My girlfriend and I are considering a safari in Africa in May. We'll have about 2 weeks to travel.

The first question I need help with is: Where is the best place to visit in May? I know that May is the rainy season in some areas, so I'm wondering which country we should focus on.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Josh

Link #1 shows the best time for wildlife viewing throughout Africa. Best usually correlates with most expensive.

http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html

Link #2 relates just to Tanzania for the month of May for the "perfect trip"
http://www.kiliwarriors.com/safari_may.htm

If you've visited Atravelynn's first link, you might have noticed that on that list, Namibia has NO "poor" or "closed" season for wildlife viewing. In fact, May is one of the most pleasant months of the year, weatherwise. After the short rainy season, yet not high season for visitors. In other words, most accommodation places have slightly lower rates during May, and you don't have overcrowding. We were there - again - during May 2006.

I think May is a great time to visit as it will still be low season prices in most anywhere in Southern Africa.

I doubt rain will be an issue in May and it should be beautiful before things dry out too much.

My own personal favorite is Zambia and I think a combination of Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa National Park would be fantastic. Here are just a few of the wonderful properties in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi:

LOWER ZAMBEZI

www.chiawa.com
www.chongwe-river.com
www.kasakariverlodge.com
www.sausagetreecamp.com

SOUTH LUANGWA

www.luangwariverlodge.com
www.bushcampcompany.com
www.robinpopesafaris.com
www.normancarrsafaris.com

(Kaingo and Tafika really do not open until June)

There are many options in Victoria Falls:

Royal Livingstone - 5* hotel on the Zambian side of the falls, within walking distance to the falls

Zambezi Sun - 3* hotel located next door to the Royal Livingstone but has had mixed reviews

Kwando Songwe Village - www.kwando.co.za

Ilala Lodge - 4* hotel located near the falls on the Zim side of the border

Victoria Falls Hotel - 4* historical hotel located near the falls on the Zim side of the border. Probably a bit nicer than Ilala Lodge and about 1/3 more expensive

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge www.vfsl.com

Stanley & Livingstone - 5* luxury lodge on Zim side of falls www.raniresorts.com

Best of luck with your safari!

Hey Rocco, have you had any news on the re-opening dates of those properties in the valley, post flood clean up stuff?
Cheers.
MKHZ