Discover the Magic of a Tanzania Safari in March

Overview – March in Tanzania

March is one of Tanzania’s most enchanting safari months, a time when nature undergoes a dramatic renewal. As the long rainy season begins, the dry golden plains of January and February are transformed into an emerald paradise. Grasses shoot up overnight, wildflowers bloom, and waterholes swell, creating a land brimming with life.

For safari enthusiasts, March is not just another travel month — it is a gateway into a more intimate Africa. Unlike the peak dry season when tourists flock to the parks, March is quieter, calmer, and more personal. Game drives feel like private adventures, wildlife sightings are often yours alone, and the landscapes are more colorful and vibrant than at any other time of year.

The Great Migration is still very much alive in March. Huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles remain across the Serengeti plains, fattening up on the new grasses. Though the calving peak is behind them, young calves are still vulnerable, and predators are close at hand. This creates a safari full of real drama, raw encounters, and moving spectacles of survival.

Photographers, birdwatchers, couples, and families all find March rewarding. The skies are dramatic with fast-moving clouds, rainbows, and glowing sunsets; the birds are active in breeding plumage; and the air is fresh and dust-free. Temperatures are mild, ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F–82°F), with refreshing showers often arriving in the afternoon or evening.

If you dream of experiencing Tanzania without the crowds, at better value, and in its most vibrant, photogenic form, March is your perfect month.

Why March is an Exceptional Time for Your Tanzania Safari

The Great Migration in Transition

March finds the Great Migration still spread across the southern and central Serengeti. The wildebeest calves born in January and February are still young, attracting lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. It’s one of the best times to witness predator-prey interactions without the vehicle congestion of high season.

Abundant Wildlife Amid Fresh Greenery

Everywhere you look, the parks are alive with activity. Elephants graze in family groups, giraffes browse tall acacias, buffalo gather in large herds, and hippos wallow in replenished pools. Antelope species — impalas, gazelles, and elands — thrive in the lush conditions. The Ngorongoro Crater is especially spectacular, with black rhinos, flamingos, and lions moving through its vibrant bowl-shaped ecosystem.

Dramatic Landscapes for Photographers

March rains rejuvenate Tanzania’s landscapes. Rolling hills glow green, rivers run fast, and waterfalls roar with new energy. Skies often turn theatrical, with dark storm clouds pierced by golden shafts of light, or sudden rainbows arching over vast plains. Photographers capture scenes in March that simply aren’t possible in the dusty dry season.

Predator Action Still Strong

March is not just about herds of grazers. It’s a month of raw predator activity. Lions patrol Serengeti’s plains, cheetahs sprint after young wildebeest, leopards stalk silently from trees, and hyenas scavenge and hunt in packs. For safari-goers who want action, March delivers it in thrilling but uncrowded settings.

Birdwatching Paradise

March is one of the richest months for birdwatching. Migratory species such as European storks and swallows mingle with residents like the lilac-breasted roller, crowned crane, and malachite kingfisher. Many birds are in their breeding plumage, showing off brilliant colors. Wetlands attract flamingos, pelicans, and herons in dazzling numbers.

Peaceful and Exclusive

March is part of the shoulder season, meaning visitor numbers drop after the busy calving months. This creates a quieter, more personal safari atmosphere. Lodges and guides have more time for you, making every game drive flexible, unhurried, and tailored.

Excellent Value for Money

With fewer travelers, lodges and camps often lower their rates in March. This allows you to experience luxury at more affordable prices — whether that’s a mobile camp in the Serengeti, a crater-edge lodge in Ngorongoro, or a chic retreat in Tarangire.

Highlights of a March Safari in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park – Migration in Full Swing

The Serengeti remains the heartbeat of Tanzania in March. Wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles stretch across the plains in enormous numbers. Young calves still graze close to their mothers, making easy targets for lions and cheetahs. The southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are particularly rewarding for predator sightings.

Ngorongoro Crater – A Green Paradise

The Ngorongoro Crater is breathtaking in March. The crater floor is lush and full of life, with hippos lounging in pools, flamingos covering Lake Magadi, and rhinos feeding on fresh grass. The steep crater walls glow green, creating a scene straight out of a nature documentary.

Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobabs

In Tarangire, March is a season of flowing rivers and healthy wildlife. Herds of elephants gather under ancient baobabs, giraffes stroll across green floodplains, and birdlife flourishes. With fewer tourists, Tarangire feels wild and peaceful.

Lake Manyara National Park – Flamingos and Lions

Lake Manyara shines in March. The soda lake is full, attracting thousands of flamingos and pelicans. Hippos splash in lagoons, monkeys swing through the forests, and the park’s iconic tree-climbing lions often rest on branches after the rain.

Arusha National Park – Canoeing and Walking Safaris

Close to Arusha town, this park is full of surprises in March. Canoeing on Momella Lakes lets you see giraffes and buffalo on the shoreline, while guided walks through forests reveal colobus monkeys, orchids, and waterfalls.

Lake Natron – Flamingos and Volcano Views

Lake Natron is otherworldly in March. Flamingos feed on the alkaline lake, waterfalls cascade down escarpments, and the dramatic silhouette of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano looms in the background under moody skies.

Selous (Nyerere National Park) – Remote Wilderness

March is excellent for boat safaris on the Rufiji River in Selous. Hippos bellow, crocodiles lurk, and elephants feed on the lush banks. The park’s vast size and low visitor numbers make it a true wilderness.

Practical Tips for Your March Safari

• Pack for Variable Weather: Bring lightweight clothing for warm days, plus waterproof jackets and cozy layers for cool mornings and rain showers.

• Protect Your Gear: Use waterproof covers for cameras, phones, and binoculars.

• Stay Sun-Safe: Even with clouds, the sun is strong. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.

• Insect Protection: Mosquitoes are more active — bring repellents and consult your doctor on malaria precautions.

• Stay Hydrated: Carry reusable water bottles on game drives.

• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or quick-drying shoes are best.

• Optics: Binoculars and zoom lenses will enrich wildlife and bird sightings.

• Health Prep: Get recommended vaccinations and ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.

Frequently Asked Questions About March Safaris

Q1: Is March a good time to visit Tanzania for a safari?
Yes! Despite being the start of the long rains, March offers lush scenery, predator action, fewer tourists, and excellent value.

Q2: Will the rains disrupt my game drives?
Unlikely. Showers usually fall in the afternoon or night, leaving mornings and most days clear. Drives continue as normal.

Q3: What wildlife can I expect to see in March?
Expect lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, wildebeests, zebras, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and countless bird species.

Q4: Where is the Great Migration in March?
The herds remain in the southern and central Serengeti, including Ndutu, before moving westward.

Q5: Are river crossings happening in March?
Not yet. Crossings begin in June, but March offers large herds on the open plains.

Q6: Are lodges and camps open?
Yes, most operate year-round, with March offering good availability and lower prices.

Q7: Is March good for birdwatching?
Absolutely. Both migratory and resident birds are active, and many are in breeding plumage.

Q8: What’s the weather like?
Warm (22–28°C / 72–82°F) with refreshing showers that cool the air.

Q9: Is March suitable for families?
Yes. Quieter parks and attentive guides make March great for families, though some flexibility with weather is needed.

Q10: How many days should I plan?
At least 7–10 days to cover Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Tarangire.

Q11: Is March cheaper than peak months?
Yes. March falls in the shoulder season, with excellent deals on luxury lodges.

Q12: Can I combine safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. Zanzibar is warm and less crowded in March — perfect for post-safari relaxation.

Q13: Are mosquitoes worse in March?
Slightly higher than in dry months, but manageable with repellent and nets.

Q14: Is March good for photography?
Yes! Dramatic skies, green backdrops, and rain-washed air make for vivid, unique images.

Q15: Will I see predators?
Yes. Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are highly active, following herds with calves.

Q16: Is Kilimanjaro climb possible in March?
It’s possible but not ideal due to wet conditions. Better months are June–October.

Q17: What’s unique about March compared to April?
March is less rainy than April but still lush and green, making it a sweet spot between calving season and heavier rains.

Q18: What should I pack?
Light clothes, waterproof layers, insect repellent, sturdy footwear, and sun protection.

Q19: Is March safe for travel?
Yes, Tanzania is safe, and with professional guides, travel is comfortable even during rains.

Q20: Why book with Tanzaniatrail in March?
Because we know how to maximize March’s magic — tracking the herds in Ndutu, finding predators, and choosing the best lodges open for shoulder season safaris.

Conclusion

A March safari in Tanzania is a celebration of renewal, beauty, and exclusivity. The Serengeti plains hum with life, Ngorongoro glows with animals, Tarangire and Manyara thrive, and the skies themselves become part of the show. With fewer tourists, lower prices, and wildlife in abundance, March offers a safari that feels more personal and authentic than at any other time.

At Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited, we turn March into an unforgettable adventure — with expert guides, personalized itineraries, and handpicked lodges that thrive in this green season. Whether you’re chasing the drama of the Great Migration, photographing rainbows over the plains, or simply enjoying the tranquility of a crowd-free park, March is your chance to see Tanzania at its most alive.

👉 Ready to explore the magic of Tanzania in March? Contact Tanzaniatrail today and let us design a safari that captures the very best of this lush, secret season.