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A March safari in East Africa is often overlooked by travellers, as this month doesn’t fall into the long dry season. However, it presents a unique window for exploration across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
This month marks a fascinating transition from the short dry spell during January and February to the onset of the wet season, offering a distinct set of advantages if you’re seeking a less crowded, more serene experience.
The changing weather patterns breathe new life into the landscapes, transforming them into lush, verdant environments that are the temporary homes of a wealth of migrant bird species. March is a fantastic time of the month for an exciting birdwatching safari in East Africa!
March also forms part of the calving season when the Great Migration wildebeest herds give birth to their young in the Serengeti. The new arrivals attract predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Weather in March
The weather in East Africa during March tends to be wet, as it’s the beginning of the rainy season. While this may seem daunting, rainfall during this month occurs as intense, brief showers, often only lasting 30 minutes to an hour, after which the skies typically clear, and the sun reappears.
The shift from parched landscapes into lush green expanses is particularly appealing for travellers on photographic safaris in East Africa.
Average Weather in March
| Temperature | Temperature | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 10°C | 50°F | 3.3 inches |
| Max | 31°C | 87°F | 6 inches |
Destinations to Visit in East Africa During March
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Akagera National Park is the only Big Five reserve in the country – it’s the perfect add-on to a gorilla trekking safari. With 480 bird species in the park, including breeding migratory species, it’s also a fantastic destination for birdwatching safaris.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Murchison Falls is an incredible waterfall in East Africa, and the area of the country it’s in receives very little rainfall during Uganda’s wet season. Visit this park to see four of the Big Five (rhinos are absent) and go chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo Forest.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural amphitheatre home to abundant wildlife. It’s a fantastic year-round safari destination, with March being a bit quieter as it’s part of the low season.
Tsavo East National Park, Kenya
The wet season is the best time for birding excursions in Kenya, especially in Tsavo East National Park with its more than 500 bird species. Migratory birds can be seen during this time of the year, which makes safaris even more exciting for twitchers.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Safari goers will be mesmerised by the views of Mount Kilimanjaro that can be enjoyed during an Amboseli National Park adventure. Four of the Big Five call this park home, including large herds of elephants and impressive populations of lions and hyenas.
Activities to Do in East Africa in March
- Game drives
- Birdwatching safaris
- Cultural safaris
- Mountain climbing
- Photographic safaris
