The Serengeti in March.

Wildlife in March

The first two weeks still feel like February — late calves on the ground in the south, predators well-fed and visible, herds beginning to drift north-west out of Ndutu toward Moru Kopjes and the central Serengeti. From mid-month the long rains start to set in and the herd accelerates north. By late March the leading edge is around Seronera and pushing toward the western corridor; the trailing edge is still on the southern plains. Predator action remains exceptional because calves are vulnerable for another month. Central Serengeti gets quieter and better — leopard along the Seronera and Mbalageti rivers, lion prides on Maasai Kopjes, cheetah on the open Moru plains. Tarangire is still in its wet dispersal and Lake Manyara birding is at its breeding-plumage peak. In the south, Nyerere/Selous and Ruaha begin their shoulder — green, lush, fewer vehicles.

Whatever the season, Serengeti game viewing is strong year-round — resident lion, elephant, leopard, hippo and buffalo populations don't migrate. March simply changes the spectacle.

Weather and what to pack

Heat builds and humidity climbs as the long rains approach. Mornings 18-20°C, midday 30-33°C. The first half of the month often runs dry; the second half typically gets the first sustained afternoon storms, which can drop 30-60mm in a few hours. Roads on the short-grass plains hold up; black-cotton mud sections start to appear by month-end. Pack a proper rain shell (not just a windbreaker), quick-dry trousers, closed waterproof shoes for camp, and a small dry-bag for camera gear. Bring layers for cool dawns and breathable shirts for hot middays.

We send a tailored packing list with your booking confirmation — by month, by region, and by lodge type. See our full Tanzania packing guide for the long version.

Park-by-park in March

What's actually happening across the wider Tanzanian circuit this month — beyond the Serengeti migration line.

Ndutu / southern Serengeti

First half still strong on calving spillover. Second half: herds moving north.

Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Leopard along the river systems; lion on Maasai Kopjes. Migration arriving by mid-month.

Lake Manyara

Birding at breeding-plumage peak. Good half-day add-on.

Tarangire

Wet dispersal. Possible but not yet strong.

Kilimanjaro routes

Climbing windows narrow toward end of month; Machame/Lemosho get muddy.

Recommended itineraries for March

For travelers visiting the Serengeti in March, these are our most-booked options. Each is private — your own guide and Land Cruiser.

• Most balanced
  5-Day Northern Circuit
• Most-booked
  7-Day Classic Tanzania

If Marchdoesn't work

Tarangire is still in its wet dispersal — possible but not strong. Lake Manyara birding is at its breeding-plumage peak and works as a half-day add-on. Ruaha and Nyerere/Selous are in their green shoulder with dramatic skies and very few vehicles — a smart south-circuit option if you've already done the north. Skip Kilimanjaro climbing from mid-month onward; trail mud on Machame and Lemosho gets serious as the long rains move in. Zanzibar weather holds reliably through early March.

Frequently asked

Is March a good time to visit the Serengeti?

A sweet spot: post-peak pricing on some lodges, excellent game, dust settling under early showers. The season is short dry and crowding is shoulder.

Where is the migration in March?

In March, the migration herds are typically at the Central Serengeti / Seronera.

What's the weather like in March?

Heat builds and humidity climbs as the long rains approach. Mornings 18-20°C, midday 30-33°C. The first half of the month often runs dry; the second half typically gets the first sustained afternoon storms, which can drop 30-60mm in a few hours. Roads on the short-grass plains hold up; black-cotton mud sections start to appear by month-end. Pack a proper rain shell (not just a windbreaker), quick-dry trousers, closed waterproof shoes for camp, and a small dry-bag for camera gear. Bring layers for cool dawns and breathable shirts for hot middays.

How far ahead should I book a March safari?

Shoulder season — book 4-6 months ahead. Early-March (first two weeks) is the best-value window in the southern Serengeti and is worth booking by November the year before.

If March is fully booked, when else should I consider?

Tarangire is still in its wet dispersal — possible but not strong. Lake Manyara birding is at its breeding-plumage peak and works as a half-day add-on. Ruaha and Nyerere/Selous are in their green shoulder with dramatic skies and very few vehicles — a smart south-circuit option if you've already done the north. Skip Kilimanjaro climbing from mid-month onward; trail mud on Machame and Lemosho gets serious as the long rains move in. Zanzibar weather holds reliably through early March.