Things to Do in Zimbabwe in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Zimbabwe
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Late-season wildlife viewing is genuinely excellent - waterholes are still concentrated enough that animals gather predictably, but you get that lush green backdrop that makes for stunning photos. Elephants at Hwange are particularly active around the pans in early mornings.
- Victoria Falls is at about 60-70% capacity in March, which is actually the sweet spot. You get the full width of the falls with enough water for that dramatic effect, but you can still see the rock face and individual cascades. The spray is manageable enough that Devil's Pool might still be operating early in the month.
- Accommodation prices drop significantly after the February half-term holidays end. You're looking at 25-35% lower rates compared to peak season, and you'll have far better availability at the top lodges without needing to book a year ahead.
- The landscape is absolutely transformed - everything is green, wildflowers are out, and migratory birds are still around. For photographers, the contrast between the verdant bush and wildlife is unbeatable. The light tends to be softer too with occasional cloud cover.
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms are a real consideration - they typically roll in between 2pm and 5pm, lasting 30-60 minutes with proper intensity. Game drives get cut short, and you'll need to plan indoor activities for late afternoons about half the time.
- It's the tail end of the rainy season, so some remote areas in Mana Pools and certain tracks in Hwange can be muddy or temporarily inaccessible. Self-drive safaris require a proper 4x4, and even then, you might find certain loops closed.
- Heat and humidity combined make midday pretty uncomfortable - 28°C (82°F) with 70% humidity feels closer to 33°C (91°F). You'll want to structure your days around early mornings and late afternoons, which means less flexibility in your schedule.
Best Activities in March
Victoria Falls guided tours and adventure activities
March is ideal for experiencing the Falls at what locals call the 'Goldilocks level' - not too full, not too empty. The flow is strong enough to feel the spray from 400m (1,312 ft) away, but visibility is still good and you can actually see the geological features. Early March might still allow Devil's Pool access before water levels get too high. The surrounding rainforest is at peak lushness from the spray, and you'll spot plenty of birds. Book morning slots when possible - afternoon storms can reduce visibility.
Hwange National Park game drives
The transition period between wet and dry seasons creates excellent viewing conditions. Animals are still concentrated around permanent water sources, making them predictable to find, but the landscape is green and photogenic. Elephants are particularly active in March, and you'll see plenty of young animals born during the rainy season. Morning drives from 6am-10am are most productive - animals are active before the heat sets in. The afternoon storms actually work in your favor for evening drives, as animals emerge to feed once the rain clears around 5:30pm.
Mana Pools walking safaris
March is actually one of the more interesting times for walking safaris if you don't mind the heat. The Zambezi River is high, vegetation is thick, and you'll encounter animals in different patterns than dry season. Walking guides are particularly skilled this time of year because tracking requires more expertise in the undergrowth. That said, some areas may be inaccessible due to mud, so confirm current conditions before booking. The experience is more about bushcraft and tracking skills than guaranteed big animal sightings.
Great Zimbabwe Monument cultural tours
The ancient stone ruins are spectacular in March when the surrounding hills are green and the weather is cooler than dry season. Morning visits between 8am-11am are ideal before the afternoon heat and potential storms. The site is never crowded this time of year, so you'll have areas almost to yourself. The 1.5km (0.9 mile) walking circuit through the ruins takes about 2-3 hours, and the moderate humidity actually makes it more comfortable than the scorching dry season heat.
Matobo Hills rock art and wildlife viewing
March brings out the best in Matobo - the granite kopjes are surrounded by green valleys, and the rock art sites are pleasantly cool in the morning. The park is home to both black and white rhino, and tracking them on foot with guides is one of Zimbabwe's most underrated experiences. The San rock paintings are best photographed in morning light when the sun angle brings out the ochre colors. Afternoon storms create dramatic skies over the boulder formations, though you'll want to be off the exposed rocks when lightning threatens.
Zambezi River canoeing and boat safaris
The Zambezi is full and fast in March, which changes the canoeing experience significantly from dry season. Multi-day canoe trails might be limited due to water levels, but half-day and full-day trips are excellent for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants coming to drink. Boat safaris offer a more relaxed way to experience the river, with excellent bird watching as migrants are still present. The riverine vegetation is lush, and you'll see more variety in animal behavior. Morning trips from 6am-10am avoid both the afternoon heat and storms.
March Events & Festivals
Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA)
If your March dates happen to align with late April, worth noting that HIFA is Zimbabwe's premier arts festival. However, it typically runs late April to early May, so most March visitors will miss it. That said, March is when the city starts buzzing with preparations, and you might catch preview performances or workshops at venues like Reps Theatre or the National Gallery.