Start of the long rains
Tanzania in March
The rains start to build. Scenery turns vivid and migrant birds arrive, with far fewer vehicles. Expect some showers, and better rates at many lodges.
- Showery
- For a safari
- Showery
- For Kilimanjaro
- Showery
- For Zanzibar beaches
- Birding
- Main draw this month
Tanzania in March at a glance
Lush landscapes, lower prices
The weather
The long rains begin to build. Expect some showers, often in the afternoon, with vivid green scenery and dramatic skies.
Where the herds are
Calving is tailing off on the southern plains. The herds are still around Ndutu, and the predators are still close behind them.
The parks
The landscape is lush and migrant birds arrive. Birdwatchers and photographers who like moody skies do well, and there are far fewer vehicles.
Kilimanjaro
The first climbing window ends around the middle of March. After that the trails get wetter and the mountain colder and cloudier.
Zanzibar and the coast
Zanzibar is warm but the rains are building, so beach days are less reliable than in February.
Crowds and rates
A shoulder month. Rates are lower at many lodges, and game viewing is still good.
Planning a trip in March
Good for
Birdwatching, Green scenery and photography, Better value
Watch out for
Some showers and the odd slow road. Allow a spare day so a wet morning does not cost you a game drive.
What to pack
A light waterproof jacket, quick-drying layers and a dry bag for your camera.
Our verdict on March
March suits flexible travellers who want green landscapes, fewer vehicles and better rates, and who accept some rain.
Safaris that suit March
Itineraries from our collection that list March among their best months, from the lowest starting price.
Nyerere Fly-In Escape from Zanzibar
One night on the Rufiji River, by air, between two days of beach.
2 days · From $1,665
Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire in Seven Days
Baobab elephants, a pair of Serengeti days and a full morning-to-evening descent into the crater.
7 days · From $1,891
After the Summit: Northern Parks in Five Days
Collected from your Moshi hotel, then Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before you fly home.
5 days · From $2,219
Compare with other months
Choose another month to see how it differs. The bars show how good each month is for a safari.
January
Calving on the southern plains
Mixed
February
Peak calving and big cats
Mixed
March
Lush landscapes, lower prices
Showery
April
The quietest month
Quiet and wet
May
Green, calm and affordable
Showery
June
Dry season begins
Very good
July
Classic big-game safari
Best
August
Mara River crossings
Best
September
Crossings with fewer crowds
Best
October
Last of the dry season
Very good
November
Short rains, fresh green
Showery
December
Herds return south
Mixed
Questions answered
What travellers ask us
March suits flexible travellers who want green landscapes, fewer vehicles and better rates, and who accept some rain.
Calving is tailing off on the southern plains. The herds are still around Ndutu, and the predators are still close behind them.
The first climbing window ends around the middle of March. After that the trails get wetter and the mountain colder and cloudier.
A light waterproof jacket, quick-drying layers and a dry bag for your camera.
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