Where to go in March
The best places to explore at this time of year
The best places to explore at this time of year
March is the last month of East Africa’s short dry season and is still a great time to visit. If you’ve got your heart set on Big Five game viewing, try northern Kenya in particular where the days are still warm and dry, or the Masai Mara for good game viewing without the usual crowds. For something different, Zambia’s rivers are in full flood and offer great opportunities for boat safaris and a little walking, and Hwange in Zimbabwe is a good bet for big cats and bigger elephants. Otherwise, head even further down to South Africa (Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal) or the mysterious mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
Zambia in March (the green season) is a very different experience to Zambia in the peak dry season months, but it’s just as spectacular. The parks are luscious and green, the light is beautiful, and there’s not a bit of dust around – a photographer’s dream! Many of the smaller bush camps are closed, but in the South Luangwa, the mighty Luangwa River is pumping with water, and some of the tiny camps in the north of the park are accessible by boat. Stay at one of the main lodges around the park gate, then cruise up the river to a smaller camp for walking safaris and boat trips. Magical.
.jpg?q=50&auto=format&crop=fill&w=400)
March is the last month of Kenya’s short dry season. The north (Samburu, Mathew’s Range, Meru) is spectacular and game drives will reveal the ‘Samburu Special Five’ which is always a treat. In the Masai Mara, calving season is underway and the big cats are out in force, taking the opportunity to pounce on the young, easy prey and in Laikipia, temperatures are still balmy and game viewing is good. At the coast, the sun is still shining but the humidity is building as the long rains draw closer.
Mountainous Lesotho experiences serious extremes of temperatures in its summer and winter months. January and February can be hot, hot, hot and really quite wet, whilst June and July can see snowfall! March, therefore, is a good middle ground and a lovely time to visit – think pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and the chance to walk and hike, swim and scramble, and enjoy all the outdoor activities the kingdom is known for.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
12 nights from $29,578 per person
13 nights from $21,287 per person
13 nights from $13,657 per person
10 nights from $14,982 per person
9 nights from $13,689 per person
11 nights from $7,437 per person
Namibrand, Namibia
