Victoria Falls in March: Weather, water levels, activities & travel tips

March is a captivating month to visit Victoria Falls, the world-famous waterfall on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. With high water flow, lush scenery, and fewer crowds than peak season, this is the perfect time to experience the falls in all their glory. This guide covers weather and water levels, activities and wildlife, and practical travel tips for March visitors.

Weather and water levels in March

March marks the tail end of the rainy season, with the Victoria Falls approaching their peak water volume.

• Temperatures: Daytime highs range between 26–30°C, with warm, tropical conditions.
• Rainfall: Showers are less frequent than in February, though brief thunderstorms can occur.
• Humidity: Still relatively high but gradually decreasing as the rainy season ends.

Water levels

• High to near-peak flow: The Zambezi River swells, producing immense mist and roaring cascades.
• Visibility: The spray can obscure views on the Zimbabwean side, but creates stunning rainbows and dramatic photo opportunities.
• Season transition: March is a shoulder season, offering high water spectacle with improving accessibility for some attractions.

Activities and wildlife in March

Despite the strong flow, Victoria Falls offers incredible experiences, wildlife, and adventure activities.

Must-see experiences

• Ground-Level Views: Iconic viewpoints offer dramatic perspectives; waterproof clothing is recommended.
• Aerial Tours: Helicopter and microlight flights provide panoramic views above the mist, perfect for photography.

Adventure activities

• White Water Rafting: Often suspended in March due to high water levels.
• Devil’s Pool & Livingstone Island: Access is usually closed for safety.
• Sunset Cruises: Upstream cruises offer relaxing wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

Wildlife & birdlife

• Birdwatching: The lush, post-rain environment attracts migratory and resident birds.
• Safari nearby: Parks like Hwange National Park are ideal for spotting elephants, lions, buffalo, and more. Dense vegetation may make wildlife sightings more subtle than in dry months.

Travel tips for Victoria Falls in March

Maximize your visit with these practical tips.

Best time of day

• Early Morning: Clearer views and better photography conditions.
• Afternoon: Occasional showers may occur, but dramatic skies create excellent photo opportunities.

Packing essentials

• Waterproof gear: Rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, and camera protection.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Comfortable shoes: Trails can be wet and slippery.

Visa & border crossing
The KAZA Univisa (Kavango Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area Visa) is a convenient multiple-entry visa designed for seamless travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the added bonus of day trips to Botswana via the Kazungula border. Valid for up to 30 days, it’s perfect for travellers wishing to experience both sides of Victoria Falls and explore nearby safari areas.
You can apply for the KAZA Univisa on arrival at major entry points, including Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, Kazungula Border Post, and several land borders between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The visa costs US$50, payable in cash or by card (depending on the entry point). To qualify, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months and sufficient blank pages for entry stamps. The visa allows unlimited crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia during its validity period and one-day trips to Botswana through the Kazungula border - making it a practical, time-saving option for travellers exploring the region.  

Accommodation

• Shoulder Season Advantage: March often provides better availability and lower rates at hotels, lodges, and guided tours.

Final Verdict: Is March a Good Time to Visit?

Yes. March offers spectacular water flow, lush landscapes, and excellent birdwatching, with fewer crowds than peak season. While some water-based adventures are limited, the raw power and beauty of Victoria Falls make March a highly rewarding time to visit.

IMPORTANT: Victoria Falls Border Post now open 24/7 between Zimbabwe and Zambia! 

 

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Malaria in Southern Africa in March: What Travellers Need to Know

March falls within the peak malaria season across much of Southern Africa. Warm temperatures, late-summer rainfall and lingering floodwater create ideal mosquito breeding conditions - making awareness and prevention essential for safari travellers, road trippers and regional explorers.

This guide explains where malaria risk is highest, why March is particularly important, and how travellers can protect themselves.

Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa

Malaria in Southern Africa is seasonal and geographically concentrated, mainly affecting warm, low-lying and humid regions near rivers, wetlands and floodplains.

South Africa
Malaria risk is limited to the far northeast of the country:

• Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves
• Low-altitude areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga
• Northern KwaZulu-Natal lowveld

Risk is highest from October to May, placing March near the end of peak transmission season. The rest of South Africa - including Cape Town, Johannesburg and the Garden Route - is malaria-free.

Namibia
Seasonal malaria risk occurs mainly in the north and northeast, including key safari regions:

• Etosha National Park (particularly the northern and eastern areas and during the rainy season)
• Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip)
• Kavango East & West
• Kunene River areas

Transmission typically runs November to June, with some river regions carrying year-round risk.

Botswana
Risk is concentrated in northern Botswana, including:

• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Ngamiland

Transmission generally occurs from November to May/June.

Mozambique
Mozambique is the region’s highest-risk destination, with malaria present year-round nationwide, particularly in coastal areas and rural provinces.

Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and eSwatini
Widespread seasonal transmission occurs in:

• Zambezi Valley and Victoria Falls region
• Lake Malawi region
• Low-lying rural areas below 1200m

March remains firmly within the high-risk window across these destinations.

Why March matters for malaria awareness

March sits at the tail end of the rainy season, when mosquito populations remain high and breeding sites are still active.

Peak mosquito activity continues
Warm late-summer temperatures accelerate mosquito and parasite development, while recent rainfall leaves abundant standing water. Malaria transmission typically peaks between January and March.

The impact of the January 2026 floods
Severe flooding across parts of Southern Africa in January 2026 has added an important new dimension to malaria risk for travellers.

Floodwaters leave behind extensive standing water - ideal mosquito breeding habitat - which can drive elevated malaria transmission for months after heavy rains end. This means malaria risk may remain higher than usual late into the summer travel season, particularly in northern safari regions and river systems.

For travellers visiting Southern Africa in March, this makes mosquito protection and travel health preparation more important than ever.

A popular travel month
March remains an excellent safari month with lush landscapes, dramatic skies and strong wildlife viewing. These same conditions, however, also support mosquito populations - making prevention especially important.

Malaria prevention tips for travellers

Malaria is preventable with the right preparation and precautions.

Get travel medical advice early
Consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss whether malaria prophylaxis is recommended for your itinerary.

Take prophylaxis if advised
Medication is commonly recommended for higher-risk regions such as Kruger National Park, northern Namibia and Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and eSwatini. Follow the full course exactly as prescribed.

Prevent mosquito bites
Malaria mosquitoes bite mainly from dusk to dawn.
Use repellent (DEET, picaridin or IR3535), wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening, and sleep under mosquito nets where provided.

Choose mosquito-aware accommodation
Many safari lodges use screens, bed nets and spraying to reduce exposure.

Know the symptoms
Seek medical care urgently if you develop fever, chills, headache or flu-like symptoms during or after travel. Malaria can appear weeks after your trip.

Final thoughts

March is a fantastic time to explore Southern Africa - with lush scenery, vibrant wildlife and excellent safari conditions. However, it also falls within the peak malaria risk period, especially following the widespread floods of January 2026 that boosted mosquito breeding across the region.

With proper planning, preventative medication when advised and consistent bite-avoidance measures, travellers can explore Southern Africa safely and confidently.

 

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Etosha National Park Safari Update: Okaukuejo–Namutoni Road closed for upgrades (February 2026)

Last updated: 04 February 2026

Travellers planning a self-drive safari in Etosha National Park, Namibia should note that a section of the Okaukuejo–Namutoni Road is temporarily closed since 01 February 2026. This closure is part of a major upgrade project converting gravel tourist roads to low-volume sealed roads from Okaukuejo to King Nehale Gate, including the Halali detours to Namutoni.

Detour Routes
Visitors heading east from Okaukuejo should use the Gemsbokvlakte detour, then continue along a newly constructed bypass for approximately 38 km, where it crosses the main road and connects to the existing Salvadora detour. Traffic will follow the Salvadora detour for around 47 km from Okaukuejo before rejoining the main road.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism expects the bypass and associated detour to be fully operational by 26 February 2026, at which point traffic will be redirected entirely onto the new route.

Safari travel tips

• Allow extra travel time for the detour.
• Ensure you have enough fuel and water for the longer route.
• All major waterholes and camps remain open — wildlife viewing is unaffected.
• Follow park signs and speed limits, as construction vehicles are active.

Why this upgrade matters
Once complete, these improvements will make Etosha National Park's main tourist roads safer, more comfortable, and accessible in all seasons, enhancing the self-drive safari experience for visitors from Namibia and beyond.

 

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Kruger National Park in March: What to expect after the summer rains

March is a transitional and rewarding month to visit Kruger National Park. As the summer rainfall season gradually gives way to drier autumn conditions, the park remains lush and green while wildlife activity stays high. Following the exceptional rainfall and flooding in January, widely covered on this blog, March visitors will encounter a park in recovery - resilient, wildlife-rich, and increasingly accessible.

Editor’s note:
The exceptional rainfall and flooding experienced in January 2026 were covered in detail on umhambi.blogspot.com as part of our seasonal climate and travel impact reporting for southern Africa. Travellers planning visits in late summer and early autumn are encouraged to review those updates alongside current SANParks advisories. 

Weather & landscape

March brings warm to hot daytime temperatures, typically ranging from the mid-20s to low-30s °C, with cooler mornings and evenings that are ideal for game drives. Humidity levels are noticeably lower than in January and February, improving overall travel comfort.

Rainfall decreases as the month progresses, although occasional showers may still occur, particularly early in March. Thanks to the generous summer rains, Kruger National Park's landscapes remain vividly green, with flowing rivers, full dams, and productive grazing areas. This creates excellent photographic conditions and supports a wide distribution of wildlife.

January Floods and Ongoing Recovery
As reported earlier on this blog, January 2026 saw widespread flooding across northeastern South Africa, including Kruger National Park and its surrounding regions. Prolonged heavy rainfall led to overflowing rivers, damaged roads and bridges, and temporary closures of certain camps and access routes.

By March, floodwaters have largely receded, but infrastructure repairs are still ongoing, particularly in low-lying areas and parts of northern Kruger National Park. Visitors may encounter temporary road closures or detours, making advance planning and daily updates an important part of any March itinerary.

Fauna

Wildlife viewing in March remains rewarding and diverse:

• The Big Five are present throughout the park, with elephants and buffalo frequently seen near rivers and watercourses.
• Plains game such as impala, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and kudu benefit from abundant grazing created by the summer rains.
• Birdlife is outstanding, with resident species breeding actively and many migratory birds still present, making March one of the most productive months for birdwatching.

While denser vegetation can sometimes make animals harder to spot at a distance, overall wildlife density remains high and sightings are frequent.

Animal Behaviour & Sightings

Seasonal conditions strongly influence animal behaviour in March:

With water still widely available across Kruger National Park, wildlife tends to be more dispersed early in the month rather than concentrated around a few permanent water sources. As smaller seasonal pans begin to dry later in March, animals gradually return to rivers and dams, improving predictability and viewing opportunities.

Predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs remain active, often focusing on breeding herds and young animals. Early morning and late afternoon game drives continue to offer the best chances for observing hunting behaviour and predator movement.

For birders, March delivers breeding displays, fledglings, raptors, and waterbirds, offering dynamic and varied sightings throughout Kruger National Park.

Travel Tips for Visiting Kruger National Park in March

• Stay informed: Some roads and river crossings may still be affected by flood damage. Check park updates and confirm access conditions with your accommodation.
• Game drives: Early mornings and late afternoons provide cooler temperatures and increased animal activity.
• Pack for mixed conditions: Light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a compact rain jacket are recommended.
• Malaria precautions: March falls within the malaria season - consult a healthcare professional before travel.
• Drive cautiously: Gravel roads may remain uneven or slippery in places following summer rains.
• Remain flexible: Allow extra travel time and be prepared to adjust routes or plans if conditions change.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Kruger National Park in March offers a compelling combination of lush landscapes, active wildlife, exceptional birdlife, and improving travel conditions. While the January floods temporarily disrupted access and infrastructure, the park is steadily recovering and continues to deliver a world-class safari experience.

With informed planning and a flexible approach, March is an excellent time to explore one of Africa’s most iconic national parks.

Kruger National Park tours >>
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South Africa Seasonal Climate Outlook: What travellers should know (February–June 2026)

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released its latest Seasonal Climate Watch for February to June 2026, offering important insights for travellers planning trips across South Africa in late summer, autumn and early winter. Current global climate indicators show the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in a weak La Niña phase, which is expected to shift back to a neutral state within the next month. Most climate models suggest ENSO will remain neutral through autumn, with a possible return to El Niño conditions later in spring 2026.

La Niña typically increases the likelihood of above-normal summer rainfall over South Africa's north-eastern regions, including popular safari destinations such as Kruger National Park, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. As the season transitions into autumn, SAWS forecasts that most summer-rainfall areas are likely to receive above-normal rainfall, particularly during the March–April–May period. Some interior regions, however, may experience below-normal rainfall, which could improve road conditions and accessibility in drier landscapes.

Looking ahead to early winter, rainfall projections indicate below-normal rainfall for the southwestern and southern coastal regions, including parts of the Western Cape and Garden Route. This may favour outdoor sightseeing, wine tourism and self-drive travel, although water levels in dams and rivers should still be monitored.

Temperature forecasts suggest that both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal across most of South Africa during autumn. For travellers, this points to generally milder, warmer conditions, ideal for wildlife viewing, road trips and shoulder-season travel before winter sets in.

Overall, the February to June 2026 climate outlook supports continued travel across South Africa, with seasonal rainfall patterns and warmer temperatures offering both opportunities and considerations for itinerary planning.

 

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Western Cape: Agulhas Plain gains Ramsar status, boosting nature-based tourism!

South Africa has designated the Agulhas Plain as its 32nd Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site No. 2587), reinforcing the tourism and conservation value of this distinctive coastal landscape at the southernmost tip of Africa, near Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape.

Formed on an ancient wave-cut platform where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, the largely flat plain is shaped by dunes, limestone hills and coastal cliffs that support a rich mosaic of wetlands. These include Soetendalsvlei, the country’s second-largest freshwater lake, after Lake Sibaya in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as marshes, floodplains, salt pans and estuaries - making the area especially appealing for birdwatching, photography and slow travel.

Situated within the Cape Floral Region UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agulhas Plain forms part of the fynbos biome and supports outstanding biodiversity, including rare plants, abundant birdlife and threatened species such as the maccoa duck, the critically endangered Rose’s mountain toadlet and the Cape flats frog.

With a dedicated management plan in place, the new Ramsar status supports responsible eco-tourism and further enhances the appeal of the Overberg region, particularly for travellers exploring Cape Agulhas, Struisbaai and surrounding coastal routes.

About the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international agreement adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, aimed at conserving and promoting the wise use of wetlands worldwide. Wetlands listed as Ramsar Sites are recognised for their global ecological importance, particularly for waterbirds, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and the designation encourages long-term protection while supporting education, research and responsible nature-based tourism. 

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: SANParks confirms infrastructure work at Bitterpan Wilderness Camp!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that construction work to increase water capacity at Bitterpan Wilderness Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park will commence in February 2026. The project is expected to run for approximately four weeks and forms part of SANParks’ ongoing efforts to strengthen critical park infrastructure and improve long-term sustainability in remote wilderness camps.

What visitors can expect from early February 2026
From around 04 February 2026, guests travelling to or through the Bitterpan area may notice limited construction-related activity, including:

• Construction vehicles operating along the Moravet Road
• General site preparation work near the camp

SANParks has indicated that visitor safety and the wilderness experience remain a priority, and disruptions are expected to be minimal. These upgrades are essential to ensure reliable water supply at one of the park’s most remote and exclusive camps.

About Bitterpan Wilderness Camp
Set on stilts above the red dunes of the Kalahari, Bitterpan Wilderness Camp is an exclusive, remote camp overlooking a waterhole in the heart of the Kgalagadi. It forms part of a one-way 4x4 wilderness route linking Nossob Rest Camp with Mata-Mata Rest Camp and the Kalahari Tented Camp.

Key access information:

• Route: One-way only, starting at Nossob Rest Camp
• Vehicles: 4x4 only (heavy 4x4 vehicles not permitted)
• Driving times:
• Nossob Rest Camp  > Bitterpan: ± 2.5 hrs
• Bitterpan > Mata-Mata Rest Camp: ± 3 hrs
• Check-in: Nossob Rest Camp only

Visitors should overnight at Nossob Rest Camp before travelling to Bitterpan Wilderness Camp. Due to the camp’s isolation and strict one-way access, careful planning is essential. 

 

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