Tanzania in March: Late Calving, Building Rains and Green Landscapes

March sits on the border between the hot, mostly dry weather of January and February and the true wet season of April and May. In many years the first half of the month still gives plenty of bright mornings, while the second half brings heavier and more frequent downpours.

That transition is what makes March interesting. Young animals are still everywhere, the grass is tall and fresh, birds are active and lodges are quiet, but the roads, the heat and the afternoon cloud need some planning.

This guide is part of our Uganda month-by-month and seasonal guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

What March Feels Like

March is warm, often humid and increasingly changeable. Mornings are frequently clear and pleasant for game drives, then clouds stack up from midday and a heavy shower or thunderstorm can arrive in the afternoon. The rain tends to fall in bursts rather than all day, and it is common for a downpour to be followed by bright light and steaming grass. Dust is almost absent, the air is clear after storms and distant views are often excellent. The coast is the most humid area, while the highlands around Ngorongoro and Arusha stay noticeably cooler, especially at night. Expect conditions to wetter by the end of the month than at the start.

Region by Region

Late Calving Around Ndutu

The southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area are the stars of early March. Hundreds of thousands of calves are born here between roughly January and March, and the herds linger on the short-grass plains while the grass remains nutritious. Newborn wildebeest and zebra foals attract lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and jackals, so predator action is common. As the month goes on the herds begin to drift north and west, so the earlier part of March is the stronger window. For the full picture see the Serengeti migration calendar and our calving season itinerary.

Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara

These parks do not depend on the migration, so March is a good time to visit them for scenery rather than numbers. The crater floor turns green and its resident lions, hyenas, buffalo and rhinos remain easy to find in a short, productive drive. Tarangire is leafy and its elephants spread out across the park instead of crowding the river, but birdlife is rich. Manyara offers lush forest and busy lake edges. Read Ngorongoro best time and Tarangire best time for park-level detail.

The South, West and Camp Availability

Remote southern and western parks such as Ruaha, Nyerere and Katavi become very wet from March onwards, and some camps close or run limited services until the dry season. Where roads turn to mud, the safest plan is to keep to the northern circuit and fly between destinations. If you want the south, ask your operator which camps are open and whether game viewing will be by vehicle, boat or walking. Our northern versus southern circuit guide explains the trade-offs.

Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar

Climbing Kilimanjaro in March is possible but wetter, with more cloud and slippery trails on the lower slopes, so it suits experienced walkers who do not mind rain gear. Trails are far quieter than in peak months. On Zanzibar, March is hot and humid with increasing showers; swimming is pleasant but beach days are less predictable. Compare notes in Kilimanjaro best time and Zanzibar beaches by region.

Who March Suits

March works well for travellers who value solitude, dramatic skies, fresh green scenery, photography and baby animals more than guaranteed sunshine. Birders enjoy the active breeding season, and honeymooners often like the quiet. It is less suitable for travellers who need dry roads, want to climb or walk in comfortable conditions, or are building a tight multi-park schedule. Easter, which falls in March or April depending on the year, can bring a short busy spell in popular lodges, so book early if your dates overlap.

Packing and Health

Bring a light waterproof jacket, quick-drying clothes, a warm layer for highland mornings, closed shoes with grip and a dry bag for cameras. Sun is strong between clouds, so keep a hat and sunscreen. Insect repellent matters more in the wet months, and malaria precautions apply across most of the country; read malaria prevention, health and vaccinations and the packing list. For the whole year compared, see best time to visit Tanzania.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team