March is a month of change in Tanzania. Calving continues on the southern plains, the landscape is at its greenest, and the long rains usually begin later in the month. For travellers who do not mind some rain, March offers excellent wildlife, dramatic skies and fewer vehicles, often at better prices than the peak months.
This guide covers the weather, where the wildlife and the migration usually are in March, what the Ngorongoro Crater is like, crowds and prices, a sample itinerary and what to pack.
Tanzania in March at a glance
| March | |
|---|---|
| Weather | Warm and humid; long rains usually start mid to late month |
| Karatu | Warm days, mild nights, more cloud |
| Crater rim at dawn | Cool and often misty |
| Migration | Southern Serengeti and Ndutu; calving continues |
| Crowds | Moderate, falling through the month |
| Season at our lodge | High season |
Weather in March
Early March is often similar to February, warm with scattered showers. As the month goes on, the long rains usually set in, with heavier afternoon and evening storms. Mornings are frequently clear, which suits early game drives.
Altitude matters more than latitude in northern Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits at about 2,300 metres and is always cooler than Karatu, at about 1,500 metres, or the lower parks such as Tarangire. See our Ngorongoro weather guide and Karatu weather guide.
Wildlife and the Great Migration in March
Calving continues on the southern plains, with many young calves and active predators. Towards the end of the month, depending on the rains, the herds start to drift north-west. Birding is excellent, with migratory species present.
The migration follows the rain, so its position shifts a little from year to year. As a rough guide:
| Month | Where the herds usually are |
|---|---|
| January to March | Ndutu and southern Serengeti, calving |
| April to May | Moving through central Serengeti towards the west |
| June | Western Corridor, Grumeti River |
| July to October | Northern Serengeti, Mara River |
| November | Moving south through the east |
| December | Arriving in the south |
The Ngorongoro Crater in March
The crater is lush and quieter, with flamingos often on Lake Magadi when water levels are high. The rim can be misty in the mornings, and the descent roads are usually fine, though some floor tracks get muddy after heavy rain.
Wildlife lives on the crater floor all year, so the crater is a reliable highlight in any month. Read our complete Ngorongoro Crater guide.
Tarangire and Lake Manyara in March
Lake Manyara is green and full of birds. Tarangire is quiet and beautiful, though many large animals are outside the park. See our Tarangire guide and Lake Manyara guide.
Good to know for March
- Keep plans flexible. If heavy rain arrives, your guide may switch the order of parks to avoid muddy tracks.
- Mornings are your friend. Rain tends to fall later in the day, so early game drives are usually the clearest.
- Birding is excellent. European migrants are still present and many resident birds are in breeding plumage.
- Check camp opening dates. Some seasonal camps begin closing towards the end of the month.
Pros and cons of a safari in March
Why go
- Calving still underway
- Green scenery and dramatic skies
- Fewer vehicles than February
- Often better value
Things to know
- The long rains usually begin
- Some tracks become muddy
- Humidity rises
A sample March itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Arusha |
| 2 | Lake Manyara, then Karatu |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Crater |
| 4 and 5 | Ndutu and the southern Serengeti |
| 6 | Back to Karatu or fly out |
Two nights in Karatu gives you a relaxed crater day. Our lodge, The Retreat at Ngorongoro, is in the Tloma area of Karatu, 20 to 30 minutes from the crater gate. See our villas.
Easter
Easter sometimes falls in late March or April. It brings a short burst of visitors, especially from Europe, so check dates and book early if you are travelling over the holiday.
What to pack for March
A proper waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes, a warm layer for the rim and shoes that can get muddy. See our full safari packing list.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read about a Tanzania safari in February or a Tanzania safari in April.
Questions about a Tanzania safari in March
Is March a good time for a safari in Tanzania?
Yes, for calving, green scenery and fewer vehicles, if you are happy with some rain later in the month.
When do the long rains start in Tanzania?
Usually from mid to late March, peaking in April.
Where is the migration in March?
Mostly still in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, starting to move north-west by the end of the month.
Travelling in March? Check availability at The Retreat at Ngorongoro.
