Things to Do in Eswatini in March

March Weather in Eswatini

24°C (75°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect harvest season weather - warm days averaging 24°C (75°F) with cool sleeping temperatures of 14°C (57°F), ideal for outdoor activities and comfortable nights
Post-harvest festival season with authentic cultural celebrations including reed dance preparations and traditional brewing ceremonies using fresh sorghum
Wildlife viewing peak - animals are most active before winter, concentrated around water sources, and vegetation is lush but not overgrown for excellent game drives
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to peak December-January season, yet weather remains excellent for all activities

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days of the month - typically 2-4pm, lasting 30-45 minutes with intense downpours that can temporarily halt outdoor activities
School holidays in South Africa create weekend crowding at Malolotja Nature Reserve and border crossings, especially the first two weekends of March
Some mountain hiking trails in Malolotja become muddy and slippery after rains, requiring proper footwear and potentially delaying summit attempts by 1-2 hours

Best Activities in March

Hlane Royal National Park Game Drives

March offers exceptional wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources before the dry season. Lions, elephants, and rhinos are highly active in the cooler morning temperatures of 16-18°C (61-64°F). The post-rain vegetation provides perfect cover density - lush enough for natural behavior but not overgrown to obstruct viewing. Late afternoon drives from 4pm catch the golden hour after typical 2pm thunderstorms pass.

Booking Tip: Book morning drives (6am-10am) to avoid afternoon storms. Rangers prefer 2-3 day advance booking in March. Game drives typically cost E450-650 ($25-36 USD) per person. Look for operators offering flexible rescheduling for weather. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Malolotja Nature Reserve Hiking

March's moderate temperatures make high-altitude hiking comfortable - the canopy tour and waterfall trails are perfect when daytime temps reach 22°C (72°F) at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation. Post-rain waterfalls are at their most impressive, especially Malolotja Falls which increases flow by 300% after March rains. Morning hikes from 7am-12pm avoid afternoon storms and offer the clearest mountain views.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 5-7 days ahead as March is popular for serious hikers. Trail fees are E35 ($2 USD) per day, guided hikes E200-350 ($11-19 USD). Ensure guides carry emergency shelter - afternoon weather changes rapidly at altitude. Check current trail conditions in booking section below.

Traditional Village Cultural Immersion

March is harvest celebration season in rural homesteads - families brew traditional umcombotsi beer from fresh sorghum and prepare for reed dance season. The weather is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and traditional cooking demonstrations. Villages are most welcoming during harvest time, and you'll experience authentic daily life including cattle herding in the pleasant morning temperatures.

Booking Tip: Cultural village stays cost E300-500 ($17-28 USD) per day including meals. Book through community tourism offices 1-2 weeks ahead - March is busy with harvest activities. Look for experiences including traditional brewing and craft demonstrations. See current community-based tourism options in booking section.

Ezulwini Valley Adventure Activities

March's stable weather patterns make it ideal for white-water rafting on the Great Usutu River - water levels are optimal from recent rains without being dangerously high. The 24°C (75°F) afternoon temperatures are perfect for getting wet. Rock climbing and abseiling at Sibebe Rock benefit from the low humidity and excellent grip conditions on dry rock faces in the mornings.

Booking Tip: Adventure activities cost E400-800 ($22-44 USD) per person depending on activity level. Book morning slots (8am-1pm) to avoid afternoon storms. Operators typically require 48-hour advance booking in March. Look for packages combining multiple activities. Current adventure tour options available in booking widget below.

Piggs Peak and Maguga Dam Scenic Tours

March showcases Eswatini's highlands at their most beautiful - rolling hills are emerald green from recent rains, and Maguga Dam is full, creating spectacular reflections of the surrounding mountains. The moderate temperatures make driving tours comfortable, and visibility is excellent on clear mornings before afternoon cloud buildup. Pine forests around Piggs Peak are particularly photogenic.

Booking Tip: Scenic tours typically cost E350-550 ($19-31 USD) for full day including transport. Book tours starting early (7am departure) to maximize clear weather viewing. Self-drive visitors should plan return by 3pm to avoid afternoon storms on mountain roads. See current scenic tour options in booking section.

Mantenga Cultural Village and Craft Markets

March weather is perfect for outdoor cultural demonstrations and craft shopping. The village's traditional Swazi homestead activities like fire-making and traditional cooking are comfortable in the mild temperatures. Local artisans are busy creating crafts for the upcoming tourist season, offering the best selection and prices. Morning visits from 9am-12pm avoid afternoon rains and catch the most active demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are E75 ($4 USD) for cultural village, with craft demonstrations costing E50-150 ($3-8 USD) extra. Markets offer better prices in March before peak season - expect to negotiate 20-30% off starting prices. Book cultural experiences 2-3 days ahead. Current cultural tour packages in booking widget below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Umhlanga Reed Dance Preparation Season

While the main Reed Dance occurs in late August/September, March marks the beginning of preparation season when young women begin gathering in regions to practice traditional dances and prepare ceremonial attire. Visitors can observe authentic practice sessions and craft-making in rural areas, offering insight into this important cultural tradition without the crowds of the main event.

Early to Mid March

Harvest Festival Celebrations

Local communities celebrate successful harvests with traditional ceremonies including first fruits rituals and communal beer brewing. These authentic celebrations occur in various homesteads and offer visitors genuine cultural immersion including traditional music, dance, and feast preparation using fresh harvest ingredients.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket - March afternoon storms bring heavy rain for 30-45 minutes with little warning

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 14°C (57°F) at dawn to 24°C (75°F) by afternoon, requiring adaptable clothing

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - trails become muddy and slippery after frequent rains, regular sneakers are inadequate for nature reserves

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 1,500m (4,921 ft) altitude, even on partly cloudy days

Quick-dry clothing materials - avoid cotton which stays wet in 70% humidity, choose synthetic or merino wool fabrics

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - post-rain conditions increase mosquito activity, especially near water sources in game reserves

Compact umbrella or poncho - afternoon storms can strike during outdoor activities and provide limited natural shelter

Warm fleece or light sweater - evening temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially in highland areas above 1,000m (3,281 ft)

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - protect electronics during outdoor activities and unexpected rain showers

Multiple pairs of socks - feet get wet frequently from morning dew and afternoon rains, dry socks are essential for comfort

Insider Knowledge

Schedule important outdoor activities for 7am-1pm window - afternoon storms are predictable and typically start between 2-4pm, clearing by 5pm for beautiful evening light

Stay near Ezulwini Valley for best weather flexibility - it's centrally located between all major attractions within 45 minutes drive, allowing you to easily change plans based on localized weather patterns

March is when locals prepare winter food supplies - visit rural areas to see traditional food preservation methods like biltong making and sorghum processing, offering authentic cultural experiences tourists rarely see

Border crossings with South Africa are fastest on weekday mornings - South African school holidays create weekend bottlenecks, especially at Ngwenya and Mahamba borders, adding 30-60 minutes to crossing times

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities without rain backup plans - 40% of March afternoons have storms, yet most tourists don't book flexible tours or indoor alternatives

Packing only summer clothes - many visitors underestimate how cool 14°C (57°F) morning temperatures feel, especially on game drives in open vehicles starting at 6am

Booking accommodation only in Mbabane city center - staying in Ezulwini Valley provides better access to attractions, more dining options, and superior weather protection with covered walkways between venues