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March

Africa in March: Top Safari Destinations

March is a fascinating and often misunderstood month for safari travel in Africa. Sitting at the crossroads between peak wildlife seasons and the onset of heavier rains in some regions, Africa in March offers lush landscapes, dramatic skies, newborn wildlife, excellent birding, and significantly fewer crowds than the traditional high season. For travelers who value authenticity, value for money, and unique wildlife behavior, March can be one of the most rewarding times to explore Africa’s top safari destinations.

Rather than being a compromise month, March is a transition period rich in natural beauty and wildlife activity. It is particularly appealing to photographers, repeat safari travelers, birdwatchers, and those seeking quieter, more intimate experiences. This comprehensive guide explores Africa in March: top safari destinations, covering weather patterns, wildlife highlights, advantages, challenges, and expert planning tips to help you make the most of your March safari.

Why Visit Africa in March

March is part of the so-called green season or shoulder season in many parts of Africa. While some regions begin to experience increased rainfall, the benefits often outweigh the challenges.

Key Advantages of March Safaris

  • Lush green landscapes and vibrant scenery

  • Excellent value with lower safari rates

  • Fewer tourists and uncrowded parks

  • Abundant newborn animals

  • High predator activity

  • Outstanding birdwatching

March rewards travelers with a sense of exclusivity and a deeper connection to nature.

Understanding March Weather in Africa

Africa’s vast size means weather conditions in March vary significantly by region.

East Africa

  • Increasing rainfall toward late March

  • Warm temperatures

  • Green, fertile plains

Southern Africa

  • Late summer conditions

  • Afternoon thunderstorms common

  • Humid but scenic

North Africa

  • Mild, dry, and pleasant

  • Ideal for desert and cultural exploration

Rainfall in March usually comes in short, heavy bursts, rarely disrupting full-day safari activities.

Tanzania: March Safaris in the Serengeti and Beyond

Tanzania remains one of the top safari destinations in Africa in March, particularly for travelers interested in the Great Migration and predator-prey dynamics.

The Great Wildebeest Migration in March

In March, the migration is concentrated in:

Although calving peaks earlier, March still offers:

  • Large herds of wildebeest and zebra

  • Numerous young animals

  • Intense predator activity

Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the abundance of prey, creating dramatic wildlife encounters.

Other Tanzanian Highlights

Why Visit Tanzania in March

  • Exceptional wildlife density in the south

  • Fewer vehicles than peak migration months

  • Stunning green landscapes and skies

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Kenya: Quiet and Scenic Safaris in March

Kenya in March offers a peaceful and visually striking safari experience.

Top Safari Areas

Wildlife Highlights

  • Strong big cat populations

  • Young antelope and plains game

  • Excellent elephant sightings

March provides a chance to enjoy Kenya’s iconic landscapes without the crowds associated with peak season.

Why Choose Kenya in March

  • Lower accommodation rates

  • Less congestion at wildlife sightings

  • Authentic cultural interactions

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Botswana: Lush Wilderness and Birding in March

Botswana in March delivers a different, equally rewarding safari experience focused on scenery and birdlife.

Top Destinations

What to Expect

  • Green floodplains and waterways

  • Migratory birds in breeding plumage

  • Predator activity remains strong

Although wildlife is more dispersed than in the dry season, the sense of wilderness and exclusivity is exceptional.

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South Africa: Reliable Safari Travel in March

South Africa is one of the most consistent and accessible safari destinations in Africa in March.

Top Safari Regions

  • Kruger National Park and Private Reserves

  • Madikwe Game Reserve (malaria-free)

  • Addo Elephant National Park

Why March Works Well

  • Warm summer weather

  • Lush vegetation and excellent scenery

  • Continued Big Five sightings

March is also ideal for combining safari travel with:

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Uganda: Primate Safaris in March

Uganda remains a strong contender for safari travel in March, particularly for primate experiences.

Top Experiences

Why Visit Uganda in March

  • Fewer visitors than peak months

  • Forests are lush and beautiful

  • High success rate for gorilla and chimpanzee encounters

Trails may be muddier, but the rewards are immense.

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Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking in March

Rwanda offers year-round gorilla trekking, and March remains a viable and rewarding month.

Highlights

March offers slightly reduced visitor numbers while maintaining excellent trekking success.

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Namibia: Dramatic Landscapes in March

Namibia’s stark landscapes take on new life in March.

Top Areas

  • Etosha National Park

  • Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert

  • Damaraland

Why March Is Special

  • Rare greenery in desert environments

  • Fewer tourists

  • Exceptional light and cloud formations for photography

Wildlife sightings are still rewarding, though animals are more spread out.

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Zambia: Emerald Season Safaris in March

March is part of Zambia’s Emerald Season, characterized by lush vegetation and vibrant ecosystems.

Safari Areas

  • South Luangwa National Park (select camps open)

  • Lower Zambezi National Park

Why Visit Zambia in March

  • Excellent birdwatching

  • Lower safari rates

  • Fewer visitors

Some camps close later in March due to rainfall, so careful planning is essential.

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Zimbabwe: Peaceful and Authentic Safaris

Zimbabwe in March offers serene and uncrowded safari experiences.

Top Destinations

  • Hwange National Park

  • Mana Pools (limited accessibility)

Highlights

  • Quiet parks with minimal tourism

  • Active wildlife

  • Outstanding guiding standards

Zimbabwe is ideal for travelers seeking solitude and authenticity.

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Wildlife Experiences Unique to March

Newborn Wildlife

Many species give birth during this period, leading to:

  • Tender interactions between mothers and young

  • Heightened predator activity

  • Emotional and dramatic sightings

Predator Dynamics

Predators remain highly active due to:

  • Abundance of vulnerable prey

  • Cooler temperatures compared to peak summer

Birdwatching Excellence

March is exceptional for birding:

  • Migratory species still present

  • Breeding plumage and courtship displays

Photography in Africa in March

March is one of the best months for photography:

  • Green backdrops enhance color and contrast

  • Dramatic skies create mood and depth

  • Newborn animals provide compelling subjects

Photographers often prefer March for its aesthetic richness.

Pros and Cons of March Safaris

Pros

  • Fewer crowds

  • Lower prices

  • Unique wildlife behavior

  • Beautiful scenery

Cons

  • Increased rainfall in some regions

  • Muddy roads and trails

  • Some remote camps may close late in the month

With informed planning, March offers more benefits than drawbacks.

Who Should Travel to Africa in March

March is ideal for:

  • Wildlife photographers

  • Birdwatchers

  • Repeat safari travelers

  • Budget-conscious luxury travelers

  • Couples and honeymooners seeking privacy

It may be less ideal for travelers who want guaranteed dry weather and maximum wildlife concentration.

Planning Tips for March Safaris

  1. Choose Destinations Carefully – Focus on areas with strong March highlights

  2. Use Experienced Safari Planners – They understand seasonal nuances

  3. Pack Smart – Include light rain gear and breathable clothing

  4. Embrace Flexibility – Weather and wildlife are unpredictable

Combining March Safaris with Other Experiences

March is excellent for combining:

  • Safari and beach holidays (Zanzibar, Mozambique, Mauritius)

  • Safari and city travel (Cape Town, Nairobi)

  • Safari and cultural tours

These combinations enhance both value and diversity.

Why March Is an Underrated Safari Month

March offers:

  • Authentic, uncrowded safari experiences

  • Lush, cinematic landscapes

  • Exceptional wildlife moments

  • Better value for high-end travel

It is a month that reveals Africa at its most dynamic and alive.

Africa in March presents an extraordinary opportunity to experience the continent in a quieter, greener, and more intimate way. From predator-rich plains in Tanzania and Kenya to primate encounters in Uganda and Rwanda, and from Botswana’s lush wetlands to South Africa’s reliable Big Five safaris, March delivers diverse and rewarding safari experiences.

For travelers willing to embrace seasonal change and natural beauty, March is one of the most enriching times to explore Africa’s top safari destinations—offering unforgettable wildlife encounters, dramatic scenery, and exceptional value.

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