Things to Do in Uganda in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Uganda
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Gorilla trekking conditions are actually ideal - March sits right at the transition between dry seasons, meaning trails in Bwindi and Mgahinga are manageable without the July-August crowds. You're looking at permits being available with 4-6 weeks notice rather than the 3-4 months you'd need for peak season, and trekking groups average 6-7 people instead of the maximum 8.
- Wildlife viewing hits a sweet spot in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls - the landscape is still relatively green from earlier rains but not overgrown, and animals concentrate around water sources as things start drying out. The Kazinga Channel boat cruises are particularly rewarding because hippos and elephants gather in predictable spots.
- Accommodation pricing drops 20-30% compared to June-September rates across the board. That USD 400 per night luxury lodge in Bwindi? You'll find it closer to USD 280-320 in March. Mid-range options that run USD 150 in high season drop to USD 100-120, which makes a real difference over a 10-14 day trip.
- The humidity stays reasonable - that 70% average is actually comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities, especially compared to April-May when it climbs into the 80s and everything feels sticky. Mornings are genuinely pleasant at 18°C (64°F), perfect for those 7am gorilla trek starts.
Considerations
- Rain happens, and it's unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't tell the full story because March is transitional. You might get three perfectly clear days followed by an afternoon downpour that turns dirt roads into mud slicks. It won't ruin your trip, but it means flexibility in your schedule matters more than it would in January or February.
- Some remote roads in Kidepo Valley and the far northern parks can become challenging after rain. The murram roads that are fine when dry turn slippery, and what should be a 4-hour drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls can stretch to 6 hours if you hit bad weather. Four-wheel drive isn't optional for serious park exploration.
- March doesn't have the big cultural events that draw international visitors - you're between the February Nyege Nyege prep season and the April post-Easter celebrations. If you're hoping to experience major festivals or ceremonies, you'll find things relatively quiet on that front.
Best Activities in March
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
March offers the best balance of accessible trails and available permits. The forest is lush but not waterlogged, and you're trekking with smaller groups than peak season. The 18°C (64°F) morning temperatures make the steep climbs through 2,000-2,600 m (6,562-8,530 ft) elevation more bearable. Treks typically last 2-6 hours depending on where the gorilla families are that day, and the one hour you spend with them is genuinely worth the effort and cost.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The 32 km (20 mile) channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George becomes a wildlife highway in March as the dry season approaches. Two-hour boat trips in the afternoon (3pm-5pm departures work best) put you within 10-15 m (33-49 ft) of hippo pods, Nile crocodiles, and elephant herds coming to drink. The bird diversity is exceptional - over 60 species regularly spotted including African fish eagles and pied kingfishers. The relatively lower water levels compared to rainy season mean animals cluster predictably.
Murchison Falls Hiking and Nile River Cruises
The falls themselves are spectacular in March - water volume is substantial but not the raging torrent of May-June, meaning you can actually hike to the top of the falls (45-60 minute climb) without getting completely drenched. The Nile river cruises to the falls base offer near-guaranteed hippo, crocodile, and elephant sightings. The 3-hour upstream cruises departing at 2pm give you the best wildlife viewing as animals emerge in late afternoon.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Kibale has the highest density of primates in Africa, and March offers excellent tracking conditions. The 1,500 m (4,921 ft) elevation keeps temperatures comfortable, and the 13 primate species are active in the morning hours (8am-12pm). Chimpanzee tracking success rates hover around 90-95%, with treks lasting 2-4 hours. The forest canopy walk adds another dimension if you want a full-day primate experience.
Source of the Nile Exploration in Jinja
March hits the sweet spot for Nile activities - water levels are good for white-water rafting without being dangerously high, and the weather is warm enough (27°C / 81°F highs) for water sports without the oppressive heat of January-February. Grade 5 rapids on half-day rafting trips (4-5 hours on water) offer genuine adrenaline, while sunset boat cruises to the Nile source provide a mellower option. The riverside town of Jinja has developed a solid adventure tourism infrastructure.
Cultural Village Experiences in Southwestern Uganda
The Batwa pygmy community experiences near Bwindi and the Ankole cattle-keeping demonstrations offer genuine cultural immersion. March timing means you can combine these with gorilla trekking in a logical itinerary. The Batwa trail walks (4-5 hours) through their ancestral forest teach traditional hunting techniques, fire-making, and medicinal plant knowledge. These aren't staged performances - you're learning from communities adapting to life outside the forest after generations inside it.
March Events & Festivals
Kampala Restaurant Week
Typically runs in early March, featuring prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants across Kampala. It's a chance to try higher-end dining at reduced prices (usually three courses for USD 25-35 instead of USD 50-60). Worth checking current dates if you're spending time in the capital before heading to parks.