Things to Do in Mozambique in March

March Weather in Mozambique

30°C (86°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

195mm (7.7 inches) Rainfall

80% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Green season transforms landscapes - waterfalls at Cahora Bassa reach peak flow, and the normally dusty interior becomes lush and photogenic
Marine life peaks with whale sharks and manta rays most active around Tofo and Inhambane - visibility underwater reaches 25-30m (82-98 feet)
Cashew season brings fresh fruit and traditional celebrations - locals harvest and roast cashews, creating authentic cultural experiences unavailable other months
Tourist numbers drop 60% compared to dry season, meaning pristine beaches and unbooked accommodations at 30-40% lower rates

Considerations

Unpaved roads become impassable - the 180km (112 mile) route from Vilanculos to Inhambane can take 8+ hours instead of 4 during heavy rains
Malaria risk increases significantly with standing water and active mosquito breeding - cases spike 300% during rainy months
Afternoon thunderstorms are violent and unpredictable - storms can last 2-4 hours with lightning that grounds boats and flights for entire afternoons

Best Activities in March

Bazaruto Archipelago Diving Expeditions

March offers the clearest underwater visibility of the year at 25-30m (82-98 feet) with water temperatures at perfect 26°C (79°F). Whale sharks migrate through these waters specifically in March, making encounters 80% more likely than dry season. The reduced tourist numbers mean exclusive dive sites and personalized attention from guides.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as only 3-4 operators run trips during rainy season. Expect to pay 2,500-4,200 MZN for full-day trips including equipment. Look for operators with covered boats and flexible rescheduling policies for storm days. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Gorongosa National Park Wildlife Tracking

The wet season concentrates animals around permanent water sources, making wildlife viewing more predictable. March is peak breeding season - you'll witness newborn elephants and active bird courtship displays. The landscape transforms from brown to emerald, creating dramatic photography opportunities impossible in dry months.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations 30+ days ahead as only two lodges operate year-round. Game drives cost 1,800-2,800 MZN and should be scheduled for early morning (6-9am) before afternoon storms. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and rain covers. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Inhambane Cultural Immersion Tours

March coincides with cashew harvest season when local families open their homes for traditional processing demonstrations. You'll participate in roasting ceremonies and learn Swahili cooking techniques using fresh ingredients only available during rainy season. The cultural authenticity peaks because tourism is minimal.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism networks 7-10 days ahead. Full-day cultural experiences cost 800-1,500 MZN including meals. Seek operators who work directly with local families rather than staging performances. Find authentic options through the booking section below.

Maputo Street Food and Market Tours

Rainy season brings unique seasonal fruits like fresh cashews, wild mangoes, and marula that aren't available other times. Local markets overflow with ingredients for traditional wet-season dishes. The cooler evening temperatures after afternoon rains create perfect conditions for extended food walks through Baixa district.

Booking Tip: Book food tours for late afternoon (4-7pm) to avoid midday heat and catch post-rain market activity. Tours typically cost 600-1,200 MZN including tastings at 6-8 vendors. Choose guides who speak local languages and have relationships with vendors. See current food tour options in the booking widget.

Pemba Bay Dhow Sailing Adventures

March brings consistent afternoon winds perfect for traditional dhow sailing, while morning calms allow snorkeling in gin-clear water. The reduced tourist presence means you can charter entire boats for private experiences. Local fishermen are most active during this season, offering authentic cultural exchanges.

Booking Tip: Book morning departures (7am-12pm) to avoid afternoon storms. Half-day dhow charters cost 2,000-3,500 MZN for up to 6 people. Ensure operators provide life jackets and have weather monitoring equipment. Morning trips rarely cancel due to weather. Find current dhow operators in the booking section.

Cahora Bassa Dam Fishing Expeditions

March marks peak fishing season when rising waters bring tigerfish and bream to feeding frenzies. The cooler, cloudy conditions mean all-day fishing comfort impossible during hot dry months. Local fishing guides are most available and prices drop 40% from peak season rates.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through local operators in Tete town. Full-day fishing trips cost 1,500-2,800 MZN including equipment and lunch. Choose guides with covered boats and local knowledge of seasonal fish movements. Storm flexibility is essential. Check current fishing guides through the booking widget below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Cashew Harvest Festivals

Rural communities throughout Nampula and Inhambane provinces celebrate the cashew harvest with traditional music, dance, and communal roasting ceremonies. These authentic celebrations offer rare insights into rural Mozambican culture and include participation in age-old processing techniques passed down through generations.

Weekly throughout March

Marrabenta Music Festival Circuit

Local venues in Maputo and Beira host weekly marrabenta performances during the rainy season when outdoor work slows. These intimate concerts feature traditional Mozambican guitar music and provide authentic cultural experiences unavailable during tourist-heavy dry season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof daypack with sealed compartments - afternoon storms dump 50-80mm (2-3 inches) in 2 hours and standard bags won't survive

Quick-dry hiking pants in dark colors - red dirt turns to sticky mud that stains light fabrics permanently during rainy season

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches dangerous 11 levels and reflection off wet surfaces intensifies exposure

Lightweight rain poncho (not umbrella) - violent winds up to 60 km/h (37 mph) during storms make umbrellas useless

Closed-toe water shoes - flooded streets hide broken glass and sewage overflow creates infection risks

Mosquito net and DEET 30%+ repellent - malaria cases triple during wet season with active breeding in standing water

Portable phone charger and waterproof case - power outages during storms can last 6-12 hours

Anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts - contaminated floodwater increases stomach illness risks by 400%

Breathable cotton clothing only - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in 80% humidity and trap moisture against skin

Ziplock bags for electronics and documents - humidity damages phones, cameras, and passports even without direct water contact

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights for morning departures only - LAM Mozambique cancels 70% of afternoon flights during March storms, and rebooking can take days

Carry small denomination meticais (20, 50, 100 notes) - vendors can't make change during market season when everyone needs cash for fresh produce purchases

Stay in accommodations with backup generators - Maputo experiences scheduled power cuts during peak rainy season to protect the aging grid system

Hire drivers familiar with alternate routes - GPS doesn't account for seasonal road closures, and locals know which bridges flood first during heavy rains

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking beach accommodations in northern Cabo Delgado - monsoon conditions make beaches unusable and many lodges close entirely during March

Planning long road trips without 4WD vehicles - the 300km (186 mile) EN1 highway floods at 12+ points, making standard cars dangerous or impossible

Underestimating storm severity - tourists often venture out during 'light rain' that becomes dangerous lightning storms within 30 minutes