March in Botswana marks the quiet turning point between the lush vibrancy of the green season and the drier months to come. The rains begin to ease, the skies soften, and the landscapes stretch out beneath golden light — a wilderness caught between abundance and retreat. This transition brings with it a beautiful balance: wildlife sightings become easier again, yet the drama, color, and solitude of the wet season still linger.

It is a time of calm clarity — when the air feels fresh, the sunsets linger longer, and the wildlife seems to move with purpose. The bush is still rich and green, but visibility improves as grasses begin to thin and puddles shrink, drawing animals slowly back toward permanent water sources.

Wildlife in Motion

As the earth dries out, wildlife movements become more predictable. The zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan begins to thin out as herds drift northward, but it still offers powerful sightings — dust trails in the morning light, striped silhouettes on the horizon, and the ever-present tension of predator and prey.

Young antelope, now several weeks old, are stronger and more active, creating fast-paced, energetic encounters. Predators remain close, ever-watchful. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs take advantage of the improved visibility, and March often offers photographers and safari-lovers the best of both worlds: lush backdrops with clearer views.

Okavango Delta Awakening

Though floodwaters from Angola won’t fully arrive until May or June, March begins the anticipation. Channels deepen slowly, and boat safaris — particularly in the permanent water regions of the Delta — take on a dreamlike quality. The Okavango becomes quieter, calmer, and increasingly atmospheric.

This is also an excellent month for walking safaris, particularly in the drier areas of the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi. The temperatures remain pleasant, and the terrain is still soft and fresh from the recent rains.

Birdsong and Sky Magic

While some migratory birds begin their departure, many species are still present, making March a lingering encore to Botswana’s birding peak. The calls are softer now, less about courtship and more about departure — a quieter soundtrack, but no less beautiful.

And then there are the skies. In March, they tell stories — of far-off rains, of parting seasons. Thunderheads may still build in the afternoons, but more often, the skies stretch open and wide, giving way to stargazing nights and sunsets painted with every hue of memory.

Serenity, Comfort, and Value

March retains the quiet charm of the green season but with even greater comfort. Roads become more accessible, travel between regions is easier, and wildlife viewing begins to sharpen. Lodges still offer green season rates, meaning luxury and seclusion remain deeply accessible.

But more than that, March in Botswana gives you the space to reflect. It invites you to slow down, breathe in the silence, and remember what it feels like to be part of something wild, beautiful, and fleeting.