Things to Do in Botswana in March

March Weather in Botswana

32°C (90°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

90 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Green season peak - The Okavango Delta and Chobe floodplains are at their most lush and photogenic after months of summer rain. Water levels are rising but not yet at flood stage, creating mirror-like reflections perfect for photography. Vegetation is vibrant emerald green instead of the dry-season browns.
Lowest accommodation rates of the year - March sits in true low season before Easter holidays. Expect 30-40% discounts at lodges compared to peak July-October rates. A safari camp charging USD 800 per night in August drops to USD 480-550 in March. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best selection at discounted rates.
Excellent birding season - Over 450 migratory species present, including carmine bee-eaters, woodland kingfishers, and European rollers. Breeding plumage is at its most spectacular. Birdwatchers record 120-150 species in a single day compared to 80-100 in dry season.
Fewer vehicles at sightings - With tourist numbers 60% lower than peak season, you'll often have animal sightings to yourself. No queues of 8-12 vehicles at leopard or lion kills like in August. The sense of wilderness solitude is genuine.

Considerations

Challenging game viewing conditions - Tall grass (1.5-2 m or 5-6.5 ft high) and thick foliage obscure animals. Predators are harder to spot. Water everywhere means animals disperse across vast areas rather than concentrating at permanent water sources. You'll see fewer species per game drive than dry season, though what you do see will be in pristine surroundings.
Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt schedules - Storms typically build between 2-5 PM and last 45-90 minutes. Lightning forces game drives back to camp for safety. You'll lose 1-2 hours of prime afternoon viewing time on 8-10 days of your trip. Morning drives (6-10 AM) are more reliable.
Some remote areas become inaccessible - Seasonal pans in Makgadikgadi and parts of the Central Kalahari turn to mud. Certain 4x4 tracks close. A few mobile safari operations don't run in March. The far northern Okavango channels may have low water still, limiting mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions until April-May flood waters arrive.

Best Activities in March

Chobe National Park game drives focusing on elephant herds

March offers the paradox of challenging but rewarding game viewing. Chobe's elephant population (50,000+ animals) concentrates along the riverfront where you'll see herds of 100-300 animals. The lush vegetation means you trade easy predator sightings for dramatic landscapes and excellent elephant, buffalo, and hippo encounters. Morning drives (6-10 AM) are most productive before heat and afternoon storms. The green backdrop makes for stunning photography that dry-season visitors never experience. Water levels are perfect - high enough for boat safaris but not flood-stage.

Booking Tip: Book game drive packages 8-10 weeks ahead for March low-season rates, typically USD 400-600 per person per day including accommodation, meals, and two daily game drives. Morning drives are more reliable than afternoon due to storms. Look for lodges offering flexible scheduling to maximize clear-weather viewing time. See current safari options in the booking section below.

Okavango Delta mokoro excursions and walking safaris

March sits in the transition period before the annual flood arrives (peaks June-August). Water levels are moderate, creating ideal conditions for mokoro trips through narrow channels without the crowds. The Delta is brilliantly green, birds are nesting, and you'll pole through water lily gardens in full bloom. Walking safaris are exceptional - soft ground shows fresh tracks clearly, and the 20°C (68°F) morning temperatures make 2-3 hour walks comfortable. You'll focus on smaller details: frogs, insects, bird nests, and fresh predator signs rather than guaranteed big game.

Booking Tip: Delta experiences typically cost USD 500-750 per person per day all-inclusive. Book 10-12 weeks ahead as the best camps have limited capacity. Confirm your camp's water levels for March - some areas need another month for channels to fill. Choose operators offering both mokoro and walking options to diversify your experience. Check the booking widget below for current availability.

Makgadikgadi Pans cultural experiences and landscape photography

March transforms the pans from white salt flats into shallow seasonal lakes attracting thousands of flamingos. The dramatic skies with towering thunderhead clouds create photographer's dream conditions - the flat horizon and mirror-like water reflections are impossible to replicate in dry season. This is prime time to visit local villages and learn about traditional salt harvesting before the April harvest begins. Temperatures are hot (32°C or 90°F) but the stark beauty is worth it. Avoid driving onto the pans themselves - mud traps are real and expensive to extract from.

Booking Tip: Guided cultural and photography tours typically range USD 150-250 per person for full-day experiences from Gweta or Maun. Book 2-3 weeks ahead. Ensure your operator has wet-season experience and appropriate 4x4 vehicles. Morning and late afternoon offer best light and cooler temperatures. See available tours in the booking section below.

Maun and Kasane birding tours

March is peak birding season with migrants still present and residents in breeding plumage. Maun's sewage ponds (unglamorous but productive) host 80-100 species in a morning. The Chobe riverfront near Kasane offers African skimmers, rock pratincoles, and carmine bee-eaters nesting in riverbanks. Serious birders can record 200+ species in a week-long trip. The humidity and green vegetation create perfect conditions for spotting colorful species. Early morning tours (6-9 AM) before heat builds are most productive.

Booking Tip: Specialized birding guides cost USD 100-180 per day for private tours. Book 3-4 weeks ahead, especially if you want guides familiar with migrant identification. Bring your own optics - rental quality varies. Half-day tours (4 hours) are sufficient for casual birders and typically cost USD 60-90 per person. Current birding tour options available in the booking widget below.

Gaborone city tours and cultural centers

March's afternoon storms make Gaborone's museums and cultural centers ideal rainy-day options. The National Museum and Art Gallery, Botswana Craft marketing outlet, and Maitisong Cultural Centre offer air-conditioned respites. The city is genuinely uncrowded in March - you'll have galleries to yourself. This is when locals focus on indoor activities too, so you'll find better restaurant availability and more authentic interactions. Morning markets (6-10 AM) are vibrant before the heat. Gaborone sits at 1,000 m (3,280 ft) elevation, making it slightly cooler than the lowveld parks.

Booking Tip: City tours typically cost USD 80-120 per person for half-day experiences including transport, guide, and entry fees. Book 1-2 weeks ahead or arrange on arrival through your accommodation. Public transport is limited, so guided tours or rental cars are practical. Many attractions close by 5 PM, so plan morning and early afternoon activities. See current city tour options below.

Central Kalahari game viewing for predators and desert-adapted species

March is controversial for the Kalahari - some operators close due to muddy conditions, but those who stay open offer extraordinary experiences. The desert blooms after summer rains, attracting huge springbok and gemsbok herds, which draw predators. Black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, and brown hyenas are active. The challenge is accessibility - some pans become impassable. But if you're with experienced operators using proper equipment, you'll see a side of the Kalahari that peak-season visitors miss entirely. Morning temperatures around 20°C (68°F) make game walks possible.

Booking Tip: Central Kalahari safaris cost USD 450-650 per person per day all-inclusive. Book 10-14 weeks ahead and confirm your operator runs March departures - many don't. Require confirmation of 4x4 capability and satellite communication (no cell coverage). Flights into private airstrips avoid muddy road access issues but add USD 300-400 per person. Check booking options in the widget below for operators with March availability.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Maitisong Festival (if scheduled)

Gaborone's premier performing arts festival occasionally runs in late March, featuring theater, dance, music, and poetry from Southern African artists. The nine-day festival transforms the capital's cultural scene with evening performances at indoor venues - perfect for storm-season scheduling. Check current year dates as timing varies between late March and early April. Tickets range USD 5-15 per performance. This is your chance to experience contemporary Botswana arts scene beyond tourist-oriented cultural villages.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - Afternoon thunderstorms drop 10-25 mm (0.4-1 inch) in 45-90 minutes. You need waterproof protection, not just water-resistant. Packable styles work for game drive vehicles with limited space.

Neutral-colored clothing in technical fabrics - Khaki, olive, brown, or tan in moisture-wicking synthetics or merino wool. Cotton stays damp in 70% humidity. You'll need 2-3 complete outfits as laundry takes 24 hours to dry in humid conditions. Most lodges provide same-day laundry service.

Serious sun protection - SPF 50+ sunscreen (mineral-based won't run into eyes when sweating), wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. The UV index of 8 means 15 minutes unprotected causes sunburn. Reapply every 2 hours during game drives in open vehicles.

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - March's humidity and standing water increase mosquito populations. Malaria risk is present year-round in northern Botswana (Chobe, Okavango). Apply repellent to exposed skin and consider treating clothing with permethrin before your trip.

Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) - Essential for game viewing when animals are 50-100 m (165-330 ft) away in tall grass. Waterproof models handle the humidity better. Shared binoculars mean you'll miss the moment while waiting your turn.

Headlamp with red light setting - Camps run on generators that shut down at 10-11 PM. You'll need hands-free light for navigating to your tent and nighttime bathroom trips. Red light preserves night vision for stargazing and doesn't disturb wildlife.

Lightweight long sleeves and pants for evenings - Temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) after sunset, and mosquitoes are most active at dusk. Long sleeves also protect from sun during midday game drives. Quick-dry fabrics are essential.

Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots - For walking safaris on muddy trails and uneven terrain. Ankle support matters when walking 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) through bush. Waterproof is ideal but not essential if you have quick-dry footwear.

Dust bags for camera equipment - The paradox of March is muddy roads create dust inside vehicles when dry patches appear. Protect camera gear with sealable bags. Bring lens cleaning cloths as humidity causes condensation on optics.

Power bank (10,000+ mAh capacity) - Remote camps have limited charging times (generator hours only). You'll need backup power for phones, cameras, and e-readers. Bring appropriate plug adapters for UK-style outlets (Type D and G).

Insider Knowledge

Book morning game drives preferentially - Local guides know afternoon storms roll in between 2-5 PM on 60-70% of March days. The 6-10 AM window offers 4 hours of uninterrupted viewing with better animal activity in cooler temperatures. Afternoon drives often get cut short, returning to camp when lightning appears.

Negotiate multi-night stays for better rates - Lodges have empty beds in March and prefer guests staying 3-4 nights over single-night bookings. You can often negotiate 10-15% additional discount beyond published low-season rates when booking directly for stays of 3+ nights. Email lodges directly after checking online rates.

Target the last week of March for driest conditions - Early March still sees regular heavy rains. The final 7-10 days of the month typically have fewer rainy days (6-7 instead of 10-12) as the season transitions toward April. This timing also avoids any Easter holiday price increases if Easter falls in early April.

Bring cash in US dollars or Pula - ATMs in Maun and Kasane work reliably, but once you're in parks, it's cash only for tips and incidental purchases. USD bills (2013 or newer, no tears or marks) are accepted at most lodges at roughly 1:1 with official rates. Expect to tip guides USD 10-15 per person per day and camp staff USD 5-10 per person per day.

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting dry-season game viewing density - March visitors who've seen BBC documentaries filmed in September arrive expecting animals everywhere. You'll see 40-60% fewer species per drive due to dispersal and thick vegetation. Adjust expectations to appreciate the dramatically different green-season experience rather than feeling disappointed.

Packing only for hot weather - Yes, days hit 32°C (90°F), but mornings start at 20°C (68°F) and open game drive vehicles create wind chill. First-timers shiver through 6 AM game drives wearing only t-shirts. Bring a fleece or light jacket for early mornings - you'll remove it by 8 AM but need it initially.

Booking the same itinerary as peak season - Some camps close, certain roads become impassable, and activity options differ in March. Trying to replicate a July itinerary leads to disappointment. Work with operators who specialize in green-season travel and design March-appropriate routes focusing on accessible areas with reliable game viewing.