Every traveler knows that Africa is always an adventure, but throwing a safari into the mix takes things to a whole new level. Whether it’s in the back of a truck or on foot, nothing can beat going out into the wild to catch a glimpse of animals in their natural habitat.
We’ve rounded up the most accessible locations for a safari in March to bring you face-to-face with your favorite creatures.
Why March Is a Great Time for an African Safari
March might still be the rainy season in much of southern Africa. But the good news is that much of the heavy rain has subsided by then. Since it’s still technically the low season, it deters a lot of people from booking their trips until mid to late April. And like every good budget traveler already knows, less demand = lower prices. It’s common for safari operators to slash their prices for the rainy season. With fewer visitors coming in, they’re happy to take you on board, even if it means taking a little hit; business is business at the end of the day.
Now, up in Eastern Africa, it’s a different story (in a good way). In certain parts of this region, like Kenya, there’s a little dry season, yay! Even better, it’s actually just ending, so again, fewer numbers, which is going to benefit you.
So, yeah, you’d be pretty dumb not to snap up the opportunity to go on an African safari in March when you consider the cost savings you can have.
Best African Safari Destinations in March
Botswana
Botswana is that one safari destination that flies under the radar compared to others. Think about it: you always hear about South Africa and Tanzania but never Botswana. This peaceful southern African nation is a tricky one to access, which turns many off from coming here in the first place. Plus, it’s expensive. But since March still falls into the bracket of Botswana’s low season, it’s the only real opportunity you have to go if you’re on a tight budget.
The country might only have four national parks, but they’re truly one of a kind. Venture to Chobe National Park for an up-close moment with the largest population of elephants in Africa. When I say large population, I’m not talking about a few hundred; an incredible figure of around 120,000 live here. Ever heard of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park? I bet you haven’t. Securing yet another record for Botswana, this protected space features some of the largest salt pans on the planet.
But the real star of the show has to be the flood waters of the Okavango Delta, where you can take a canoe through majestic waterways. In the dry season, the delta only covers an area of 6,000 square kilometres, but after the heavy monsoon rains, it expands to an incredible 15,000 square kilometers. You know what that means? Hold off on your trip until the end of March to catch it in its biggest phase.
South Africa
If there’s one country that knows how to do safaris, it’s South Africa. Whatever your reason for being here, whether it’s a honeymoon or a solo adventure, this is the place that attracts everyone.
Kruger National Park is the gold standard for encountering leopards and the Big Five. But being a victim of its popularity, things get crowded here, so don’t be afraid to branch out and try something different.
Chase rhinos and discover how they were saved from extinction at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. Feel a sense of exclusivity at Madikwe Game Reserve and have a chance to see all your favorite big cats without the crowds of Kruger. Fan of birds? Join a bushwalk to the tranquil rivers flowing through Karongwe Game Reserve for a birdwatching experience.
Kenya
Small and easily accessible, reaching Kenya is much easier than most safari locations. With daily direct flights to Nairobi from all the main hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and London, cheap airfares are easy to come by, especially in March. After you’ve made it to the capital, the whole country is at your fingertips.
While the Great Wildebeest Migration has yet to arrive at the Masai Mara National Reserve, it’s still the prime season for watching lions. If you’re hoping to see giraffes, there’s no better spot than Meru National Park. Meanwhile, Lake Nakuru National Park has a thriving population of pink flamingos and can easily be visited from Nairobi on a day trip.
Tanzania
Another big hitter of a safari spot is Tanzania. In the south of the country, the rains tend to be worse than in the north during March, so try to plan your trip for the ‘Northern Circuit.’ Don’t worry; this is the one with all the good parks, like the Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park.
Arrive at the beginning of March, and you’ll be right in time to witness the calving season in the southern Serengeti. Every day during this period, thousands of baby wildebeest are born, making them prime targets for the big cats on the hunt. As you might expect, there’s plenty of action around this time, so if photography is your thing, you’ll have plenty to capture.
Where to See the Big Five in March
Unfortunately, the chances of seeing the Big Five in March are heavily reduced because of the weather. But that doesn’t mean you’re totally at a loss; there are still a few places where you might catch some luck.
Kruger National Park
Famed for its Big Five sightings all year round, it’s totally possible to see lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo in Kruger in March. Waking up early will increase your chances of crossing off all the animals on your bucket list. But it’s wise to allow yourself a few extra days just in case.
Serengeti National Park
Visiting the Serengeti in March not only gives you the chance to witness the calving season, but it’s also the perfect time to spot the Big Five. Lions can easily be tracked down in the Ndutu Region, as they’ll be scouting out the newly born wildebeest. Elephants and buffalo are often drawn to stable sources of water like the Grumeti River. The trickiest ones to find are the rhinos, as only about 160 of them remain in the entire park. Coming across leopards won’t be straightforward either because they’re nocturnal. Thankfully, a trusted guide will point you to the right direction.
Top National Parks for Wildlife Viewing
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
The smallest of Uganda’s national parks, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the only places on Earth with mountain gorillas. A bucket list item for many adventurers, the three-day gorilla trekking excursion here will set you back a staggering $1,500 (€1391.66). Why the high price? Only 80 gorillas live on the grounds, and visitors are limited to just one group as they’re the only ones used to seeing humans. And with eight permits issued per day, it’s safe to say it’s a pretty exclusive experience.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Home to the Etosha Pan, cheetahs, rhinos, and so much more, Namibia’s Etosha National Park is a must-visit for any serious wildlife enthusiast. A good chunk of the visitors who come here opt for self-driving safaris because of how well-maintained the roads are. First, you pay NAD 150 (€7.61) for the entrance fee and then hire a vehicle for NAD 805.47 (€40.87) a day in Windhoek. Once that’s settled, the park is yours to explore; some animals you must watch out for include the adorable dik-dik and black-faced impala.
Weather and Climate Considerations for a March Safari
It’s normal to be concerned about the weather, especially when booking something as pricey as a safari. The horror stories of people getting stuck at a camp for a week because of flooding is the last way anyone wants to spend their holiday. But hold the panic just for a second.
Look, Africa is the tropics; downpours are going to happen, even in the dry season, there’s no way of controlling them. But with it being March, there’s not really much ‘extreme’ weather. Sure, the odd thunderstorm comes and goes within 30 minutes, but for the most part, safaris are manageable. Many of the reachable destinations are either entering or coming out of their rainy season, meaning things are slightly less intense.
I must stress, though, that this is a continent we’re talking about, after all, so the climate in each region varies. To give you a better idea of what to expect, I’ve broken down the typical weather patterns for March in the most highly sought-after safari destinations.
- Botswana – Cool (ish) weather with some rainfall that improves as the month goes on. Average temperatures are between 17°C and 31°C.
- South Africa – Plenty of sunshine with the odd downpour, but being a huge country, conditions can vary from region to region. Average temperatures are 9°C and 29°C.
- Kenya – Dry and hot at the beginning of the month, but the ‘Long Rains’ start to kick the closer it gets to April. Average temperatures are 14°C and 27°C.
- Tanzania – Similar to Kenya, it’s very warm when March arrives, but the ‘Masika’ rains start mid-month. Average temperatures are 11°C and 27°C.
- Uganda – The rainy season has officially begun, but the heaviest showers haven’t set in yet. Average temperatures are 21°C and 28°C.
- Namibia – It’s the final month of the country’s rainy season, but the severity of the showers has reduced and are less frequent. Average temperatures are 15°C and 27°C.
What to Pack for a Safari in March
A safari isn’t like your typical holiday where you pack a few pairs of shorts and T-shirts to walk around a European capital city for the day. Come on, man, you’re going into the wild. Once you leave the main urban center, all you have is whatever you’ve brought, so coming packed and prepared is essential.
The next battle is what to pack. With all my trips where I know I’ll be off the grid for an extended time period, I’m always ready for any kind of weather, even if the forecast tells me the sun will be shining fiercely. And this should be the case for you too for a March safari. Live by this motto, and you’ll be ready for all weather: expect the worst and hope for the best.
Here’s my safari packing list that will have you set up for anything and everything:
Clothing
- A light rain jacket
- Breathable T-shirts that don’t retain heat
- Waterproof trousers/cargo pants
- A hoodie/jumper
- Shorts
- Multiple pairs of socks
- Upper and lower body thermals (trust me, it will get cold at night)
- Underwear
- A pair of comfortable shoes for camp
- A pair of outdoor shoes for the daytime, e.g., hiking shoes or trainers
- Pajamas
Extra items
- First aid kit
- Mosquito repellent
- A mosquito net
- Reusable water bottle
- Toothbrush
- Toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunglasses
- A sunhat or baseball cap
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Earplugs
- Powerbank
- Camera and equipment for them incredible wildlife shots
- Binoculars
Track Some Wildlife This March
March has always been a hit for safaris among those who love a good bargain. The conditions may not be as stable as at other times of the year, but who cares? If it means knocking off a few quid from that already hefty price tag, it’s worth some uncertainty, right?
Get out there and book your game drive today. The wildlife is waiting; you just better have a good pair of binoculars to see it.