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.
Rains Easing but Still Warm: Thunderstorms Give Way to Dry Spells
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 Surging: Spray Column Visible from 30 Kilometres Away
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.
Wild Dogs Denning and Migratory Birds Still Present in Hwange and Mana Pools
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.
Harare Agricultural Show Qualifiers and Vic Falls Carnival Previews
- 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 in March: Ilala Lodge by the Falls and Masvingo Near Great Zimbabwe
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). Browse current March availability across the country using Search hotels in Zimbabwe on Booking.com.
What to Pack for March: Waterproofs for the Falls, Layers for Cool Evenings
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
March Budgeting: Green Season Discounts with Improving Conditions
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
March is a transition month - the rains ease, waterfalls are at their finest, and prices sit well below the July peak. The Chimanimani Mountains are excellent for experienced hikers willing to carry a tent; the trails are near-empty. Matobo Hills’ white rhino tracking dries out enough to be comfortable by mid-March, and Victoria Falls’ spray soaks you through completely at the Knife Edge bridge. Nyanga National Park is green and cool, ideal for the Mutarazi Falls trail. Budget lodges in Victoria Falls are 30–40% below July rates. Sort travel insurance covering adventure activities before departure. Book flights a month ahead and arrange a hire car if you’re combining the Eastern Highlands with Harare - bus schedules miss the best highland roads.