Things to Do in Rwanda in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Rwanda
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March sits right at the tail end of the long dry season, meaning you'll catch mostly clear mornings perfect for gorilla trekking before the afternoon clouds roll in. Trails are still relatively dry and easier to navigate than they'll be in a few weeks.
- Tourist numbers drop noticeably in March compared to the December-February peak season. You'll actually have space to breathe at Volcanoes National Park, and gorilla permits become somewhat easier to secure if you're booking 8-10 weeks out instead of the usual 4-6 months.
- The transitional weather creates incredible photography conditions - that soft, diffused light when clouds move across the volcanoes, and the landscape is still lush green from earlier rains without being muddy. Golden hour around 5:30-6pm is genuinely spectacular.
- March pricing sits in a sweet spot where some lodges start offering shoulder season rates (typically 15-20% lower than peak), but services and infrastructure are still running at full capacity. You get better value without sacrificing quality or availability.
Considerations
- Weather becomes increasingly unpredictable as March progresses. Early March might give you sunny days, but by late March you're looking at the start of the long rainy season. Afternoon showers become more frequent and can last 1-2 hours rather than the brief 20-minute sprinkles of dry season.
- The humidity climbs steadily throughout March, and combined with altitude, it makes gorilla treks genuinely exhausting. That 70% humidity at 2,500 m (8,200 ft) elevation feels heavier than you'd expect, and you'll be drenched in sweat within 30 minutes of hiking.
- Some rural roads start deteriorating by late March as rains increase. If you're planning to visit Nyungwe Forest or Akagera National Park, expect longer transfer times and potentially rougher journeys, particularly in the final week of the month.
Best Activities in March
Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking
March offers the best balance for gorilla trekking before the heavy rains arrive. Trails are still relatively firm underfoot, visibility is excellent in the morning hours, and you'll encounter smaller groups at the park headquarters. The bamboo shoots are at peak growth, which means gorillas tend to stay at lower elevations and treks average 2-3 hours rather than the 4-6 hour slogs common in drier months when they climb higher. Book your permit for early morning starts around 7am when weather is most stable.
Kigali City Cultural Tours
March weather makes Kigali's cultural sites more comfortable to explore than the hot dry months. The city sits at 1,500 m (4,921 ft) so temperatures stay pleasant even midday. This is an excellent time to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries in Kacyiru, and the bustling Kimironko Market. Afternoon showers provide natural breaks to duck into cafes. Late March coincides with preparations for Genocide Remembrance Week in April, and you'll notice increased cultural programming and exhibitions opening.
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Primate Tracking
Early to mid-March is your last good window for Nyungwe before roads become challenging. The forest is magnificently lush, and the famous canopy walkway at 50 m (164 ft) height offers stunning views when morning mist clears around 9-10am. Chimpanzee tracking success rates hover around 60-70% in March, and colobus monkey troops are highly active. The cooler, humid conditions actually make hiking more comfortable than the hotter months. Avoid late March when access roads deteriorate.
Lake Kivu Beach Towns and Water Activities
March offers excellent conditions at Lake Kivu before the rainy season intensifies. Water temperatures stay comfortable around 24°C (75°F), and the lake is calm most mornings. Gisenyi and Kibuye provide perfect bases for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat trips to nearby islands. The combination of altitude at 1,460 m (4,790 ft) and lakeside location keeps temperatures pleasant. This is genuinely one of Africa's most underrated lake destinations, and March crowds are minimal.
Akagera National Park Safari Drives
March sits at an interesting transition point for Akagera. The park is still relatively dry, making game viewing easier as animals congregate around permanent water sources, but vegetation is greener than peak dry season. You'll spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and if you're lucky, lions and rhinos. Morning game drives from 6-9am offer best wildlife activity before heat builds. The park is far less crowded than East African alternatives, and you might have entire sections to yourself.
Rural Village Homestays and Agricultural Tours
March is planting season across Rwanda, and participating in agricultural activities offers genuine cultural immersion. You'll see terraced hillsides being prepared for crops, community farming cooperatives in action, and traditional Intore dance performances at cultural villages. The countryside is spectacularly green, and rural communities are less busy than harvest season. This is when you'll actually understand why Rwanda calls itself the land of a thousand hills.
March Events & Festivals
International Women's Day Celebrations
March 8th is marked throughout Rwanda with particular significance given the country's focus on gender equality and the high percentage of women in parliament. Expect public events, cultural performances, and special programming at community centers in Kigali and major towns. It's an interesting window into contemporary Rwandan society and worth timing your visit around if you're interested in development and social progress.
Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony Preparations
While the main ceremony happens in September, March sees increased conservation activities and preparations at Volcanoes National Park. You might encounter research teams, veterinary check-ups, and heightened monitoring of gorilla families. For wildlife enthusiasts, this behind-the-scenes activity adds interesting context to gorilla trekking experiences.