Your Guide to a Safari in March
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
March is a transitional month, as much of Eastern and Southern Africa moves into the green season. For the most part, March is warm and dry with occasional rains transforming the landscapes into a brilliant palette of vibrant greens.
In Tanzania, the Great Migration is in full swing, offering wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to see one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth. Kenya’s parks are teeming with life and big game viewing opportunities, while March is an ideal month for enjoying a traditional safari experience with a city break in Cape Town, South Africa. At the tail end of its summer, travelers will still benefit from excellent weather conditions but will enjoy fewer crowds ensuring a more private and exclusive safari experience.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a watery paradise in March, making it ideal for traditional mokoro rides, while the start of the rainy season transforms the arid landscapes of the Chobe National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Finally, March offers an excellent time for an off-the-beaten path experience in Zambia and a trip to Victoria Falls, which are at their fullest.
If you want to enjoy a safari in March, we can help. We are a leading luxury travel company that curates bespoke safari experiences in some of Africa’s most beautiful destinations. Our in-depth experience of Africa ensures we curate truly immersive experiences that ensure a memorable vacation. Contact us today to book a March safari in Africa.
“March is one of the best-kept secrets for a safari in Africa,” says Sarah Morris, General Manager, Private Clients at Ker & Downey® Africa. “The landscapes are lush, the wildlife is thriving, and with fewer travelers around, it feels like you have the wilderness all to yourself.”
March African safari destinations
Tanzania
Tanzania is a wonderful destination to visit in March, just before the country moves into its rainy season, changing the landscape into vibrant hues of green. The dryer weather makes it ideal for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, which is in full swing, with millions of wildebeest making their way through the vast wilderness of northern Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania’s northern circuit is also bursting with wildlife at this time of year thanks to its high game density. A March safari in Tanzania can also easily be combined with a luxury beach experience on one of the many islands that make up the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar.
Kenya
During the month of March, Kenya’s Masai Mara is teeming with big cats, while the Samburu Reserve offers exciting opportunities to see unique species like Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffes. It’s also a great time of year for birding safaris around the picturesque Lake Nakuru – look out for the great pelican, the greater flamingo, and the greater blue-eared starling. The weather is generally dry during March, making it easy to spot wildlife, however, there can occasionally be downpours as Kenya moves into its rainy season. Furthermore, Kenya in March offers a more private and exclusive experience as it falls just outside of its peak safari season.
South Africa
A March safari in South Africa offers a mix of lush landscapes, mild weather, and spectacular wildlife sightings. The Kruger National Park and private reserves like Sabi Sands are ideal for spotting the Big Five and witnessing new life during calving season. Game drives provide opportunities to see lion cubs, baby elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitat. The green season brings vibrant scenery and fewer tourists, ensuring a more exclusive, peaceful safari experience. Combine a traditional safari experience in South Africa with a luxury city break in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands and Garden Route for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Botswana
A luxury safari in Botswana in March offers a tranquil, exclusive adventure amidst the lush green season. The Okavango Delta transforms into a vibrant oasis, perfect for mokoro (canoe) safaris through serene waterways teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. In Chobe National Park, expect large herds of elephants, while the Kalahari Desert reveals unique wildlife like meerkats and oryx, creating a superb opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts.
Zambia
A luxury safari in Zambia in March offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience in one of Africa’s most untouched wilderness areas. The South Luangwa National Park is a highlight, known for its walking safaris, leopard sightings, and abundant wildlife along the mighty Luangwa River, which is in full flow. March marks the green season, bringing verdant landscapes and prolific migratory bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. In Lower Zambezi National Park, enjoy boat safaris, private game drives, and canoe excursions to spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls can also be added to your March safari itinerary, especially when visiting Zambia and Botswana’s Chobe National Park. The Falls are at their most powerful at this time of year, offering the opportunity to see this natural wonder at its most dramatic.
Our top March safari packages
Seeking March safari inspiration? Browse some of our luxury safari packages below to learn about some of the experiences you can enjoy.
As a premier luxury travel company in Africa, we excel in creating bespoke safari experiences with your preferred experiences and choice of luxury accommodations. Contact our luxury safari consultants to book your March safari to Africa.
What are the benefits of a luxury safari in March?
- Lush Green Landscapes: March marks the green season in many safari destinations, creating stunning scenery and vibrant backdrops for wildlife photography.
- Calving Season: Witness newborn animals like wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, which attract predators such as lions and cheetahs, making for thrilling game drives.
- Fewer Crowds: March is a quieter time for tourism, providing a more exclusive and personalized experience.
- Birdwatching: Spot migratory birds in full plumage, especially in Botswana, Zambia, and Kenya.
- Mild Weather: The cooler temperatures in some regions make game drives more comfortable.
7 day sample African safari itinerary in March
Blend an exciting city and wilderness escape for an incredible safari experience in March exploring the best of Africa.
Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town, South Africa
- Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your choice of luxury hotel in the city.
- Spend the day exploring the V&A Waterfront, taking in the views of Table Mountain.
- Enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of Cape Town’s Michelin-worthy restaurants.
Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town or Ellerman House.
Day 2: Explore Cape Town
- Morning: Take a private tour of Table Mountain via cable car.
- Afternoon: Visit Cape Point and Boulders Beach to see penguins.
- Optional: Explore Constantia’s wine estates for a wine-tasting experience.
- Evening: Sunset dinner overlooking the ocean at a luxury seaside restaurant.
Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town or Ellerman House.
Day 3: Fly to Sabi Sands Game Reserve (Kruger National Park)
- Morning flight to Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
- Private guided afternoon game drive with a focus on Big Five sightings.
- Enjoy sundowners in the bush followed by a private dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp.
Day 4: Full Day in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- Morning game drive to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
- Relax at the lodge with spa treatments or a poolside lunch.
- Afternoon bush walk for a close-up encounter with the wilderness.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dip in the camp’s swimming pool and a gourmet dinner.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp.
Day 5: Travel to Botswana (Okavango Delta)
- Enjoy a private flight from Sabi Sands to the Okavango Delta.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a mokoro (canoe) safari through the Delta’s waterways, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
- Evening: Luxury dining overlooking the water.
Accommodation: Gomoti Plains Camp.
Day 6: Full Day in Okavango Delta
- Morning game drive or walking safari to explore the Delta’s diverse wildlife.
- Afternoon: Scenic helicopter ride over the Delta for a breathtaking view of the ecosystem.
- Evening: Sunset boat cruise, followed by a gourmet dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Gomoti Plains Camp.
Day 7: Return to Cape Town or Extend to Victoria Falls
- Morning: Relax at your lodge before your private flight back to Cape Town or extend your journey with a visit to Victoria Falls.
- Optional: Visit a local village or enjoy a private spa experience before departure.
Optional Extension: Add a beach retreat in Mozambique or the Seychelles for a few days of relaxation.
This luxury safari itinerary offers a seamless mix of city, safari, and water-based wildlife experiences, ideal for a March safari adventure. All our safari packages can be tailored to meet your precise needs. Contact us today to book your March safari in Africa.
Plan your luxury March safari holiday with Ker & Downey® Africa
We are a premier luxury travel operator headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa that has been pioneering luxury, sustainable safari experiences in Africa for decades. We boast in-depth knowledge of the continent and the best safari destinations and experiences. We work to ensure bespoke safari experiences that offer the utmost in luxury and comfort, tailored to meet each of our clients’ needs. All our luxury lodges and hotels are carefully handpicked and vetted by us to ensure they meet our high standards of conservation and sustainability, ensuring all our guests leave a positive lasting legacy in Africa. If you want to learn more about a luxury safari experience in March, we can help.
March safari in Africa: FAQs
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What will the weather be like on an African safari in March?
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Why choose us for a March African safari?
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