For the full year picture, see our best time to visit Tanzania guide. Our Tanzania Weather in November guide goes into more detail on this.
March is a transitional month in Tanzania. The short dry season (December–February) gives way to the long rains (masika) as the month progresses - with the first two weeks typically remaining dry and the latter half seeing increasing afternoon showers. Prices drop noticeably, the Serengeti begins its annual transformation to green, and the wildebeest calving season transitions into the northward migration column. The Tanzania Weather in April guide covers the practical side of this.
Transition to Long Rains: Dry First Half, Afternoon Showers from Mid-Month
| Region | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti (central) | 29°C | 17°C | 120mm | Dry early, rains build from mid-month |
| Ngorongoro Crater | 23°C | 10°C | 130mm | Cloud builds; misty crater rim evenings |
| Kilimanjaro base (Moshi) | 28°C | 16°C | 100mm | Rains begin; summit weather less reliable |
| Zanzibar (north/west) | 32°C | 25°C | 100mm | Rains increasing; east coast still drier |
| Dar es Salaam | 31°C | 24°C | 150mm | Long rains beginning |
| Mafia Island | 30°C | 24°C | 130mm | Whale shark season continues; seas slightly rougher |
March rainfall is concentrated in the afternoons and evenings. Early-morning game drives are still largely clear. The northern Serengeti and Ndutu area can become muddy by late March, making 4WD essential and some camp access tracks difficult.
Calving Winds Down at Ndutu as Migration Columns Begin Moving North Through Seronera
Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) - early March: The calving season is winding down. By mid-March, the concentration of newborns in the Ndutu short-grass plains begins to thin as the herds move north and east into the central Serengeti. Early March is still excellent for predator viewing - lions and cheetahs that have been feeding intensively through January–February remain active and well-fed.
Central Serengeti: The wildebeest column begins a loose northward drift through March. The Seronera Valley - home to one of the highest lion densities in Africa - is excellent year-round but particularly good in March as the herds pass through.
Ngorongoro Crater: The crater floor greens up significantly through March. The dense short-grass provides good cover and foraging for grazers. Black rhino sightings remain reliable. Lion prides around the Munge River are consistently active.
Kilimanjaro: Trekking remains possible in March, particularly on the Marangu (“Coca-Cola”) route on the eastern flanks which is somewhat sheltered from the main rains. Summit success rates drop compared to the dry seasons. Most serious climbers target January–February or June–October instead.
Mafia Island: Whale shark season continues through March, with sightings remaining reliable through the month. This is the final month of the peak whale shark window before the seas become rougher in April–May.
Kilimanjaro Marathon and International Women’s Day Celebrations
- International Women’s Day (March 8) - celebrated widely across Tanzania, with particular events in Dar es Salaam and Arusha
- Kilimanjaro Marathon (Moshi) - if not held in February, the marathon may fall in early March. Check the official schedule at the Kilimanjaro Marathon website
- Karibu Travel Fair (Arusha) - Tanzania’s main travel trade fair typically falls in April–May, but pre-event planning events may occur in March
Green Season Entry: 20–40% Price Drops Begin from Mid-March
March represents the entry point into Tanzania’s green season (low season). Prices are significantly lower than peak season (July–September), with many lodges offering 20–40% discounts from mid-March onward. Some smaller tented camps in the Ndutu area close as the rains arrive and access tracks become difficult. It also helps to read our Tanzania Weather in May guide before you commit to plans.
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The Serengeti’s main camps (Seronera area) remain open year-round. Ngorongoro lodges are open throughout.
Typical costs:
- Budget lodge, Serengeti (Seronera area): approximately USD 100–180 per person/night, full board
- Mid-range camp, Serengeti: approximately USD 200–350 per person/night, full board
- Luxury lodge: approximately USD 500–800 per person/night, all-inclusive (down from USD 700–1,000+ in peak)
Top Experiences: Early-March Ndutu Predators, Seronera Migration Column, Mafia Whale Sharks
- Early-March Ndutu game drives - last chance for calving season predator action before the herds disperse
- Seronera Valley, central Serengeti - the migration column passes through; resident lion prides highly active
- Ngorongoro Crater descent - the green floor in March is spectacular; fewer crowds than peak months
- Whale shark snorkelling, Mafia Island - final reliable month; book early in March for best chances
- Green season photography - the lush March landscape offers different photographic conditions than the dry season
Best Destinations in March: Early Month in the North, Ngorongoro When Rains Arrive
First half of March: The northern circuit is still excellent and largely dry. A Serengeti–Ngorongoro itinerary in early March delivers good wildlife at shoulder-season prices.
Second half of March: Focus shifts toward the Ngorongoro Crater (which holds up well in rain) and the central Serengeti (Seronera Valley), where wildlife is concentrated regardless of rain. Avoid the Ndutu area from mid-March as access tracks become difficult.
Coast: Zanzibar’s east coast (Paje, Jambiani) is somewhat sheltered from the main rains and remains drier than the north and west coasts through most of March. Mafia Island is a good choice for whale sharks in early March before seas roughen.
Green Season Lodges: Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar Options for March
Serengeti (open year-round):
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (Seronera area) - solid mid-range option; open year-round; approximately USD 350–550 per person/night, full board
- Serengeti Sopa Lodge - value option near Seronera; approximately USD 200–320 per person/night, full board
- Olakira Migration Camp - seasonal, closes April; excellent late-March option; approximately USD 450–700 per person/night
Ngorongoro:
- &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge - luxury on the rim; approximately USD 1,000–1,400 per person/night, all-inclusive
- Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge - mid-range rim option; approximately USD 250–400 per person/night, full board
- Rhino Lodge (NCA) - budget rim option inside the conservation area; approximately USD 100–160 per person/night
What to Pack: Waterproof Jacket for Afternoon Showers, Insect Repellent as Rains Build
- Light safari clothing - afternoons can feel warm and humid as rains build
- Waterproof jacket and bag covers for afternoon and evening showers
- Insect repellent - mosquito activity increases with early rains
- Anti-malarial medication (malaria risk increases during rainy season)
- Binoculars - the lush green landscape means animals are slightly harder to spot
- Waterproof footwear or good bush boots
FAQs
Is March a good time to visit Tanzania? The first half of March is very good - essentially an extension of the short dry season with lower prices. The second half sees rain increasing, and some camps close. If you’re flexible, early March is excellent value.
Is it raining a lot in Tanzania in March? The long rains begin in mid-to-late March. Early March is often still dry. Once rains start, expect afternoon showers and occasional full-day rain. Roads in some areas (particularly Ndutu) become very muddy.
Should I avoid Tanzania in March? Not necessarily. Many experienced travellers prefer the green season for its lower prices, fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and good photography conditions. The wildlife is still there - just slightly harder to spot through denser vegetation.
For the safari circuit overview, see our Serengeti guide. For Mafia Island whale sharks, see our Mafia Island guide. Browse March Tanzania tours at green season prices, and compare travel insurance plans before you fly.
Plan Your Trip
Target the first 10–14 days of March for Ndutu calving conditions before the long rains arrive mid-month and tracks soften. The Kilimanjaro Marathon in Moshi falls in late February/early March - if you’re combining a summit attempt with race week, register several months ahead as places fill quickly. Green season discounts of 20–40% kick in from mid-March, making a Ngorongoro-only trip exceptional value for flexible dates. Tarangire elephants begin concentrating around Silale Swamp as seasonal waterholes dry up - a reliable fallback if rains arrive early.
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