African Safari in March

Choosing the right parks is the most important decision for an African safari in March, because wildlife moves with the rains and every area has its own best season. In March, the southern Serengeti and Ndutu remain excellent while the herds are there, Ngorongoro Crater guarantees dense wildlife, and Tarangire and Lake Manyara are green, quiet and full of birds. The table below lists the best Tanzania national parks to visit in March, why each one works well this month and the highlight you can most look forward to. We combine these parks into one private, tailor-made route.

Every month in the African bush has its own character, and March brings several special moments that make a Tanzania safari truly memorable. March offers young calves, active predators, dramatic storm skies, lush scenery and fewer vehicles, with lower green-season rates at many lodges once the long rains begin later in the month. The two lists below sum up the main wildlife highlights and the practical travel highlights of an African safari in March. Use them to decide what matters most to you, then tell us, so we can build your private itinerary around the experiences you most want.

Tanzania's parks protect some of the richest wildlife in Africa, and what you see in March depends on rainfall, grazing and the breeding seasons of each species. In March, young wildebeest calves run beside their mothers on the southern plains, predators hunt close by, and resident wildlife in Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara is easy to find in green surroundings. The table below shows the key wildlife and birds to look out for in March, where to find them and what makes this month special. Sightings are never guaranteed, but private guides know where animals are likely to be.

Weather shapes every part of an African safari, from road conditions and animal movements to the clothes you pack. March starts warm and fairly dry, then becomes more humid as the long rains usually begin in the second half of the month, with heavier afternoon storms and cloudier skies in many areas. The table below shows typical March conditions in the main Tanzania safari areas, including daytime and night temperatures and the general chance of rain. Figures are approximate averages, and altitude makes a big difference: the Ngorongoro Crater rim is always much cooler than the lower Serengeti plains.

Knowing what a typical day looks like helps you picture your African safari and plan your energy, photography and rest time between game drives. In March, mornings are often clear and bright on the plains, while clouds build during the afternoon and dramatic storms can roll across the Serengeti towards evening. The steps below show what a typical day on an African safari in Tanzania in March is usually like, from the early wake-up call to dinner and stories by the campfire. Your private guide adapts the plan each day to the weather, the wildlife sightings and your interests.

1. Early startHead out in clear morning light.
2. Herds and calvesWatch young calves and the predators that follow them.
3. Bush breakfastEnjoy breakfast in the field or at camp.
4. Midday breakRest while clouds build in the warm afternoon.
5. Late driveLook for wildlife as storms clear and the light glows.
6. Dinner at campListen to the rain and the sounds of the bush.

An African safari in March is about much more than game drives, and many activities can be added to make your private Tanzania itinerary even richer and more varied. March suits game drives with young calves, a full day in Ngorongoro Crater, birdwatching in Lake Manyara, cultural visits near Karatu and Lake Eyasi, and a quieter safari with fewer vehicles. The steps below list the best things to do on an African safari in Tanzania in March, from wildlife experiences to culture, adventure and relaxation. We help you choose the right activities for your travel dates, fitness and interests.

1. Watch young calvesSpend time with the herds while they are in the south.
2. Explore NgorongoroSearch for rhino and lions in the crater.
3. Go birdwatchingEnjoy breeding birds in Lake Manyara and Tarangire.
4. Photograph stormsCapture dramatic skies over the plains.
5. Meet local communitiesVisit Mto wa Mbu or Lake Eyasi.
6. Relax in a lodgeEnjoy quieter lodges and attentive service.

There are many good reasons to choose Tanzania for an African safari in March, from the wildlife and landscapes to the value, the weather and the overall atmosphere in the national parks. March offers the last weeks of calving-season action in the south, green landscapes, superb light after storms, fewer vehicles and more attractive rates than the busy peak months of the year. The list below summarises the main reasons why travellers visit Tanzania in March. If these reasons match what you hope to experience, March could well be the perfect month for your private African safari adventure.

• Young calves and active predators in the south
• Lush, green landscapes
• Fewer vehicles than the peak months
• Start of lower green-season rates
• Excellent birdwatching
• Dramatic light for photography

Getting to an African safari in Tanzania is simpler than many travellers expect, with international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, the main gateway to the famous northern parks. In March, flying between parks saves time on wetter roads, while road journeys through Ngorongoro to the southern Serengeti remain possible with an experienced driver-guide and a sturdy 4x4. The steps below show how to get to your African safari in March, from booking your flights to reaching your first national park. We arrange all private airport transfers, domestic flights and road transfers, so every connection is smooth.

1. Fly to TanzaniaBook international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar for southern and beach trips.
2. Connect via a hubMost travellers connect through major hubs in the Middle East, Europe or Africa.
3. Get your entry documentsApply for your visa online before travel and check health and insurance rules.
4. Meet our teamWe meet you at the airport and transfer you to your Arusha hotel or lodge.
5. Reach the parksTravel by private 4x4 or by light aircraft to the parks on your route.

Packing well makes a big difference to your comfort on an African safari, especially because safari vehicles and light aircraft have limited space and strict luggage rules. March can be warm and humid with heavy afternoon rain later in the month, so pack quick-drying layers, a good rain jacket and waterproof covers for your camera and bags. The two lists below show what to pack for an African safari in March and the most useful packing tips for this month. Soft-sided bags are best, neutral colours are ideal on game drives, and many lodges offer a convenient laundry service.

Every month has its own advantages and drawbacks, and an honest view helps you decide whether March is the right time for your African safari in Tanzania. March combines young calves, green scenery and fewer visitors with good value, but heavier rain usually arrives later in the month and some roads and tracks become muddy. The two lists below set out the main pros and cons of a Tanzania safari in March, based on our guides' experience in the parks. Most travellers find that the advantages clearly outweigh the few drawbacks, especially with good planning and a private guide.

Health and entry planning is an important part of every African safari, whatever the month you choose to travel to Tanzania. In March, the arrival of the long rains increases mosquito activity, so malaria prevention, insect repellent and long sleeves in the evening are especially important throughout your safari. The table below summarises the key points on health, safety, malaria, vaccinations and entry requirements for Tanzania. Rules can change, so always check official government sources and speak to a travel health clinic about six to eight weeks before you travel; this guide is general information, not personal medical advice.

Knowing what to expect helps you set the right expectations and enjoy every day of your African safari to the full. In March, the parks become quieter, the first green-season rates appear, some remote roads become muddy and a few seasonal camps start preparing to close for the long rains. The table below explains what to expect on a Tanzania safari in March, including visitor numbers, prices, road conditions, daylight and lodge availability. Our local team in Arusha shares up-to-date advice before you travel, so you arrive well prepared, relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment of your safari.

Where you stay has a really big influence on your private African safari, because the right location means shorter game drives and more quality time with the wildlife you came to see. In March, lodges in Ndutu and the southern Serengeti stay close to the herds, while permanent lodges in Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara offer comfort and good value. The table below shows the main types of safari accommodation for an African safari in March, where to stay and what to consider this month. Every lodge and camp we use is chosen for location, comfort, service and value.

Planning a private African safari is straightforward with a local team that knows the parks, lodges and seasons in Tanzania really well. March is a good month for travellers who want calves, fewer vehicles and better value, and booking a few months ahead secures the best lodges near the herds. The steps below show how to plan and book an African safari in March with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris, from your first enquiry to the day you arrive. Every itinerary is private and tailor-made, and your first enquiry is always completely free and without obligation of any kind.

1. Share your dates and wishesTell us your travel dates, budget and the experiences you want most.
2. Receive a tailored itineraryWe suggest the best parks and lodges for March.
3. Refine the detailsAdjust the route, accommodation and activities until it feels right.
4. Confirm and prepareSecure your booking and receive practical travel advice.
5. Enjoy your safariTravel with your private guide and our local support team.

The cost of an African safari in March depends on your travel style, the number of days, the parks you visit and the type of accommodation and transport you choose. March is a shoulder month, so rates near the herds can still be high early on, while many lodges switch to lower green-season rates later in the month. The table below shows typical per-person, per-day price ranges for a private Tanzania safari in March, based on two people travelling together and sharing a room. Prices are a general guide only, so please ask us for an exact, free quote.