May is a transition month into the dry season. Even though it is still part of the wet season, you may feel some heat carried over from the previous months.
Amboseli in May is wet, but that doesn’t mean it rains all day. Since the park is in an equatorial region, the weather can change quickly. It can shine or rain at any time. May usually receives over 250mm of rain.
Daytime temperatures reach about 28°C, and nighttime temperatures drop to around 18°C. The sun rises at about 6:20 am and sets at around 5:40 pm, giving about 12 hours of daylight.
What to Pack for Your Amboseli May Safari
First, be open-minded, bring enough storage for photos and videos, and be ready for adventure. Wear comfortable clothes. Avoid heavy or tight clothing. Choose clothes that are easy to wash and dry, in case you need to reuse them during the safari.
Avoid bright-colored clothes during game drives, as they may disturb the animals. Since most game drives are in the morning, carry some warm clothes. As the day gets warmer, wear clothes in layers so you can remove or add items when needed.
Essential items to pack:
- Clothes in khaki, dull, or neutral colors
- Long-sleeved shirts to protect from mosquitoes
- Light t-shirts
- Shorts or skirts
- Sweaters for cold mornings and evenings
- Jeans or safari pants
- Light rain jacket
- Swimwear or beachwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturiser, and lip balm
- Camera with extra battery and memory cards
- Binoculars or a spotting scope if available
Most airlines allow between 15 to 24 kilograms of luggage. Keep this in mind when packing. Many safari lodges have laundry services, so you can wash and reuse clothes during your trip.
Other useful items include:
- Toiletry bag with shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, conditioner, and hairbrush
- Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and sanitary items for ladies
- Small scissors and a pocketknife
- Alarm clock to help keep track of time
- Money pouch or money belt
- Field guidebooks
- Pen and notebook
These items will help you stay comfortable and ready for everything during your safari in Amboseli.
You can visit Amboseli National Park at any time of the year. The park has two seasons, and each one comes twice a year. The wet season runs from March to mid-June and again from October to December. The dry season runs from December to February and from mid-June to September.
