Safaris in March

March often starts well before the long rains become more established. Wildlife remains present year-round, but showers increase and road conditions can vary. It can suit flexible travellers who prefer fewer vehicles and greener scenery over the most predictable weather.

We would choose between the Maasai Mara, its private conservancies, Laikipia and Amboseli according to the month's rainfall, wildlife movement and the level of exclusivity you want. Camp location matters as much as the country itself, particularly when migration timing or clear Kilimanjaro views are priorities.

March marks the start of the longer rainy season. Gorilla trekking continues, permits may be easier to secure and the forest is richly green, but trails can be slippery. Travellers should be comfortable with rain and allow sensible transfer time between regions.

Gorilla permits and the forest sector should be confirmed before the rest of the route. We also consider trail conditions, transfer times and whether chimpanzee trekking or a savannah safari in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls is worth adding, rather than treating Uganda as a single-day gorilla stop.

Botswana stays green, warm and relatively quiet. Birding remains excellent and many antelope species have young. Game is more dispersed than in the dry months, so guide quality and camp location matter more than simply covering many areas.

The Okavango is not one uniform destination. We pair water-focused and land-focused camps according to flood levels, then decide whether Chobe, Linyanti or the Makgadikgadi adds a genuinely different experience. In transitional months, choosing the right concession is more important than simply booking the Delta.