Great Migration — March
The Herds Begin Their Northern Trek
March marks the start of the long march north. The Ndutu plains empty. The real migration begins.
The Migration in Motion
March on the Great Migration is about movement. The wildebeest that spent January and February concentrated on the Ndutu short-grass plains are beginning to walk north. The trigger is the drying of the southern plains — as the short rains taper off and temperatures rise, the quality of grazing declines and the herds follow the rains northward.
This is not the dramatic, concentrated form of the calving season. In March, you will see the migration spreading out across vast distances — lines of animals moving across the plains, dust rising, the rhythmic walking of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra moving as one. It is quieter than the river crossings but, in its own way, equally impressive.
March is also one of the best value months to visit Tanzania. As a green season month, it falls outside the peak demand window. Lodge rates are significantly lower, the landscapes are green and photogenic, and you will have a far more private safari experience than the high-season months that follow.
What Makes March Different
The Herds on the Move
March is when the Great Migration truly earns its name. The wildebeest are walking — sometimes 30 to 40 kilometres in a day — as they move from the short-grass plains of Ndutu toward the long-grass plains and woodland of the western and central Serengeti. You will see lines of animals moving purposefully across the plains. This is migration in its most literal sense.
Predator Presence Shifts
The large prides follow the herds as they move. By March, theNdutu predator density disperses as the herds thin out. But the central Serengeti and western corridor have their own resident predator populations. Leopard sightings in the riverine forests of the western corridor are a particular feature of this period.
Green Season Photography
Photographically, March is one of the most beautiful months in Tanzania. The short-grass plains are still green, the skies are dramatic with building cumulus clouds, and the quality of light is exceptional. For landscape and general wildlife photography, it rivals any month of the year. Fewer photographers visit in March, so sightings feel private.
Lower Safari Costs
March falls within the green season — the period of lowest demand and best value for Tanzania safaris. Lodge rates are typically 20 to 40 percent lower than peak season. If you are working to a budget, March offers excellent wildlife experiences at significantly reduced cost.
Wildlife Presence — March
Wildebeest
On the move — spread across central and western Serengeti
Zebra
Moving with wildebeest in mixed herds
Elephant
High visibility as vegetation thickens
Cape Buffalo
Large herds in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Lion
Dispersed across range, following prey movements
Leopard
Good sightings in western corridor riverine forests
Birdlife
Exceptional — intra-African migrants present, breeding plumage
Cheetah
Widely spread across open plains
March Safari Planning
Where to Focus
In early March, the southern Ndutu plains still hold significant herds — you can catch the tail end of calving if you visit in the first two weeks. By mid-March, the focus shifts to the central Serengeti and the Moru Kopjes area. Late March sees the leading edge of the herds entering the western corridor.
A flexible itinerary that allows your guide to track the herds is essential in March. The herds are genuinely unpredictable at this stage — they are not yet committed to a specific route. The best operators build this flexibility into March itineraries.
Combining Destinations
March pairs well with Ngorongoro Crater — at its greenest and most beautiful after the short rains, the crater floor is lush and wildlife is abundant. The dramatic skies over the crater make for exceptional photography.
Tarangire is excellent in March as elephant herds move through the Tarangire River corridor. The park is dramatically under-visited relative to its wildlife density. If you have 8 to 10 days, combining Tarangire, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro in March gives a superb all-round Tanzania experience.
March is Peak Value Season
Green season pricing means significant savings on lodge rates — often 20–40% less than peak season. The wildlife is exceptional. The landscapes are at their most beautiful. The only trade-off is some road softness toward month's end.
Ask About March Safari Options