Things to Do in Botswana in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Botswana
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season transformation - March sits right at the tail end of the rains, which means the Okavango Delta and northern wetlands are still lush and photogenic. Water levels are typically good through mid-March, creating those stunning reflection shots photographers love, and the vegetation hasn't dried out yet like it will by May or June.
- Lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists - March is solidly shoulder season, which translates to 20-35% lower lodge rates compared to peak dry season (July-October). You'll have waterholes and game viewing areas largely to yourself, and booking flexibility is much better. Many lodges offer last-minute deals that simply don't exist in high season.
- Excellent birding conditions - March is prime time for migratory species still present before heading north, plus resident species in breeding plumage. The mix of water availability and insect activity means you'll see species diversity at near-peak levels. Serious birders know March-April is actually better than the famous dry season months.
- Newborn wildlife viewing - Many antelope species drop their young in late summer (February-March), so you'll encounter plenty of baby impalas, kudus, and other herbivores. This attracts predators looking for easy meals, creating dynamic predator-prey interactions that make for compelling game drives.
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather patterns - March sits in that awkward transition between wet and dry seasons, which means you might get brilliant sunny days or sudden afternoon thunderstorms. The variability makes packing tricky, and occasional heavy rains can temporarily close certain roads or make game viewing more challenging when animals scatter into thick vegetation.
- Still some malaria risk in northern regions - The Okavango Delta, Chobe, and northern areas maintain higher malaria risk during and just after the rainy season. You'll need prophylaxis and proper precautions, whereas by June-July the risk drops considerably. Not a deal-breaker, but it requires medical planning.
- Some camps and mobile operators close - A handful of seasonal camps in the Delta shut down entirely during green season, and some mobile safari operators don't run March departures. Your lodge options are still extensive, but if you had your heart set on a specific property, worth checking their operating calendar before committing to March dates.
Best Activities in March
Okavango Delta mokoro excursions
March water levels in the Delta are still quite good, particularly in permanent channels and lagoons. The combination of water access and relatively few tourists means you'll glide through papyrus-lined channels in near-silence, spotting reed frogs, painted reed frogs, and water birds without the queue of mokoros you'd encounter in August. The vegetation is still green and lush, creating that classic Delta atmosphere. Morning excursions work best before any afternoon weather builds in.
Chobe River boat safaris
The Chobe River maintains excellent water levels through March, and the famous elephant herds are still concentrated along the riverfront. What makes March special is the lack of boat traffic - you'll often have entire stretches of river to yourself, particularly on afternoon cruises. The humidity brings out incredible sunset colors, and hippos are highly active. Afternoon storms occasionally roll in, but they're usually brief and create dramatic photography opportunities.
Walking safaris in private concessions
March temperatures are actually ideal for walking - warm but not the brutal heat of October-November. The morning hours (6am-9am) are particularly comfortable at 18-22°C (64-72°F). Vegetation is still thick enough to make tracking interesting, and guides can show you the smaller details tourists miss from vehicles - insects, tracks, medicinal plants. The Khwai and Linyanti areas offer excellent walking opportunities with lower predator densities than some regions, making them suitable for first-time walking safari participants.
Makgadikgadi Pans cultural experiences
March timing is interesting for the pans - if rains were good, you might catch the tail end of the flamingo breeding spectacle at Sua Pan, though this is variable year to year. What's more reliable is visiting local communities for cultural interactions without the tourist crowds. The Kalahari bushmen experiences in this region are more intimate in shoulder season, and you'll learn traditional tracking, plant knowledge, and survival skills. Temperatures are manageable for the exposed pan environment.
Self-drive camping in Moremi Game Reserve
March is actually one of the better months for self-drive camping if you're experienced and properly equipped. Campsite availability is excellent (unlike July-October when sites book out 11 months ahead), roads are generally passable though you'll want a proper 4x4, and you'll have camps largely to yourself. Third Bridge and Xakanaxa campsites offer genuine wilderness camping with good game viewing. Just be prepared for potential afternoon storms and pack accordingly.
Gaborone and Maun city exploration
If weather doesn't cooperate for safari activities, both Gaborone and Maun offer worthwhile urban experiences often overlooked by tourists. Gaborone's National Museum and Art Gallery provides excellent context on Botswana's history and contemporary art scene. Maun has grown into a proper safari hub with decent restaurants, craft markets, and the Nhabe Museum. March's warm temperatures make evening exploration comfortable, and you'll interact with locals rather than just tourists.
March Events & Festivals
Maitisong Festival
Gaborone's premier performing arts festival typically runs late March into early April, showcasing Botswana theatre, dance, music, and poetry. It's genuinely worth attending if your dates align - you'll see contemporary Botswana culture rather than just wildlife and traditional experiences. Performances happen at Maitisong Theatre and various venues around the capital. Tickets are affordable (50-150 pula) and it's popular with locals, giving you actual cultural immersion.