Tanzania in March – weather, prices, safaris & more
Tanzania Safari in March is situated towards the end of the green season and offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities out of the entire year. The Serengeti plains are a beautiful shade of green, dust levels are minimal and most wildlife species are easy to spot. The famous migration is concentrated in massive numbers on the Serengeti plains, which in turn attracts large numbers of predators. March is the time of plenty and many animals time the birth of their families to coincide with the green season.
Northern Tanzania: The various famous northern attractions such as the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and the Ngorongoro Crater as well as Arusha have warm to hot temperatures and heavy rainfall. It is a month when herds migrate. Tanzania is said to have the greatest concentration of large wild animals in the world. Conditions are good to see the animals.
Southern Tanzania: March is in the wettest part of the rainy season with high rainfall in southern areas. In general, it is not a good month to tour the south because the popular southern natural preserves such as Ruaha and Nyerere are hot and humid with occasional flooding. Mosquitoes are a problem.
Tanzania Weather in March
Temperatures are pleasant with an average high of 83 degrees and an average low of 60 degrees. However, the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater can get quite cold at night and in the early morning. Visitor numbers drop off dramatically in the beginning of March and by late March the parks are relatively empty of tourists. March is certainly an excellent time to visit with few tourists around, green landscapes and superb wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Best Places to Visit in Tanzania Safari in March
Top things to do in March include enjoying the urban highlights and seeing wildlife.
Dar Es Salaam — Tour the Highlights
Dar Es Salaam is the capital (population: 6 million). It has the largest airport in Tanzania, and many tourists use its airport to arrive in Tanzania. It’s hot there in March, and the rainfall is moderate, increasing at the end of the month.
Places to go near Dar Es Salaam: Bongoyo Island is a protected island offshore offering a natural get away. The National Museum explains Tanzanian history and culture. Pugu Hills Forest Reserve (1 hour’s drive).
Ngorogoro Crater — Safari
If you want to see a distinctive ecosystem dense with wildlife in the biggest volcanic crater in the world, it is easy to go to since it is only 180 km (110 miles) west of Arusha City. Think of it as a big mammal aquarium in volcanic mountains. March is a good month for safari there.
Though there are occasional heavy rains, especially towards the end of March, the weather at the bottom of the crater is usually mild for its about 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) above sea level. It has a drier micro-climate. Expect freezing temperatures at night on the rim, which is about 2,300 meters (8,530 feet) in altitude.
An advantage of going in March is that there are thinner crowds and lower costs. Tanzania is green, lush, and beautiful. At times though, the roads are too muddy. There are trumpeting elephants in the 260 square kilometers (100 square mile) crater. It is a 3-hour drive from Arusha.
Tarangire — See the Wildlife and Beautiful Wilderness
Tarangire preserve is a good place to safari in March, especially in the first half of the month, because it is conveniently close to both Arusha and the Ngorogoro rim where you might stay in a guesthouse or hotel. Tarangire is in the savanna below Ngorogoro.
Tarangire’s conditions are not as good as in Ngorogoro. However, you can have a convenient safari excursion when the weather permits, and still get back for dinner in Ngorogoro or in Arusha. Tarangire is known for its elephant herds, but the vegetation often blocks views. There are migratory birds and river animals to see in March.
It takes about 2 hours to drive there from Arusha on good roads. There are also flights available.
Ndutu and the Serengeti — Watch the Wildlife Move
In March, the Great Wildebeest Migration marches onwards – into the savanna around Ndutu (north Ngorogoro) and neighboring Serengeti, as they travel their annual circuit. You can watch the antelope, wildebeest, and other animals pass by in grand procession.
In March, in Ndutu and Serengeti, the herds raise their calves on rich grass on the volcanic soil and continue their migration north towards Maasai Mara. You can experience Maasai culture and see their houses in the Serengeti and Tarangire.
Transport to the Serengeti: It takes about 7 hours to drive there from Nairobi, 9 hours from Arusha airport, and 3½ hours from Maasai Mara plus some time at the border. There are also flights available.
Arusha — Resting, Food, and Excursions
Arusha is called the Safari Capital because people who visit the region typically stay there to rest and use as a base for excursions and visiting the parks. It has luxurious lodges and hotels. There is a domestic airport.
In March, the weather is warm, and the rainfall is high, but most mornings are dry. When it is rainy, you can dine and shop. When the weather is good, you can do day excursions. There is a large expat population. Arusha Park is about an hour away. Ngorogoro is a little more than 3 hours away.
Transport: Driving from Kilimanjaro International Airport takes an hour and from Nairobi takes 5 hours.
Recommended Tours for Tanzania Safari in March
A private tour is recommended. Our travel experts know the local conditions and are good at optimizing your trip and so are our local guides and private drivers. Navigating Tanzania’s March safari requires adaptability. Embrace the lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but be prepared for muddy roads and sporadic rains. For the adventurous at heart, this month presents a distinctive blend of challenges and rewards in the midst of the long rainy season. Check out our Tanzania safari itinerary of different durations during the month of March
