Things to Do in Angola in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Angola
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- End of rainy season means lush landscapes without constant downpours - the countryside around Kalandula Falls and Kissama National Park is spectacularly green, but you'll typically get only 10 rainy days spread across the month, usually brief afternoon showers
- Lower tourist numbers compared to dry season peaks mean better availability at lodges and more authentic interactions - you won't be competing with tour groups at Miradouro da Lua or the Fortaleza de São Miguel, and guides have more time for genuine conversations
- Wildlife viewing improves as water sources begin drying up slightly, concentrating animals at remaining waterholes in Kissama - elephants and antelope become more predictable to spot, though vegetation is still thick enough that you'll need patience
- Coastal conditions are excellent with calmer seas and warm water temperatures around 26°C (79°F) - perfect for Mussulo Island beach days, boat trips to Ilha do Cabo, and exploring the Kwanza River estuary without the rougher swells of June-August
Considerations
- Unpredictable afternoon showers mean you'll need flexibility in your daily plans - that hike to Binga Falls or drive to Cangandala National Park might get muddy, and dirt roads can become challenging after heavy rain, adding hours to journey times
- Humidity at 70% makes the heat feel more intense than the temperature suggests - you'll be sweating through shirts by midday, and air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for comfortable sleeping, which limits budget accommodation options
- Some remote parks and attractions may have limited accessibility if March rains are heavier than usual - roads to Bicauri National Park and parts of Iona can become impassable, and you won't know conditions until closer to your travel dates
Best Activities in March
Kalandula Falls excursions
March is actually one of the best months to visit Africa's second-largest waterfall by volume. The falls are at near-peak flow from rainy season runoff, creating that thunderous cascade you see in photos, but the rains are tapering off enough that roads from Malanje are typically passable. The 105-meter (344-foot) drop is spectacular when water volume is high, and the surrounding landscape is brilliantly green. Morning visits offer better light for photography and cooler temperatures around 22°C (72°F) before midday heat sets in. The 420 km (261 mile) drive from Luanda takes 6-7 hours, so most visitors overnight in Malanje.
Kissama National Park game drives
Angola's most accessible wildlife park is about 70 km (43 miles) south of Luanda, and March offers improving wildlife viewing as the landscape transitions from wet to dry season. Animals are starting to concentrate near the Kwanza River and remaining waterholes, making elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species easier to spot, though the vegetation is still fairly dense. Early morning drives starting at 6am give you the best chance before heat and humidity peak - temperatures are pleasant at 19-21°C (66-70°F) at dawn. The park's proximity to Luanda means you can do day trips, though overnight stays at lodges inside the park offer better wildlife opportunities.
Luanda historical walking tours
The capital's colonial-era architecture and waterfront areas are best explored on foot, and March mornings offer decent conditions before afternoon heat and potential showers. The Baixa de Luanda (lower city) features the iconic pink-and-white Fortaleza de São Miguel fortress built in 1576, the Iron Palace designed by Gustave Eiffel's office, and the atmospheric streets around Largo do Ambiente. Start by 8am to beat both heat and humidity - by noon you'll want to be in air-conditioned museums or cafes. Walking tours typically cover 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) over 3-4 hours, manageable in March conditions if you pace yourself and hydrate constantly.
Mussulo Island beach days and boat trips
This 30 km (18.6 mile) long peninsula across from Luanda offers the capital's best beach escape, and March conditions are excellent - calm seas, warm water around 26°C (79°F), and less wind than the cooler months. The sandbar creates protected lagoon areas perfect for swimming and water sports. Boat transfers from Luanda's Ilha do Cabo take 20-30 minutes, and you'll find beach clubs with restaurants, loungers, and water sports equipment. The humidity makes beach time more comfortable than inland exploration, and afternoon showers are brief enough that you can usually wait them out under beach umbrellas.
Miradouro da Lua landscape photography
These dramatic lunar-like cliffs 40 km (25 miles) south of Luanda are best photographed in late afternoon light around 5-6pm, which works perfectly with March's weather pattern of morning clarity and possible afternoon showers. The eroded clay formations in shades of red, yellow, and white create otherworldly landscapes dropping to the Atlantic. March's post-rain atmosphere often provides interesting cloud formations and dramatic skies. The site is easily accessible by car on paved roads, making it a straightforward half-day trip from Luanda. Plan 2-3 hours including travel time and sunset watching.
Kwanza River estuary boat exploration
The river mouth where the Kwanza meets the Atlantic offers mangrove ecosystems, fishing villages, and birdwatching opportunities that are particularly good in March when migratory species are still present and water levels are high but navigable. Boat trips explore the maze of channels, stop at traditional fishing communities, and sometimes include beach time on undeveloped coastline. The humidity actually makes being on the water more comfortable than inland activities, with river breezes providing relief. Half-day trips typically cover 15-20 km (9-12 miles) of river exploration.
March Events & Festivals
Luanda International Jazz Festival
This multi-day music festival typically happens in late March, bringing together Angolan jazz artists with international performers at venues around Luanda including the Fortaleza de São Miguel and various cultural centers. It's worth checking exact 2026 dates if you're a jazz enthusiast - the festival has grown significantly in recent years and offers a great way to experience Luanda's contemporary cultural scene beyond the tourist sites. Evening concerts mean you avoid daytime heat and humidity.