May in the Serengeti is a time of renewal, movement, and dramatic beauty, as the Great Migration begins to shift away from the southern plains toward the central and western regions of the park. After the calving season and the rutting frenzy of April, the herds—comprising over a million wildebeest along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles—begin their northwest journey, leaving behind the short grasses of Ndutu and heading for the lusher areas around Seronera and the Western Corridor. While May is part of the long rainy season, it remains a wonderful and often overlooked time to visit for those seeking lush landscapes, active wildlife, and lower tourist volumes.

Central Serengeti – The Seronera Region

The central Serengeti, particularly around the Seronera Valley, is one of the best areas to base yourself in May. This region serves as a natural corridor for the migrating herds as they head northwest, and it’s also a permanent home to a wealth of resident game and apex predators. In May, you can expect to see long columns of wildebeest on the move, dramatic predator-prey interactions, and large gatherings of elephants, giraffes, and buffalo against a backdrop of vibrant green savannahs.

The Seronera area is famed for its high concentrations of big cats, especially lions and leopards, which follow the herds and thrive in the rocky kopjes and riverine woodlands. Cheetahs are also common here, often using termite mounds or fallen logs as vantage points to stalk prey.

Transitioning to the Western Corridor

By late May, the migration starts to edge toward the Western Corridor, especially around Mbalageti and the Grumeti River. While the majority of river crossings happen in June and July, early movement into this region provides the chance to observe smaller herds navigating river crossings, with crocodiles lying in wait. The western region is also known for its beautiful mix of acacia woodlands, riverine forests, and open plains, offering scenic game drives and excellent birding.

If you stay in camps positioned between Seronera and the Grumeti region, you’ll be ideally located to witness the migration on the move, with opportunities to explore both the central plains and the wilder western habitats.

Where to Stay

In May, several camps and lodges offer excellent access to the migration route. In the central Serengeti, standout options include Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Lahia Tented Lodge, and Serengeti Pioneer Camp, all providing a balance of comfort, great guiding, and easy access to the migrating herds. For those seeking more exclusive experiences, Namiri Plains offers excellent cheetah sightings and wide open views of the eastern Serengeti, where smaller splinter herds might also be passing through.

Mobile camps such as Serengeti Safari Camp and Ubuntu Camp often begin to reposition in anticipation of the herds’ northwestern shift, offering a more flexible and immersive wilderness experience with fewer crowds during this shoulder season.

Weather and Wildlife Experience

May is one of the greenest and most photogenic months in the Serengeti. The rains taper off toward the end of the month, leaving behind dramatic skies, wildflowers, and shimmering landscapes. Although occasional showers are still possible, they are usually brief and often confined to the late afternoon or evening. The reward for enduring a bit of rain is rich game viewing with fewer vehicles, allowing for more intimate wildlife encounters.

Birdlife is also exceptional in May, with many species in breeding plumage and wetlands teeming with activity. The balance of predator action, scenic beauty, and peaceful game drives makes May a hidden gem for discerning safari-goers.