Things to Do in Angola in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Angola

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Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season continues - March marks the tail end of Angola's dry season with minimal rainfall (only 10 rainy days), making it ideal for exploring remote areas like Kissama National Park where roads become impassable during rainy months
Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - Animals congregate around remaining water sources, making March exceptional for spotting elephants, antelope, and birds at Kissama and Iona National Parks with visibility at its annual peak
Comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities - Daytime highs of 25°C (77°F) are perfect for hiking the Tunda-Vala escarpment or exploring Luanda's coastal areas without the extreme heat of December-February
Excellent ocean conditions - Atlantic waters are calm with minimal wind, creating ideal conditions for beach activities at Mussulo Island and coastal exploration around Benguela with water temperatures around 24°C (75°F)

Considerations

Transition period brings unpredictable weather - While mostly dry, March can see sudden afternoon thunderstorms that last 1-2 hours, potentially disrupting outdoor plans and making some rural roads temporarily impassable
Peak tourism pricing continues - March falls within Angola's high season for the limited tourism infrastructure, meaning accommodations in Luanda cost 30-40% more than low season rates
Dust and haze from dry conditions - Harmattan winds can create dusty conditions, particularly in northern provinces, reducing visibility for photography and potentially aggravating respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in March

Kissama National Park Wildlife Safaris

March offers the year's best wildlife viewing as the dry season concentrates animals around remaining water sources. Roads are still accessible from the dry months, but animals haven't dispersed yet with the rains. Temperatures of 25°C (77°F) make early morning and late afternoon game drives comfortable. The park's 9,960 km² (3,845 square miles) area is most navigable now.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through certified tour operators in Luanda. Day trips typically cost $180-250 per person including transport from Luanda (70 km/43 miles). Multi-day packages run $400-600. Ensure operators have proper park permits and 4WD vehicles. See current safari options in the booking section below.

Tunda-Vala Escarpment Hiking

March's moderate temperatures make this dramatic cliff-edge hike near Lubango ideal before April rains make trails slippery. The escarpment rises 2,600 m (8,530 ft) above sea level with panoramic views extending 100 km (62 miles). Clear dry-season skies offer excellent photography conditions, and morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) are perfect for the 3-4 hour trek.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Lubango-based operators 7-10 days ahead. Guided treks cost $80-120 per person including transport from Lubango. Independent hiking possible but local guides recommended for safety and cultural context. Book accommodation in Lubango early as options are limited.

Mussulo Peninsula Beach Activities

March combines ideal weather conditions - 25°C (77°F) air temperature, calm Atlantic waters at 24°C (75°F), and minimal rainfall. The peninsula's white sand beaches and protected lagoons offer excellent swimming, kayaking, and boat trips. Consistent trade winds make it perfect for kitesurfing without the stronger winds of mid-year months.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Luanda typically cost $60-90 per person via speedboat (45-minute journey). Weekend accommodation at peninsula lodges runs $200-400 per night - book minimum 2 weeks ahead as capacity is very limited. Water sports equipment rental available on-site for $30-50 per day.

Kalandula Falls Exploration

March timing is crucial for Kalandula Falls - Africa's second-largest waterfall by volume. The falls are at optimal flow from dry season river levels, creating the iconic 105 m (344 ft) drop without the dangerous flood conditions of peak rainy season. Access roads from Malanje (80 km/50 miles) are still in good condition before April rains.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Malanje tour operators 5-7 days ahead. Day trips cost $100-150 per person including 4WD transport and guide. The journey takes 2.5 hours each way on sometimes challenging roads. Overnight options at nearby lodges run $120-200 per night - book well ahead as facilities are basic but limited.

Luanda Historical Walking Tours

March's moderate temperatures make exploring Luanda's colonial architecture and museums comfortable during the 20°C (68°F) morning hours. The Fortaleza de São Miguel, National Museum of Slavery, and Cidade Alta are best visited before midday heat. Low humidity compared to rainy months reduces the exhaustion factor of walking Luanda's hills.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours cost $40-70 per person through established operators. Book 3-5 days ahead, especially for English-language guides. Tours typically run 8am-12pm to avoid afternoon heat. Include museum entrance fees in budget ($5-15 per site). Many operators combine with traditional lunch experiences.

Iona National Park Desert Adventure

March offers the last opportunity before rains to explore Angola's only desert park. The 15,150 km² (5,850 square miles) of desert landscape along the Namibian border is most accessible now, with clear skies perfect for stargazing and comfortable 22°C (72°F) daytime temperatures. Desert-adapted wildlife is active, and the famous desert elephants are more easily spotted.

Booking Tip: Multi-day expeditions required - 3-5 day packages cost $800-1,200 per person including camping equipment and meals. Must book through specialized operators in Lubango or Namibe with 4WD vehicles and desert experience. Limited to small groups (4-6 people maximum). Essential to confirm operator has emergency communication equipment.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Luanda International Jazz Festival

Annual celebration featuring local and international artists performing across multiple venues in Luanda. The festival showcases Angola's rich musical heritage alongside contemporary jazz, with free outdoor concerts at the Marginal waterfront and ticketed shows at cultural centers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts in light colors - essential for sun protection with UV index reaching 8, and helps during dusty Harmattan wind conditions

Quick-dry hiking pants - temperature swings from 20°C (68°F) mornings to 25°C (77°F) afternoons require versatile clothing

Waterproof daypack cover - those 10 rainy days can bring sudden 1-2 hour downpours, especially during afternoon thunderstorms

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and wide-brimmed hat - intense equatorial sun combined with high altitude in places like Tunda-Vala (2,600 m/8,530 ft)

Closed-toe walking shoes with ankle support - essential for rocky terrain at Kalandula Falls and uneven colonial streets in Luanda's Cidade Alta

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds can create significant dust, particularly problematic in northern provinces and during travel

Portable water bottles with purification tablets - staying hydrated in 70% humidity while accessing clean water outside Luanda can be challenging

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power outages outside major cities, plus Angola uses European-style plugs

Cash in US dollars (small bills) - credit cards rarely accepted outside luxury Luanda hotels, and ATMs are unreliable

Basic Portuguese phrasebook or translation app - English is very limited outside international hotels and tour operators

Insider Knowledge

March marks mango season in Angola - local markets overflow with over 20 varieties of mangoes at rock-bottom prices. Try manga de rosa and manga espada varieties that don't export well but are local favorites.

Book domestic flights between Luanda and provincial capitals (Lubango, Huambo) at least 3 weeks ahead in March - limited aircraft and weather delays from transitional season conditions create booking bottlenecks.

Afternoon thunderstorms in March typically hit between 2-4pm - schedule outdoor activities for early morning (6-11am) or late afternoon (after 5pm) to avoid getting caught in sudden downpours.

Many Angolan government offices and some businesses close early or entirely during the last week of March for end-of-fiscal-year processing - plan permit requirements and official business for early March.