Things to Do in Namibia in March

March Weather in Namibia

32°C (89°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

302 mm (11.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Green season wildlife viewing at Etosha - animals concentrate at water holes making sightings more predictable, while lush vegetation creates dramatic photography opportunities
Sossusvlei access at optimal temperatures - morning dune climbing at 18°C (64°F) before afternoon heat, with the best light for photography between 6-8am
Caprivi Strip becomes a water wonderland - Zambezi and Chobe rivers at peak levels for mokoro excursions and bird watching with 200+ migratory species present
Significantly lower accommodation rates - 30-40% cheaper than dry season with same quality lodges, plus easier booking availability at premium properties

Considerations

Unpredictable road conditions on gravel routes - afternoon thunderstorms create muddy patches on C-roads, potentially requiring 4WD where 2WD normally suffices
Flash flood risks in ephemeral rivers - Kuiseb, Swakop, and northern riverbeds can become impassable within hours, requiring flexible itinerary planning
High humidity makes midday activities uncomfortable - temperatures feel like 35-38°C (95-100°F) between 11am-3pm, limiting outdoor exploration windows

Best Activities in March

Etosha National Park Green Season Game Drives

March transforms Etosha into a wildlife photographer's paradise. Animals gather predictably at permanent water holes during 32°C (89°F) afternoon heat, while morning drives at 18°C (64°F) offer comfortable viewing. The contrast between lush green vegetation and wildlife creates stunning imagery impossible during dry months. Expect concentrated elephant herds, active predator behavior, and newborn animals.

Booking Tip: Book self-drive camping 2-3 months ahead through Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Day passes cost N$150-200 per person. Premium guided tours typically run N$2,500-4,000 per day. Reference booking widget for current guided safari options with local operators.

Sossusvlei Sunrise Dune Climbing

March offers perfect dune climbing conditions with cool 18°C (64°F) mornings before scorching midday heat. Big Daddy and Dune 45 are accessible 5:30-8:30am when temperatures remain comfortable for the 300m (984ft) climb. The contrast between morning mist, red sand, and dramatic storm clouds creates world-class photography opportunities unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Book Sossusvlei Lodge accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead for sunrise access. Day permits cost N$150 per person. Guided photography tours typically cost N$3,500-5,500 per day. Independent visitors need 4WD for the final 5km (3.1 miles) to Big Daddy base.

Caprivi Strip River Safari Adventures

March represents peak water season in the Caprivi Strip with Zambezi and Chobe rivers at maximum levels. Mokoro excursions navigate channels inaccessible during dry months, while 200+ bird species including carmine bee-eaters and African fish eagles concentrate along waterways. Mahango and Bwabwata National Parks offer exceptional elephant and hippo viewing from boat level.

Booking Tip: Book through Katima Mulilo operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Full-day river safaris typically cost N$1,800-2,800 per person. Multi-day mokoro camping expeditions run N$4,500-6,500. Ensure operators provide life jackets and covered boats for sudden rain squalls.

Swakopmund Adventure Sport Combinations

March's variable weather creates unique opportunities in Swakopmund. Morning fog at 16°C (61°F) provides ideal conditions for sandboarding and quad biking before afternoon heat. Storm watching from the jetty offers dramatic Atlantic Ocean photography. Cool mornings suit skydiving with crystal visibility extending 50km (31 miles) inland to desert dunes.

Booking Tip: Book adventure activities day-of based on weather conditions. Sandboarding costs N$800-1,200, skydiving N$2,800-3,500. Operators typically run 7am-11am and 4pm-6pm windows. Multiple activity packages offer better value at N$4,500-6,000 per person.

Damaraland Geological and Cultural Tours

March rains reveal Damaraland's geological wonders while keeping temperatures manageable for exploration. Twyfelfontein rock engravings shine after rain washing, while desert-adapted elephants follow ephemeral rivers creating tracking opportunities. Himba village visits occur during traditional rain ceremonies, offering cultural insights unavailable during dry months.

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours through community conservancies 1-2 weeks ahead. Day tours cost N$2,200-3,200 per person including cultural activities. Multi-day camping expeditions run N$5,500-7,500. Ensure guides are conservancy-certified for authentic cultural exchanges.

Fish River Canyon Rim Hiking

March offers optimal canyon viewing with dramatic storm clouds and occasional mist filling the canyon floor. Rim hiking remains comfortable during 18-25°C (64-77°F) morning temperatures, while afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular lightning photography opportunities. The 85km (53 mile) canyon appears most dramatic with green vegetation contrast against red rock walls.

Booking Tip: Canyon rim viewpoints require no permits or bookings. The 5-day hiking trail requires 6-month advance booking through Namibia Wildlife Resorts at N$200 per person. Guided rim walks typically cost N$1,500-2,200 per day. Independent visitors need sturdy hiking boots for wet rock surfaces.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Windhoek Agricultural Show

Namibia's premier agricultural exhibition showcasing local farming innovations, traditional crafts, and regional food specialties. Features livestock competitions, equipment demonstrations, and cultural performances by various Namibian tribes. Offers authentic insight into rural Namibian life rarely seen by tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon thunderstorms intensify rapidly and last 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours

Quick-dry hiking pants in neutral colors - morning dew and muddy conditions on gravel roads require fast-drying fabrics

High-SPF mineral sunscreen (50+) - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days with reflection from wet sand intensifying exposure

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - wet rock surfaces at viewpoints become extremely slippery, especially at Fish River Canyon

Moisture-wicking base layers - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable during midday activities between 11am-3pm

Compact umbrella for photography protection - sudden rain squalls can damage camera equipment within seconds

Insect repellent with DEET - increased mosquito activity near ephemeral pools and rivers, especially in northern regions

Headlamp with red filter - early morning game drives start in darkness at 5:30am, red light preserves night vision

Microfiber towels - high humidity means regular towels never fully dry in lodge rooms without air conditioning

Sealed storage bags - protect electronics, documents, and spare clothing from sudden moisture and dust storms

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid midday travel on gravel roads during March - morning condensation creates deceptive grip that disappears by 10am, making C-roads treacherous for 2WD vehicles

Fill fuel tanks every opportunity in March - some remote stations close during afternoon storms, and electrical pumps fail during lightning strikes requiring manual pumping

Book flexible accommodation with 48-hour cancellation - flash floods can make routes impassable overnight, requiring itinerary changes that rigid bookings prevent

Carry cash reserves in small denominations - rural internet connectivity fails during storms, making card payments impossible at fuel stations, lodges, and conservancy fees

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists pack only hot weather clothing, then shiver through 18°C (64°F) dawn game drives and dune climbs

Ignoring weather radio updates - travelers miss flash flood warnings and attempt river crossings that become dangerous within 30 minutes of upstream rainfall

Overpacking itineraries - attempting dry season distances during March when afternoon storms regularly add 2-3 hours to driving times between destinations