March is a transition month across much of Africa, and choosing the right safari destination makes a big difference. In East Africa, Tanzania remains a highlight as the Great Migration herds and their calves are still concentrated across the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. In Southern Africa, summer rains begin to ease in some regions, leaving green landscapes, excellent birdlife and plenty of young animals.
March is not the classic dry season safari month, but that does not mean it should be overlooked. Some destinations are particularly rewarding at this time of year, while others are wetter, less accessible or better saved for later in the season.
Where to go on safari in East Africa in March?
March marks a gradual change in East Africa. The long rains usually begin to build during the month, particularly towards the end of March, so conditions can vary considerably from one year to the next.
| Country | Safari Area | Rating | Typical Temperatures | Typical Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Masai Mara | MIXED | 12°C to 27°C | Approx. 145 mm |
| Tanzania | Serengeti | GOOD | 15°C to 28°C | Approx. 130 mm |
| Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park | MIXED | 7°C to 15°C | Approx. 182 mm |
| Uganda | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | GOOD | 12°C to 22°C | Approx. 133 mm |
Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the strongest choices for a March safari, particularly the Northern Circuit.
The Great Migration herds are still concentrated across the southern Serengeti National Park and Ndutu area. Many wildebeest calves have already been born by March, so the plains are filled with young animals alongside huge numbers of wildebeest and zebra.
Predator activity remains excellent, with lions, cheetahs and hyenas taking advantage of the abundance of plains game. The landscape is usually green, and dramatic skies can make March particularly rewarding for photography.
As rainfall patterns and grazing conditions change, some herds may begin gradually shifting away from the short grass plains. The movement is not fixed to a particular date, so the exact location of the migration varies from year to year.
A March itinerary can combine the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Ngorongoro Crater.
Kenya
The main Great Migration herds are in Tanzania during March, but Kenya still offers excellent resident wildlife throughout the year.
Areas such as the greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Laikipia and Amboseli can all be rewarding. March can become wetter as the month progresses, but there are often long periods of good weather between showers.
Private wildlife conservancies are especially appealing for travellers who value lower vehicle numbers and a wider range of activities. Depending on the conservancy, guests may be able to enjoy off road game viewing, guided walks and night game drives.
Wildlife viewing can still be excellent despite the greener vegetation, and the combination of resident predators, elephants and plains game makes Kenya a good option for travellers who are not specifically following the migration.
Rwanda and Uganda
March falls within a wetter period in both Rwanda and Uganda, so gorilla trekking can involve muddier and more slippery trails.
Mountain gorillas can still be tracked year round, and rainforest conditions are unpredictable in any month. Travellers should simply be prepared for rain and changing trail conditions.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park. Uganda offers trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both countries can also be combined with chimpanzee trekking and traditional wildlife safaris.
Where to go on safari in Southern Africa in March?
March is still part of the green season across much of Southern Africa. Conditions are generally warm, vegetation is lush and afternoon showers or thunderstorms remain possible.
Wildlife can be more dispersed because natural water is widely available, but March offers beautiful scenery, excellent birding and fewer visitors in many areas.
| Country | Safari Area | Rating | Typical Temperatures | Typical Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botswana | Khwai / Okavango | MIXED | 17°C to 34°C | Approx. 61 mm |
| Madagascar | Andasibe-Mantadia | LOW | 17°C to 28°C | Approx. 296 mm |
| Namibia | Etosha | MIXED | 14°C to 34°C | Approx. 78 mm |
| South Africa | Kruger | GOOD | 17°C to 33°C | Approx. 66 mm |
| Zambia | South Luangwa | LOW | 18°C to 33°C | Approx. 136 mm |
| Zimbabwe | Hwange | MIXED | 14°C to 33°C | Approx. 64 mm |
Botswana
March can be a very interesting month in Botswana, especially for travellers who enjoy green season landscapes and birdlife.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan can all be rewarding after summer rain. Fresh grazing attracts springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest and other herbivores, which in turn attract predators.
The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan areas are also associated with the seasonal zebra migration, and March can still be a good time to see large concentrations of zebra taking advantage of the green grazing.
Elsewhere in Botswana, including the Okavango Delta, wildlife may be more dispersed than during the dry season, but birdlife and photographic conditions can be excellent.
Zimbabwe
March is still within Zimbabwe’s rainy season. Hwange National Park is green, birdlife is excellent and there can be plenty of young animals around.
Wildlife is generally less concentrated than during the dry season because natural water is widely available. Some seasonal camps may remain closed, but travellers who enjoy lush scenery and quieter parks can still have a rewarding safari.
March is also an impressive month for Victoria Falls. Water levels are rising towards their annual peak, creating enormous volumes of spray and a powerful spectacle. Visibility from some viewpoints can be limited by the spray, which is why a scenic helicopter flight can be particularly worthwhile.
Namibia
March is still warm in Namibia and summer rain can continue across northern and central parts of the country.
After good rain, the landscape can become unexpectedly green and birdlife is excellent. In Etosha, wildlife tends to be more dispersed because animals are less dependent on permanent waterholes.
Road conditions can occasionally be affected by heavy showers, particularly on gravel roads, so March is better suited to travellers who are comfortable with a more variable style of touring than during the dry winter months.
Zambia
March is still firmly within Zambia’s rainy season. Rivers and floodplains can be high, some roads are difficult to use and many seasonal bush camps remain closed.
The scenery can be spectacularly green and birdlife is excellent, but this is not the easiest month for a first Zambia safari. A much wider range of camps and wildlife areas becomes accessible as the country moves into the drier months.
For travellers visiting Victoria Falls, however, March is a particularly dramatic time because the Zambezi is approaching peak flood levels.
South Africa
South Africa offers several different climates, so March conditions depend very much on the region.
Cape Town and the Western Cape are still enjoying pleasant late summer conditions, making March a good month for the city, Winelands and Garden Route.
Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves remain within their summer rainfall season. The bush is green and can be thick, which may make wildlife more difficult to spot, but birdlife is excellent and there are often plenty of young animals.
Temperatures generally begin to ease compared with the height of summer, and a March itinerary combining Cape Town with a short safari can work very well.
Madagascar
March is not usually our first choice for a Madagascar itinerary.
It is still within the hot, wet season and tropical cyclones remain possible. Heavy rainfall can affect roads, internal travel and access to some national parks, particularly in more remote parts of the country.
For travellers whose priority is wildlife, national parks and overland touring, there are generally better months to visit Madagascar.
So, where is best for an African safari in March?
March offers some excellent safari opportunities, but the best destination depends on what you most want to experience.
- For the Great Migration and late calving season: Tanzania
- For resident wildlife and private conservancies: Kenya
- For a Southern African green season safari: Botswana’s Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan
- For Victoria Falls at high water: Zambia and Zimbabwe
- For Cape Town combined with safari: South Africa
- For gorilla trekking: Rwanda and Uganda, if you are comfortable with wetter conditions
March is a month where seasonality matters. In the right destination it can offer superb wildlife, green landscapes and fewer visitors, while in other areas access and weather make later months a better choice.
If you are thinking about travelling to Africa in March, we can help you compare the different destinations and choose the areas that best suit your interests, travel style and budget. You are welcome to book a phone or Zoom conversation with us to start exploring the possibilities.
