March is a lovely time to visit South Africa and Kenya. Tanzania’s Northern circuit is quite wet in March, but the scenery is spectacular in this Green season (Wet Season) and low-season prices are always a bonus. South Africa’s Cape region mostly experiences wonderful weather in March. There are several good options to combine a trip here with a safari in one of the private game reserves, which offer fantastic wildlife viewing throughout the year.
See below for an overview of the best parks to visit in Africa by country. Please note that the listings focus on the most popular parks only and are not comprehensive.
Every day is different on safari. That’s what makes it so exciting. However, it makes sense to plan your trip carefully and take into account the highlights of the seasons. Read on if you want to get some ideas for where to go on safari in March.
The Okavango-Makgadikgadi Zebra Migration in Botswana
March is a good time to see the annual zebra migration at Makgadikgadi Pans NP. As the pans are starting to dry out and the green grasses of the season are depleting, about 20,000 zebras are massing together to start their journey back to the Okavango Delta. This is one of the last-remaining animal movements of this size in southern Africa as most migration routes have been cut off by fences and human habitation.
March is the end of summer and a lovely time to be in South Africa. Days are mostly sunny and mild in Cape Town and the Garden Route, and it’s the low season. Kruger is lush and the birding is fantastic at this time, but wildlife viewing isn’t as good as in the Dry season. However, Sabi Sands and many other private reserves offer a great experience throughout the year.
The Wildebeest Migration in Southern Serengeti in Tanzania
In March more than a million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles start their journey north after their calving season in Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. By now the newborn babies are big enough to start moving with their parents in search of greener pastures. It is the Emerald season (Wet Season) in Serengeti so everything is lush and fresh, and you might have a chance of some great low-season deals.
Excellent Time for Wildlife Viewing in Kgalagadi, South Africa
March to May is the best time for wildlife viewing in the semi-desert of Kgalagadi. It’s the end of the Wet season. Differing to most parks in Africa, the viewing is particularly good here after the rains when animals gather in the mostly dry riverbeds, the lifelines of the park. March is also a good choice weather-wise. Temperatures start to drop and the heat is more tolerable than in mid-summer.
