When to Visit Zimbabwe: March
March marks the gentle tapering of Zimbabwe’s rainy season — a month suspended between the lushness of the Emerald Season and the slow approach of drier days. The land is still cloaked in vivid green, rivers are flowing strong, and wildlife is beginning to shift patterns. It’s a month of transition, filled with soft light, fresh air, and the lingering rhythms of the rains. For those who seek a quieter, more introspective safari, March offers peace, color, and a sense of being truly immersed in the wilderness.
Weather in Zimbabwe in March
Rains begin to ease, but afternoon showers are still common. These often arrive in short, dramatic bursts followed by golden sunlight breaking through the clouds. Mornings are typically warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F). Humidity starts to drop slightly, and the air feels cleaner, crisper, as the rainy season slowly draws to a close.
The skies are some of the most photogenic of the year — layered with rolling clouds, gentle mist, and radiant sunsets that stretch across the horizon. March is a photographer’s dream, with soft, diffused light and vibrant landscapes.
Wildlife Viewing: Shifting Movements and Subtle Drama
March is not about high-density wildlife sightings, but about quiet, meaningful moments in nature. Vegetation remains thick, which can make spotting animals a challenge, but the reward lies in the atmosphere — in the contrast of elephants crossing green plains, in the sudden rustle of a predator hidden in tall grass, in the thrill of tracking rather than just seeing.
By this time, most antelope calves are a few weeks old and more mobile, moving in small herds across open areas. Predators are still active, particularly lions and hyenas, whose territories remain busy with young prey to watch.
Birding continues to shine in March. Migratory species prepare for departure, while local birds are still nesting and displaying bright breeding plumage. Wetlands are alive with movement and song — an auditory experience as much as a visual one.
Where to Go on Safari in March
Access to many remote parks remains limited, but Zimbabwe’s major safari destinations are still rewarding. Hwange National Park remains one of the best options, especially the southern and central regions where roads are more stable. Fewer visitors mean that every drive feels personal, and with experienced guides, the Green Season becomes an invitation to slow down and engage more deeply with the ecosystem.
Matobo Hills is also ideal during this month — not only for its cultural and spiritual significance, but for its dry terrain, which makes it more accessible than wetter parks. The dramatic granite scenery here contrasts beautifully with the lush surroundings of other parts of the country.
March is still a great value month. Lodges often offer reduced rates, and with the rains winding down, you can enjoy both the beauty of the wet season and the first signs of easier travel conditions.
Victoria Falls in March
March brings Victoria Falls close to its peak. The Zambezi River swells with power, and the Falls thunder with an intensity that fills the air and shakes the ground. The rainforest trail surrounding the falls is at its greenest, drenched in mist and alive with bird calls, dripping leaves, and the deep roar of cascading water.
It’s not just a view — it’s an experience. Expect to get soaked (ponchos are recommended), but also to be moved by the raw force of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Helicopter flights offer sweeping views of the water-carved gorge and flooded plains, while ground-level paths lead to breathtaking viewpoints with minimal crowds.
Why Visit Zimbabwe in March?
March is a quiet, soulful time to explore Zimbabwe. It’s not about chasing the Big Five — it’s about embracing the mood of the bush, the smell of damp earth, the wonder of a bird in full color, the sound of rain on a thatched roof. It’s about remembering the feeling of being part of something larger, quieter, and more alive.
If your safari dreams include reflection, beauty, and immersive landscapes, then March is the perfect time to begin or end your journey through Zimbabwe.