South Africa in March

South Africa in March

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

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March is one of South Africa’s busiest months because events like the Easter holiday occur during this time. Although it is not always confident that Easter occurs in March, it may sometimes happen in early April. Other events include the International Jazz Festival, the Cape Town Carnival, and the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Accommodation space tends to be taken up quickly for those taking their holiday in March, so booking in advance is recommended. As it is still warmer, the Garden Route National Park remains a great place to visit, with its lush greenery and exceptional flora thriving. On the other hand, the Madikwe Game Reserve is a destination that shouldn’t go unnoticed as The Big Five is housed here.

Weather in March

Even though summer ends in February, March is still ideal for safaris as the warm temperatures linger.

The weather remains dry and warm, and the winds usually start to tone down by this time of year. You still have plenty of opportunities to explore some otherwise unavailable activities from April onwards.

Pros

• Numerous cultural experiences – learn more about the culture through the Cape Town Carnival and the like
• Lush vegetation – colder weather means greenery is more prominent

Cons

• Temperatures drop towards the end of the month – warmer clothes are required for game drives.

National Parks to Visit in South Africa and Why

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve has over 600 species of large mammals to see. The region is home to the Big Five and is a prime destination for explorers who want to see as much wildlife as possible during their holiday in South Africa.

What to do:

• Game watching

Kgalagadi National Park

A popular desert destination, Kgalagadi National Park can be a little dusty in the summer. The dryness doesn’t make it ideal for photography, but the autumn and winter months can capture exceptionally dramatic images.

What to do:

• Game watching
• Birding
• Photography opportunities

Garden Route National Park

The Garden Route is often the most beautiful during the autumn months. The lush vegetation starts thriving due to the rain, and floral life gets its opportunity to shine.

What to do:

• Scuba diving – scuba dive in the Tsitsikamma section of the park
• Swimming – swim at Wilderness Beach
• Mountain biking