Things to Do in Kenya in March

March Weather in Kenya

25°C (77°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect safari weather - March marks the start of the long dry season with minimal rainfall (51mm/2 inches) and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing as vegetation thins out
Calving season in Masai Mara - wildebeest give birth to over 500,000 calves between January-March, creating incredible predator-prey action and photography opportunities
Ideal temperatures for outdoor activities - daytime highs of 25°C (77°F) and cool evenings at 16°C (61°F) make walking safaris and camping comfortable
Lower tourist volumes compared to peak season (July-October) mean better wildlife viewing without crowded vehicles and easier accommodation bookings at 20-30% lower rates

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - March sits between seasons with occasional unexpected heavy downpours that can make dirt roads in conservancies temporarily impassable
Some migratory birds have departed - March sees the end of the European winter migrant season, reducing bird diversity by approximately 40% compared to December-February
Dust levels increase significantly - as the dry season begins, fine red dust becomes pervasive, requiring daily cleaning of camera equipment and causing discomfort for those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in March

Masai Mara Wildlife Drives

March offers exceptional game viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources and the calving season brings predator activity to peak levels. Dry weather means reliable road access to remote areas typically cut off during rains. Early morning drives (6-9am) are ideal as temperatures remain cool at 18°C (64°F) and animals are most active.

Booking Tip: Book conservancy access 3-4 weeks ahead for best rates (typically $400-600 per person per day). Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and professional naturalist guides. Reference booking widget for current safari packages with conservancy fees included.

Mount Kenya Trekking

March provides the clearest mountain weather with minimal cloud cover and virtually no rainfall above 3,000m (9,843ft). Daytime temperatures at base camps reach comfortable 15°C (59°F) while nights drop to 5°C (41°F) - perfect for alpine trekking without extreme cold. The Sirimon-Chogoria traverse offers spectacular views of the glaciers before they shrink further.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 2-3 weeks ahead through Kenya Wildlife Service registered operators (typically $300-500 for 4-day Point Lenana climb). Ensure operators provide proper high-altitude gear and experienced mountain guides.

Amboseli Elephant Encounters

March's clear skies provide stunning Kilimanjaro backdrops for elephant photography, with the mountain visible 80% of mornings before afternoon clouds form. Large elephant herds concentrate around Amboseli's permanent swamps as seasonal water sources dry up, offering close encounters. The dry ground creates dramatic dust cloud photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead during calving season (typically $350-450 per day including park fees). Choose operators with professional photography guides familiar with elephant behavior patterns. Early morning game drives mandatory for Kilimanjaro views.

Lake Nakuru Flamingo Viewing

March water levels create ideal conditions for massive flamingo concentrations - often over 1 million birds create a pink carpet effect best viewed from Baboon Cliff viewpoint. The dry weather means excellent road access around the entire lake perimeter and clear photography conditions without rain interference.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Nairobi work well (typically $200-300 including transport and park fees). Book 1-2 weeks ahead with operators providing professional bird identification guides. Afternoon visits offer better flamingo activity as temperatures rise to 24°C (75°F).

Diani Beach Dhow Sailing

March offers perfect coastal conditions with northeast monsoon winds averaging 15-20 knots for excellent dhow sailing. Sea temperatures reach comfortable 27°C (81°F) for swimming and snorkeling. Reduced rainfall means consistent weather for multi-day sailing trips along the coast without storm interruptions.

Booking Tip: Book traditional dhow sunset trips 3-5 days ahead (typically $80-120 per person). Choose operators offering authentic wooden dhows rather than fiberglass replicas. Half-day trips include fresh seafood lunch and snorkeling gear.

Samburu Cultural Experiences

March coincides with traditional Samburu ceremonies as communities prepare for the long dry season ahead. Clear weather allows access to remote manyattas (traditional villages) via rough roads. Cooler morning temperatures make cultural walks comfortable, while afternoon heat drives authentic demonstrations of desert survival techniques.

Booking Tip: Book community-based cultural tours 1-2 weeks ahead through Samburu community conservancies (typically $150-250 per day). Ensure visits include authentic cultural demonstrations and direct community benefit. Combine with wildlife viewing in Samburu National Reserve.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Masai Mara Wildebeest Calving Season

Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the southern Serengeti and northern Masai Mara during this period, creating exceptional predator viewing as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of vulnerable newborns. This natural spectacle offers unparalleled wildlife photography and is less crowded than the famous river crossings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in neutral colors - protect against 51mm (2 inches) of intermittent rainfall and intense UV index 8 while maintaining safari dress codes

Quality dust mask or buff - March's increasing dust levels require protection during game drives on dirt roads, especially in Amboseli and Samburu

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 16°C (61°F) at dawn to 25°C (77°F) midday require easy adjustment options

Waterproof camera protection - sudden March showers and pervasive dust can damage equipment during wildlife photography

Sturdy walking boots with ankle support - for Mount Kenya treks and rocky terrain in northern parks, plus gaiters for dust protection

High-quality binoculars with lens cloth - dust requires frequent cleaning and wildlife viewing distances in March can be considerable

Insect repellent with DEET - March humidity at 70% increases mosquito activity, especially near water sources where animals congregate

Portable phone charger/power bank - remote safari locations often lack reliable electricity, and you'll use GPS and camera extensively

Quick-dry pants and shorts - for variable March weather that can shift from sun to rain within 30 minutes

Quality sun hat with chin strap - essential protection against UV index 8 and prevents loss during windy game drive conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book conservancy stays over national parks in March - private conservancies like Ol Pejeta and Lewa offer superior wildlife experiences with fewer vehicles and night game drives, plus support community conservation efforts directly

Schedule Mount Kenya attempts for the first two weeks of March - weather patterns shift mid-month and afternoon cloud cover increases significantly, reducing summit success rates and visibility

Carry cash in small denominations (500-1000 KES notes) - March community cultural visits require cash payments and vendors rarely have change for large bills during this shoulder season

Download offline maps before departing Nairobi - March weather can disrupt cell towers in remote areas, and GPS is essential for conservancy navigation where roads aren't marked

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - many tourists underestimate how cold March mornings get at 16°C (61°F), especially on early game drives and at altitude

Booking coastal accommodations during the last week of March - this coincides with Easter holidays when prices spike 40-60% and availability drops significantly

Expecting guaranteed Great Migration river crossings - March is calving season in the south, not crossing season, and many tourists book expensive Mara trips with wrong expectations