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Where to go · March

Where to go in Africa in March

The short answer

In March, none of the twelve countries in this guide is in the dry season in its main safari areas. Ethiopia has short rains. Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are in the rainy or green season there. Places at their best include Makgadikgadi Pans, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Cape Town and Victoria Falls (Zambian side).

By RepBudUpdated

Palm trees silhouetted against a pink dawn sky on the edge of the Makgadikgadi salt pans, Botswana

Photo: Eric Kilby, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What is the season in each country in March?

In the short rains

  • EthiopiaBelg (small rains)Lighter rains in central, southern and eastern areas; the long rains begin in the south-west

In the green season

  • BotswanaGreen seasonRain, newborn animals, migrant birds, the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi, the Kalahari at its greenest; lower rates
  • MalawiRainy seasonMostly short storms and green landscapes, with some of the best birdwatching; floods can make roads difficult
  • MozambiqueRainy seasonHot and humid; cyclones and floods can occur, and low-lying roads can become impassable
  • NamibiaMain rainy seasonShort afternoon storms inland and green landscapes; the coast stays largely dry; gravel roads can deteriorate
  • South AfricaSummerKruger and the north-east: hot, green summer with afternoon storms. Cape Town and the Western Cape: dry, warm summer; peak season in Cape Town
  • ZambiaRainy seasonRain starts in November and is heaviest from December to February; green landscapes and migrant birds. Confirm with each camp whether it is open
  • ZimbabweRainy seasonMost of the year's rain, often in afternoon storms, with a dry spell common around late December and early January; green landscapes and migrant birds

In the main rains

  • KenyaLong rainsWettest in April and May; lower rates, and some camps close
  • RwandaLong rainsWettest period; trekking continues on muddier trails
  • TanzaniaLong rainsWettest in April and May; some camps close, especially in the south
  • UgandaFirst rainy seasonThe first of two main rainy seasons over most of the country

General pattern from each country’s guide; it varies by region and from year to year. Compare all twelve months.

Which places are at their best in March?

Palm trees silhouetted against a pink dawn sky on the edge of the Makgadikgadi salt pans, BotswanaDesert

Makgadikgadi Pans

Central and North-West districts, Botswana

One of the largest salt-pan systems in the world, partly protected by the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan national parks. In the green season zebra and wildebeest migrate to its grasslands; in the dry season the open pans are the attraction.

Best months
November to April for the zebra migration
Getting there
By road from Maun or Nata, or light aircraft
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Eric Kilby, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An oryx running through golden grass in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, BotswanaGame reserve

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Ghanzi and Central districts, Botswana

One of the largest protected areas in Africa, covering Kalahari grassland and fossil river valleys such as Deception Valley. Game viewing is best after the rains, when antelope such as oryx and springbok gather on the green pans.

Best months
December to April
Getting there
Light aircraft from Maun, or 4x4 self-drive
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Benjamin Hollis, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Table Mountain rising behind the harbour at the V&A Waterfront, Cape TownCity

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

South Africa's legislative capital, with Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, boat trips to Robben Island and an international airport. It is the urban and food-and-wine part of most South Africa itineraries.

Best months
December to March
Getting there
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo by Nico Smit on Unsplash

Water falling into the gorge at Victoria Falls, seen from the Zambian sideWaterfall

Victoria Falls (Zambian side)

Southern Province, Zambia

The Zambian side of the falls lies in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone, with views of the Eastern Cataract and the Knife-Edge Bridge; the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Zimbabwe. In the low-water months parts of the Zambian side can run dry.

Best months
February to June for the most water
Getting there
By road from Livingstone
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Revention24, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Main Falls of Victoria Falls with rising spray, seen from the Zimbabwean sideWaterfall

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwean side)

Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean side of the falls is viewed from a path through the rainforest in Victoria Falls National Park, facing the Main Falls and Devil's Cataract; the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Zambia. The town of Victoria Falls is a base for Hwange and for day trips to Chobe.

Best months
February to June for the most water
Getting there
Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Stiac H, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Questions travel agents ask about March

Is March a good time for a safari in Africa?

March falls in the rains in most of the countries in this guide. Some camps close, while others offer green-season rates; check each country's guide.

Where is it rainy in Africa in March?

The countries in this guide with rain in March: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Patterns vary by region and year.

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Photo: Eric Kilby, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons