Things to Do in Gaborone in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Gaborone
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- End-of-summer weather means mornings are genuinely pleasant at 17-22°C (63-72°F) - perfect for game drives starting at 6am when animals are most active and you'll actually want that light fleece in the vehicle
- School term is fully underway across Southern Africa, so attractions like Mokolodi Nature Reserve and the National Museum see maybe 30% fewer visitors compared to December-January chaos
- The landscape sits in this interesting transition phase - still somewhat green from summer rains but drying out, which concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources and makes animal spotting significantly easier than wet months
- Hotel rates drop noticeably after the February half-term rush - you're looking at 15-25% lower prices than peak season, and booking 3-4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient rather than the 2-3 months you'd need in July
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days translate to late afternoon thunderstorms that roll in around 3-5pm - not trip-ruining, but they will occasionally cut short your afternoon plans and turn dirt roads into temporary mud tracks
- It's the tail end of summer, so the city hasn't quite shifted into the crisp, dry winter weather Gaborone is famous for - you'll deal with that 70% humidity which makes 30°C (87°F) feel considerably warmer than the number suggests
- Some lodges outside the city start closing for maintenance during March and April, particularly smaller operations in the Kalahari, so your options for multi-day safari extensions are more limited than winter months
Best Activities in March
Morning Game Drives at Mokolodi Nature Reserve
March mornings are actually ideal for this - temperatures start around 17°C (63°F) at 6am, climbing to comfortable 24°C (75°F) by 9am. The reserve sits just 12 km (7.5 miles) south of the city, and because it's still transitioning from wet to dry season, you'll spot white rhino, giraffe, and various antelope concentrating around waterholes. The vegetation is thinning out but not yet winter-sparse, giving you decent sightings without the dust that comes later. Most importantly, afternoon storms mean morning drives are your best bet - the 6-9am window typically stays clear.
Gaborone Dam Sunset Watching
When those afternoon storms pass through - which they do about 60% of days - the post-rain sunsets at the dam around 6:30-7pm are genuinely spectacular. The dam sits 5 km (3 miles) from the city center and locals gather here specifically in March and April for this reason. Water levels are still decent from summer rains, birdlife is active, and the air clarity after storms creates those dramatic cloud formations. It's free, accessible, and gives you something productive to do after weather disrupts afternoon plans.
National Museum and Art Gallery Visits
Perfect for those inevitable rainy afternoons. The museum sits in the city center on Independence Avenue and offers genuinely interesting exhibits on Botswana's history, traditional crafts, and contemporary art scene. March is smart timing because you'll often have galleries nearly to yourself - school groups are in session, and most tourists haven't discovered this place yet. The building itself is air-conditioned, which matters when you're dealing with 70% humidity outside. Budget 2-3 hours to see everything properly.
Kgale Hill Hiking
The hill rises 1,287 m (4,222 ft) above sea level on the city's western edge - it's the defining landmark you'll see from everywhere. March timing is crucial here: you absolutely must start by 6:30am at the latest. The hike takes 60-90 minutes up depending on fitness, and you want to summit and descend before temperatures hit 30°C (87°F) and humidity becomes oppressive. The trail is well-marked, moderately challenging, and views across Gaborone and into South Africa are worth the effort. Locals do this year-round but smart ones go early in March.
Traditional Craft Market Browsing at Main Mall
The Main Mall pedestrian area downtown hosts informal craft vendors selling baskets, pottery, and traditional items. March means fewer tour groups competing for vendor attention, and the covered areas provide shelter when those afternoon showers roll through. The quality varies significantly - you'll find both genuine handwoven Botswana baskets and imported items - but vendors are generally willing to demonstrate techniques and explain origins when crowds are lighter. This works as either a morning activity or a rainy-day backup plan.
Day Trips to Nearby Villages and Cultural Sites
March weather actually suits trips to places like Mochudi (37 km/23 miles northeast) or Molepolole (50 km/31 miles north) better than winter months when dust becomes intense. These traditional Tswana villages offer working examples of kgotla meeting places, traditional architecture, and local life beyond the capital's modernity. Roads are paved and accessible, though afternoon storms might delay return trips. The Phuthadikobo Museum in Mochudi is particularly worthwhile and sees almost no international visitors.
March Events & Festivals
Botswana Independence Day Preparations
While the actual Independence Day falls on September 30th, March marks when various cultural groups and schools begin serious preparation and practice for the celebrations. You might catch rehearsals at the National Stadium or see traditional dance groups practicing in public spaces. It's not a formal tourist event, but it offers genuine glimpses into how seriously Batswana take their independence celebrations, and locals are typically happy to explain what you're witnessing.