Tanzania in March: Weather, Wildlife, and What to Expect

For the full year picture, see our best time to visit Tanzania guide.

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.

Weather in March

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.

Wildlife in March

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.

Events in March

• 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

Crowds and Pricing

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.

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)

Best Activities in March

1. Early-March Ndutu game drives — last chance for calving season predator action before the herds disperse
2. Seronera Valley, central Serengeti — the migration column passes through; resident lion prides highly active
3. Ngorongoro Crater descent — the green floor in March is spectacular; fewer crowds than peak months
4. Whale shark snorkelling, Mafia Island — final reliable month; book early in March for best chances
5. Green season photography — the lush March landscape offers different photographic conditions than the dry season

Where to Go in March

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.

Named Hotel Recommendations

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 for March

• 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.

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