Best Places to Visit in Botswana in March

Summary: March in Botswana is a time of lush transformation, making it ideal for birdwatching and photography in the Central Kalahari, the Makgadikgadi Pans, and the Okavango Delta. While seasonal rains can make some tracks challenging, the landscape flourishes with greenery and surface water, drawing abundant wildlife to the revitalised northern interior.

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Botswana in March: at a glance

• The Central Kalahari Game Reserve for travellers prioritising wide, open vistas and the sight of desert-adapted species in a green, rejuvenated landscape.

• The Makgadikgadi Pans for those seeking the visual drama of vast, flooded salt flats reflecting the sky.

• The Okavango Delta for birdwatchers who want to view thousands of migratory species attracted to the seasonal inland waters.

• Chobe National Park for visitors focused on large elephant herds congregating near the permanent riverfront.

Is March a good time to visit Botswana?

March represents the tail end of the wet season, a period that shifts the character of Botswana from a parched wilderness into a vivid, thriving ecosystem. It is an excellent time for those who prefer fewer crowds and a dramatic change in scenery, as the landscape is often thick with vegetation and wildflowers.

However, the month requires flexibility; intermittent rains can impact the accessibility of remote tracks, particularly in the deep interior. It is not the optimal month for travellers seeking the classic, dusty Big Five safari experience, as dense foliage can make spotting wildlife more difficult than during the arid winter months.

Instead, it is a period for those who appreciate the cycle of life in the bush and the intense, lively atmosphere of a country recovering from the heat.

Weather in Botswana in March

The weather in March is typically warm, with days that feature a mix of bright sunshine and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity is higher than in the dry winter, contributing to the lush growth seen across the northern and central regions.

While the air remains warm throughout the day, the moisture in the ground and air creates a cooling effect in the evenings. Northern Botswana, including the Chobe and Okavango regions, experiences more frequent precipitation compared to the more arid southern deserts.

Travellers should expect shifting conditions, where clear blue skies can rapidly transition to heavy, short-lived downpours that refresh the dusty pans and riverbanks.

Best places to visit in Botswana in March

1. Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari is a vast, ancient landscape that undergoes a significant transformation in March. As the summer rains taper off, the desert plains are covered in tall, nutritious grasses, attracting large herds of springbok, gemsbok, and wildebeest.

Unlike the dry season, when animals remain near permanent water sources, the grazing in March allows wildlife to roam across the expansive fossil river valleys. For the visitor, this means a more dispersed safari experience where the scale of the environment is the primary draw.

The clear air after a storm provides exceptional conditions for photography, with the stark, golden light of the Kalahari contrasting against the deep green shrubbery.

2. Makgadikgadi Pans

In March, the Makgadikgadi Pans are far from the arid, cracked salt flats seen in later months. The seasonal rainfall pools on the surface of the pans, turning the desert floor into a vast, shallow mirror that reflects the horizon.

This phenomenon attracts large flocks of flamingos and other migratory waterbirds, which arrive to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. It is a surreal and quiet place to witness the resilience of the ecosystem.

Visitors can explore the edges of the pans, where the transition from desert to flooded grassland provides a unique perspective on the power of the seasonal water cycle.

3. The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta remains a core destination in March, though it is a time of transition. The water levels within the channels are beginning to rise as the floodwaters from the distant highlands slowly make their way south. Birdlife is at its peak, with lively plumage and constant activity in the trees and reeds.

It is a time for quiet observation rather than high-speed searching. Motorised boat trips allow for access into the deeper channels, where the lush, overgrown banks provide a sanctuary for crocodiles, hippos, and tree-dwelling species that are often obscured during the winter months.

4. Chobe National Park

Chobe is renowned for its high concentration of elephants, and even in the wetter months, the Chobe River acts as a reliable magnet for wildlife. In March, the riverfront is a hive of activity, with herds moving through the verdant plains that border the water.

The surrounding forest areas are dense and green, which can make spotting smaller predators like leopards a challenge, but the sheer volume of elephant and buffalo activity along the riverfront remains consistent. The park is well-connected, making it a reliable base for those who prefer a more structured experience with consistent sightings despite the weather.

5. Moremi Game Reserve

Situated on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is an area of varied topography, from mopane woodland to permanent swamps. In March, the reserve is exceptionally beautiful, with wildflowers punctuating the landscape and the smell of damp earth and blooming scrub filling the air.

Navigating the reserve requires a cautious approach due to the mud, but the reward is the sight of the Delta in its most fertile state. Predators such as lions and spotted hyenas are active in the area, often using the thicker cover to their advantage, providing an element of suspense to any drive.

6. Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan is defined by its open grassland and ancient, fossilised acacia forests. In March, the pans are green and lush, drawing in migratory herds that migrate north from the Central Kalahari to graze on the short, sweet grasses.

The park is known for its quiet, desolate atmosphere, which feels particularly pronounced after a heavy rain shower when the landscape is freshly washed. It is an ideal spot for those interested in the social dynamics of antelope herds and the quieter, less-trafficked side of Botswana’s conservation areas.

7. Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

Linyanti is a private concession area located in the northern reaches of the country. In March, the dense vegetation provides a sense of seclusion that is harder to find in public parks.

The river systems and marshes here are lively and full of life, offering a prime location to spot rare bird species that thrive in the wet season. The reserve is less impacted by mass tourism, allowing for a more intimate observation of animal behaviour.

As the ground is soft, many lodges here focus on water-based activities or shorter, focused drives, allowing guests to take in the intricate details of the bush.

8. Tuli Block

The Tuli Block, located in the eastern corner of Botswana, features a landscape of rugged basalt rock, towering baobabs, and riverine forests. March brings a splash of colour to the area, as the late-summer rains leave the trees and bush in lush, green growth.

The Limpopo River defines the boundary, and in March, the water levels are usually steady. The area is particularly famous for its unique rock formations and the history embedded in its landscapes.

It is a more compact destination, suitable for travellers who prefer to combine game viewing with historical interest and a more varied, less flat terrain.

9. Khama Rhino Sanctuary

This community-based project serves as an important refuge for rhino populations in the eastern part of the country. Visiting in March allows travellers to support a smaller, conservation-led initiative during a period when the reserve is thriving with new life.

The sanctuary is manageable in size, which makes it an excellent choice for a short visit. The lush grass of March makes for a peaceful setting to watch the rhinos and other plains game, such as zebra and wildebeest, as they graze in the open areas between the thicker, wetter scrubland.

10. Gaborone and the South

The capital and its surroundings offer a contrast to the wild northern reaches of the country. In March, the city is surrounded by green hills, and the nearby Gaborone Game Reserve provides a quick, accessible way to see a variety of wildlife without the need for extensive travel into the interior.

The Mokolodi Nature Reserve, just south of the city, is also a worthy visit for those interested in conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. It is a practical choice for travellers who wish to ground their trip with a mix of urban amenities and easily reachable, smaller-scale natural excursions.

Planning and packing for March

When planning a trip to Botswana in March, choose your base carefully based on your tolerance for muddy tracks and remote travel. The northern reserves are best accessed via fly-in transfers during this period to avoid the logistical difficulties of driving on flooded roads.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing that can dry quickly, as the humidity can be high and the likelihood of rain is ever-present. Include a high-quality waterproof jacket and a reliable pair of walking boots with good grip for muddy terrain.

A pair of binoculars is essential for the birdwatching opportunities that dominate the month, and neutral-coloured layers will help you blend into the lively, green bush. Remember to pack insect repellent, as the moisture levels in March can increase the presence of mosquitoes compared to the dry winter.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to go on a safari in Botswana in March?

Yes, safaris remain active in March. While the foliage is denser and the ground can be soft, the wildlife is still present and the landscape is arguably at its most beautiful. Focus on regions like the Chobe riverfront or private concessions where logistics are better managed during the wetter months.

Will I be able to see the 'Big Five' in March?

You can see the Big Five, but the experience differs from the dry season. The abundance of surface water means animals do not need to congregate at predictable waterholes, and the thick bush provides more cover. Persistence and local knowledge are key to successful sightings during this time.

Is the Okavango Delta flooded in March?

The Delta begins to receive its seasonal floodwaters in March, though this process is gradual. You will see more water in the channels than in the winter months, which changes the character of the Delta from a dry landscape to a lush, aquatic mosaic suitable for boat-based exploration.

Do I need to worry about malaria in March?

Botswana is a malaria-risk area, and the risk can be higher during the wet season due to increased mosquito activity. Consult a medical professional well before your departure to discuss appropriate preventative measures, as these are recommended for most parts of the country throughout the year.

How do I travel between destinations in March?

Light aircraft transfers are the most reliable way to navigate between remote camps and lodges in March, as they bypass the mud and water that can make ground travel difficult. If you are self-driving, ensure you have a robust 4x4 vehicle and check local conditions daily.

Are the parks crowded in March?

March is outside the peak tourist season, meaning you will generally encounter fewer people in the national parks. This allows for a more solitary experience, though popular areas near the riverbanks may still see activity from other travellers.

What is the main advantage of visiting in March?

The primary advantage is the dramatic transformation of the landscape. The country is lush, green, and full of birdlife. It is a photographer's dream, offering rich colours and unique wildlife interactions that are not possible during the harsh, dusty conditions of the mid-year dry season.

How does March compare to the dry season?

The dry season is best for consistent, high-density wildlife sightings, while March is for those who appreciate the beauty of the bush in its most fertile state. If your goal is to see as much game as possible with minimal effort, choose the dry season; if you want to witness the cycle of the ecosystem, choose March.

Final thoughts

For a trip defined by the raw, green beauty of the landscape and exceptional birding, choose the Okavango Delta. The rising waters and lush environment create a sensory-rich experience that contrasts sharply with the arid interior.

If your priority is seeing large herds of plains game against a backdrop of desert, the Central Kalahari offers a more expansive and solitary experience. Both provide a genuine look at the country during its most vital, life-affirming season.

Weather, opening times and transport details in this guide were correct as far as we could check. Always confirm directly before you travel.

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