Is March a good time to visit Zimbabwe?

March is excellent for Victoria Falls, which begins reaching peak flow. Rains start easing in the second half of the month, birdwatching remains outstanding, and lodge rates are still well below dry season prices.

What is the weather like in Zimbabwe in March?

March sees temperatures of 27-30 degrees Celsius with decreasing rainfall towards the end of the month. Thunderstorms still occur but become less frequent than in January-February.

What should I pack for Zimbabwe in March?

Pack a rain jacket, waterproof camera protection, lightweight layers for cooler evenings towards month end, insect repellent and waterproof footwear for muddy park roads.

Zimbabwe in March: Weather, Wildlife and What to Expect

March is a turning point in Zimbabwe’s calendar. The heaviest rains begin to taper off during the second half of the month, Victoria Falls surges towards its most spectacular flow, and the bush remains gloriously green. It is a shoulder month that combines the best elements of the green season - low prices, fewer tourists, outstanding birding - with improving conditions for travel and safari.

Weather in March

Early March still sees regular afternoon thunderstorms, but by the third and fourth weeks, dry spells stretch longer. Temperatures remain warm, though the extreme humidity of January-February starts to ease. Evenings become noticeably cooler towards month’s end, hinting at the approaching dry season.

City	Avg High °C	Avg Low °C	Rain Days	Conditions
Harare	27	15	13	Warm, showers easing late month
Bulawayo	28	15	10	Pleasant, drying trend
Victoria Falls	30	17	12	Hot, falls spray intensifying
Masvingo	28	16	11	Warm, decreasing showers

Victoria Falls Water Levels

March is when Victoria Falls begins its transformation into the most powerful curtain of falling water on Earth. The Zambezi, fed by months of upstream rainfall, surges with increasing force. By late March, the spray column can rise over 300 metres above the gorge and is visible from 30 kilometres away. The eastern viewpoints along the Rainforest Walk become drenched - waterproof protection for cameras is essential. The western viewpoints (closest to the Devil’s Cataract) still offer clear views. This is the start of the peak flow period that continues through April and May.

Safari and Wildlife

March offers surprisingly good game viewing as the rains ease. Animals are spread across the landscape rather than concentrated at waterholes, but the thinning of some vegetation at ground level starts to improve visibility.

Key wildlife highlights for March:

Wild dog denning season begins - Painted wolves (African wild dogs) start establishing den sites in Hwange and Mana Pools. Tracking denning packs offers some of the most rewarding wildlife encounters in southern Africa
Late-season migratory birds - Many migratory species are still present, and resident species like African fish eagles are particularly vocal as breeding territories are established
Elephant movement - Large herds remain dispersed across the bush, and bulls are often seen in musth (breeding condition), making for dramatic sightings

Road conditions improve steadily through March as the ground begins to dry. More remote camps in Hwange and the Zambezi valley start reopening for the season. Browse current Zimbabwe tours on GetYourGuide to see what is available as camps return to full operation.

Events and Festivals

Harare Agricultural Show preparations - Zimbabwe’s largest agricultural expo (held at the Harare Exhibition Park) runs its qualifying events in March. Local craft and food vendors set up trial stalls that are open to the public
Victoria Falls Carnival warm-up events - The carnival (held later in the year) organises live music previews at Shoestrings Backpackers and The Lookout Cafe above Batoka Gorge during March weekends

Where to Stay and Eat

Victoria Falls: Ilala Lodge, located just 10 minutes’ walk from the falls entrance, is one of the most popular mid-range options in town. Green season rates start from approximately USD 150 per night for a double room (as of 2026). Their Palm Restaurant serves excellent grilled kudu and Zambezi bream (mains from approximately USD 18).

Masvingo: The Great Zimbabwe Hotel sits within walking distance of the Great Zimbabwe ruins and offers rooms from approximately USD 70 per night. The hotel restaurant serves traditional sadza ne nyama (maize porridge with meat stew) alongside international dishes (mains from approximately USD 10 as of 2026).

What to Pack

March is a transitional month, so pack for both rain and increasingly pleasant dry spells:

A packable rain jacket for the remaining storms and Victoria Falls spray
Waterproof camera bags or cases - the falls spray in March is serious
Layers for cooler evenings (a light fleece or long-sleeve shirt)
Lightweight trousers and long-sleeved shirts for mosquito protection at dusk
Sturdy walking shoes that handle both mud and dry terrain
Insect repellent with DEET - malaria risk is still elevated in March
Sunscreen and a hat for increasingly sunny days
A good pair of binoculars for birding

Budget Considerations

March sits in the sweet spot between green season discounts and improving conditions. Lodge rates remain 25-40% below peak season, and you can still negotiate walk-in deals at properties in Victoria Falls town. Domestic flights run regularly between Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, with one-way fares from approximately USD 80 (as of 2026).

Arrange travel insurance before departure — medical evacuation cover is essential when visiting remote bush camps, and the cost of an air evacuation without insurance can be significant.

For route planning, explore our Victoria Falls guide for the best viewpoints, or read about Kariba for a lakeside extension to your trip.

Plan Your Trip

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