate around more permanent water sources.

While daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm and ideal for long game drives, the early mornings carry a crisp, refreshing chill; we recommend layering up with warm clothing to stay comfortable during those first few hours on the game vehicle.

Average Weather in May

TemperatureCelsiusFahrenheitRainfall
Min 11℃52℉ 0.04 inches
Max 26℃79℉0.35 inches

National Parks to Visit in Zambia During May

Sioma Ngwezi National Park

A remote safari destination within Zambia, Sioma Ngwezi National Park is known for the impressive Ngonye Falls. This park is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, an initiative between countries that allows for the free movement of animals across borders.

Safari-goers in this off-the-beaten-track destination can see vast herds of elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. Predator numbers are growing, so there are opportunities to see lions, hyenas, and wild dogs.

Liuwa Plain National Park

May to June is one of the best times of the year to visit Liuwa Plain National Park. The region dries up after the rainy season – the park is located in the floodplains of the upper Zambezi Basin – and sunny conditions create fantastic safari opportunities.

Lions and wild dogs have been reintroduced to the park, so you have the opportunity to spot these predators prowling around the herbivores found here. Vast herds of zebras and wildebeest can be seen across the grasslands.

Activities to Do in Zambia in May

  • Game drives
  • Walking safaris
  • Victoria Falls tours

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Google review

"Excellent trip -- tour operators were professional and on time. Safari lodge choices excellent. Adelle communicated issues that cropped up in a timely manner and the whole process was a pleasure."

Jake Sanderson, United States29 May 2026

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Trustpilot review

"We had an amazing safari experience in Botswana thanks to Chrizaan! She planned everything perfectly and was very professional, honest, and helpful throughout the entire trip. She supported us every step of the way and was always available whenever we ne..."

Mojgan Owliaey, Germany18 May 2026

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Google review

"My son Max and I just returned from an incredible trip to South Africa and Mauritus, and I can't say enough about how exceptional Susan Veldman was throughout the entire process. From the very beginning she listened to what we wanted and designed an itinera..."

Debby Anziano, United States05 May 2026

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"I had a great trip organised by Chrizaan. Everything went very smoothly including all of the pickups, flights and accommodation. I visited Namibia and loved seeing the dunes, springboks and oryx. I also visited the Okavango Delta and saw so many anim..."

Leanne Harrison, South Africa03 Feb 2026

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"We had an amazing experience at Walkers Plains Camp. The wildlife viewing was superb from start to finish. Our guide Millie and tracker were super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and made the game drives an absolute pleasure. The camp was very luxuriou..."

Sue Panayiotes, United Kingdom28 Dec 2025

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"From start to finish, every phase of our trip was seamless. From the man who greeted us at Nairobi airport when we arrived to the woman who assisted us at our departure, we were taken care of perfectly. Our lodges at Saruni Samburu and Saruni Mara were beau..."

Lynne Calero, United States20 Nov 2025

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