Tanzania in March

Tanzania in March is the final month of the calving season in the Southern Serengeti, making it an excellent time to witness thousands of wildebeest nurturing their young—and the predators that follow. The landscape is lush and green from the recent rains, providing a stunning backdrop for photography safaris and birdwatching.

Although March is part of the green (or shoulder) season, the rains are typically short and scattered, especially early in the month. Game viewing remains strong in Ndutu, Ngorongoro, and parts of Serengeti, with far fewer safari vehicles than in peak season.

Zanzibar in March offers warm weather and quieter beaches, with occasional rain showers that rarely spoil a day at the coast.

Tanzania in March is perfect for travelers seeking great value, rich scenery, and a more intimate safari experience—without sacrificing wildlife action.

Weather and landscape in March

March is not as predictable as other months! While the earlier days of March tend to be dry, it is not uncommon that some years will see the rain return a little earlier and March can be wet – changing the landscape from a tawny beige to a vibrant green.

On the mainland, temperatures range from 16°C to 29°C, while islands can go up to 32°C. While the rainy season is likely to begin in March, it won’t be very disruptive, with March still experiencing many days of sunshine, warmth, and humidity. March is also an ideal time to avoid crowds!

Accommodation in March

The wildebeest migration in March

In March, the Great Wildebeest Migration is in full force – literally millions of the iconic plains antelope will be making their way through the prairies and fields of northern Tanzania. The best places to catch a glimpse of this incredible natural event is in either Ndutu or the southern part of Serengeti.

Because of this titanic movement of life from one place to another, this may be the best time of year to see a predator attack in action. With thousands upon thousands of potential prey, predators like lions or even the occasional cheetah can be seen trying to pick from the herds.

Climbing mount Kilimanjaro in March

March is considered one of the prime months for tackling the epic Mount Kilimanjaro. March is often quite dry and the temperature is relatively cool – meaning a comparatively uncomplicated trek. However, the further March progresses, the more chance there will be of rain, so an easy ascent is not guaranteed.

The bright side of this is that there may be fewer mountaineers on the slopes of Kili in March to avoid the rain. During the rainy season, the best routes to take up the mountain are Marangu, which has the benefit of huts for sleeping, or Rongai, which historically receives less rainfall.

Game drives, wildlife and birds in March

Taking in the wildlife in March can often depend on where you decide to go – but there is never a lack of animal life if you decide to go to Ngorongoro Crater or the central areas of the Serengeti. In March, these two areas offer incredible sights due to their high game densities.

However, one of the most iconic natural scenes on display in March is the bird migration. Over a thousand avian species take to the Tanzanian skies in March and April, moving north at the end of the season as some visiting birds from Eurasia bid farewell to their winter home of Tanzania.

Mafia Island in March

While the rainy season is encroaching on the rest of Tanzania in March, Mafia Island remains hot and temperate. While there are more rainy days than usual, they often take the form of quick afternoon thunderstorms. You can still, however, expect lots of sunshine and sweltering temperatures of up to 32°C.

Pemba Island in March

While not as well-known as its two sisters, Zanzibar and Mafia, Pemba is still an incredible example of a tropical island paradise. Pemba benefits from being a little more isolated and rural compared to some of the more popular Spice Islands, adding an element of intimacy to your trip.

Game drives, wildlife, and birds in March

Historically, March has been when the birds of Tanzania quite literally flew the coop. Birders will delight in the incredible avian migration on display in southern Tanzania in March with hundreds of local birds and many migratory birds from farther north take off in search of different climes.

Ruaha National Park and Tarangire National Park are probably the best dedicated game reserves to keep an eye on the skies and see this beautiful annual event, routinely garnering the highest praise from birding enthusiasts. Be prepared, however, should you visit – insects are more populous during the green season so bring that repellant!

Ruaha National Park in March

March often marks the end of the Green Season in Ruaha and the other Southern Circuit parks in Tanzania. While the vegetation is still full and in bloom, towards the end of the month, the rain will pick up for the wet season. While this may put some off, this only means there are fewer tourists to get in the way of the incredible bird-watching!

Nyerere National Park (formerly known as Selous Game Reserve) in March

Some people may tell you that March is not the best time to visit Nyerere, but this simply depends on why you want to visit. March is part of the green season, meaning the park is dense with foliage, hot, and humid, giving a jungle-like feel to Nyerere. The scenery is unparalleled, and bird-watching is at its peak.

Mahale National Park in March

Visiting Mahale National Park in March is to truly step into a tropical African jungle. High trees, lush vegetation, and teeming with animal life, this nature reserve is the perfect place to feel at one with nature – especially when tracking the local chimpanzees. Clear skies and migratory patterns in March make Mahale a perfect time to bird-watch.

Katavi National Park in March

Katavi National Park’s location can sometimes feel remote – but the relative quiet, especially in March, will only add to the natural splendour the park has to offer. March is right in the middle of bird migration season, so visiting the wild west of Tanzania will provide an ideal opportunity for birding!

Gombe National Park in March

Gombe Stream National Park is still in the wet season in March, meaning that the plants are fat and plentiful from rainfall and river water. One of the best things about the wet season is that the air becomes very clear – meaning the chimpanzees can be seen with even better clarity!