Kenya in March: A Safari Guide from Native Africa Tours.
Visiting Kenya in March offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and great wildlife viewing, like at Masai Mara and Amboseli, plus great birdwatching. It marks the end of the green season and also the start of the rainy period. March experiences warm and humid weather with occasional rain showers that bring the lush savanna to life.
March is also one of the excellent months of the year for birders to enjoy unforgettable birding expeditions and spot several newborn wildlife in the reserves and parks. Unlike other months, March is quiet for tourism, making it the best for tourists with plans to experience the unique natural beauty of Kenya and wildlife without interference from crowds. It is an exceptional month of the year for you to experience the best of Kenya’s unique cultures, including exploring local markets and interacting with local communities/villages. This makes Kenya an all-year-round destination.
The weather in Kenya in March
March marks the beginning of the rainy season in most regions of Kenya. It is this month that the savannas become muddy and challenging to navigate through. Because of the rains, mosquitoes also become rampant, which is a good reason you need a tin of insect repellent and sunscreen.
March also sees precipitation, and temperatures rise in places like Nairobi. On average, daytime temperatures rise from 28 to 34 degrees Celsius. The Masai Mara National Reserve experiences daily high temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius and a low temperature of 12 degrees Celsius. Mombasa, which includes beaches, recorded a high temperature rise of 34 degrees Celsius and a low of 23 degrees Celsius. The Turkana region, which boasts stunning desert lakes and ethnic culture, experiences temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius and a low of 27 degrees Celsius.
In Kisumu, the temperature rises to 30 degrees Celsius and the daily low temperature at 24 degrees Celsius. Amboseli records a daily high temperature of 30 degrees and a low temperature of 17 degrees Celsius.
In terms of rainfall, Nairobi receives about 9cm. The Masai Mara National Reserve records rainfall of 15 cm, and Amboseli 9 cm. Mombasa and Turkana record rainfall amounts of 6 cm, whereas Kisumu experiences a rainfall amount of about 17 cm.
Best Kenyan destinations for March.
March comes with multiple opportunities for tourists to explore on a Kenya tour. There are many places to visit in March, and each offers unique experiences for tourists to enjoy.
Nairobi
Nairobi’s downtown is lively and is also one way to enter Magical Kenya. About 7 million people live in Nairobi, a lovely city and one of the biggest in East Africa. Most tourists on a Kenyan safari flock into Kenya through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. In March, there are only around 9 rainy days, and the city experiences a low total rainfall amount. Even on rainy days, it rains in the middle of March. This makes it a favorable month of the year to explore Nairobi city and its highland plateau savannas in the surroundings.
It is around March that you can be part of the amazing urban events in Nairobi, often starting from late February to early March. The most important urban highlight not to miss in March is the East African Community Arts Festival. The Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi hosts this. Various East African states showcase many musical performances and artwork here. There is also a chance to explore the Nairobi National Museum, where you can find Kenya’s rich cultural and historical artifacts.
Visit Nairobi National Park, located just on the outskirts of Nairobi City. Known also as the world’s only wildlife capital, Nairobi National Park is worth exploring for any nature enthusiast. The park holds over 100 mammal species, which include zebras, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, lions, rhinos, hartebeests, elands, hippos, and different bird species.
Masai Mara National Reserve
In Narok County, Kenya, the scenic Maasai Mara National Reserve boasts its huge concentrations of wildlife and natural beauty. You can spot a variety of wildlife on the natural savanna plains of the Maasai Mara in March because the grass is still short. The roads tend not to be very muddy, making them more accessible.
What to see in Masai Mara around March includes the Big 5 game–rhinos, leopards, buffalo, lions, and elephants. Other wildlife to see in the Maasai Mara include the common elands, bushbucks, bat-eared foxes, bush babies, Coke’s hartebeest, copper-tailed monkeys, crested porcupines, cheetahs, hyenas, and more.
Over 470 bird species also inhabit various habitats of Masai Mara, including African wood owls, African fin-foot, giant kingfishers, cinnamon-breasted bunting, white-backed vultures, ostriches, lappet-faced vulture, African grey hornbill, Denham’s bustards, little grebe, long-tailed cormorants, Abdim’s storks, spur-winged goose, and more.
Key safari experiences to enjoy on a safari in Masai Mara include game drives, horseback riding, cultural visits, walking tours, hot-air balloon excursions, and others.
Amboseli National Park tour in March
Amboseli is one of the iconic destination to explore in March. People know the park for its amazing sightseeing experiences and magnificent views of the legendary Kilimanjaro volcano. At Amboseli, there is a range of wildlife to see, including giraffes, leopards, hyenas, wildebeests, and many interesting bird species.
The birds to identify include the superb starling, long-toed lapwing, African jacanas, white-headed buffalo weave birds, grey-crowned cranes, lesser flamingos, fish eagle, martial eagle, mourning collared dove, speckled pigeon, Egyptian goose, and cape teals, etc.
Mombasa
Along the coastline, Mombasa comprises beautiful beaches and historical sites. A range of amazing things awaits at Mombasa, including beach experiences, hiking, water sports, and dining in some of the finest boutique hotels. Visitors can also explore the Mombasa Marine National Park and Wasini Island, ideal spots for scuba diving.
Malindi is a special coastal area also known for watersports, nature, and beach experiences. The 120-km stretch from Malindi to Mombasa experiences a temperature rise of about 29 degrees Celsius. There is also a chance to explore the Arabuko Sokoke National Park and Marine National Park- the rich coastal forests and mangrove protected areas.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Another special place to visit in Kenya in March is Lake Nakuru National Park, home to diverse bird-life and wildlife. At Lake Nakuru, expect to find millions of pink flamingos dotted along the lake shores and other parts of the park. The different wildlife species present in Lake Nakuru National Park include zebras, side-striped jackals, hyenas, buffalo, civets, mongooses, silver-backed jackals, giraffes, rhinos, and more.
Packing essentials for a Kenya safari in March
Packing right is essential even if you plan on visiting Kenya in March. Essentials required when visiting Kenya in March include winter clothing, insect repellents, light trousers, a safari hat, a camera, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, a rain jacket, and more.
March is a rewarding month for visiting Kenya, offering warm weather, fewer tourists, and diverse wildlife encounters. From predator-rich plains to vibrant birdlife, every safari promises unique experiences.
Plan your March Kenya adventure with Native Africa Tours and discover why travelers on TripAdvisor rate us among the best. Book now to secure the finest lodges and tailor-made itineraries for your perfect safari.
