Things to Do in Central African Republic in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Central African Republic
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season conditions make river travel and road access significantly more reliable - the main highway from Cameroon to Bangui is typically passable without the mud delays you'd face in rainy months, cutting travel time by 2-3 hours
- Wildlife viewing at Dzanga-Sangha reaches peak visibility as animals concentrate around permanent water sources and forest clearings, particularly the famous bai (forest clearings) where you can observe forest elephants gathering in groups of 50-100
- Lower malaria transmission rates compared to wet season months - while you absolutely still need prophylaxis, March historically shows 40-50% fewer cases than July-September according to WHO data
- Cooler morning temperatures between 18-22°C (64-72°F) make early starts for tracking western lowland gorillas genuinely comfortable, before humidity climbs later in the day
Considerations
- Harmattan winds from the Sahara can create hazy conditions in northern regions, reducing visibility and creating a fine dust that gets into camera equipment and requires daily cleaning
- End of dry season means some water-dependent wildlife has already dispersed from accessible areas, and certain forest trails may be harder packed and dustier than the fresher conditions you'd find in November-December
- This is technically shoulder season transitioning toward the rainy period, so you might catch early rains in the final week of March - about 30% chance of the wet season starting earlier than April, which can disrupt flight schedules on small charter planes
Best Activities in March
Dzanga-Sangha Forest Reserve Gorilla Tracking
March offers optimal conditions for tracking habituated western lowland gorillas - the forest floor is dry enough for comfortable hiking through dense vegetation, and morning temperatures stay cool until around 10am. The BaAka tracker guides work year-round but March conditions mean you're typically spending 2-4 hours tracking rather than the 5-6 hour slogs common in wet season. Groups are limited to 4 visitors per day, and you'll spend exactly one hour with the gorilla family once located. The combination of good visibility and concentrated wildlife makes this the premium month for the reserve.
Dzanga Bai Forest Elephant Observation
The bai (forest clearing) viewing platform offers one of Africa's most reliable wildlife spectacles in March. Forest elephants gather at this mineral-rich clearing, and late dry season means you'll typically see 40-80 elephants at once during afternoon sessions. The platform sits 30 m (98 ft) from the clearing edge, and you'll spend 2-3 hours watching elephants, forest buffalo, and bongo antelope. March weather means the clearing is fully accessible without mud, and afternoon light from 3-5pm is ideal for photography. Humidity stays around 70% which is actually manageable compared to 85-90% in rainy months.
BaAka Pygmy Cultural Experiences
March is actually ideal for spending time with BaAka communities around Bayanga because the forest trails to their camps are dry and accessible. The traditional net hunting demonstrations, medicinal plant walks, and polyphonic singing sessions happen year-round, but you're not dealing with muddy approaches or rain interruptions. These are genuine cultural exchanges arranged through community representatives, typically 3-4 hour experiences. The forest walks where BaAka guides explain traditional hunting and gathering techniques are particularly valuable - you're learning survival skills that have sustained forest peoples for millennia.
Bangui City and Boali Falls Day Trips
March road conditions make the 100 km (62 mile) trip to Boali Falls actually feasible as a day excursion from Bangui. The falls themselves are less dramatic in dry season but still impressive, dropping 50 m (164 ft) over basalt cliffs. More importantly, the drive gives you context for CAR's landscape and current infrastructure reality. In Bangui itself, the riverside markets, artisan workshops in PK5 neighborhood (security permitting - check current situation), and the Boganda Museum offer genuine cultural insight. March heat peaks around midday, so plan morning departures and return by mid-afternoon.
Sangha River Boat Journeys
March represents the tail end of optimal river conditions before water levels drop further in April. Pirogue trips along the Sangha River between Bayanga and surrounding forest areas offer wildlife spotting (crocodiles, hippos, various primates) and access to remote BaAka fishing camps. The river serves as the actual highway system here, and these journeys show you how local transportation and commerce actually function. Mornings from 6-9am offer the best wildlife activity and coolest temperatures around 20-24°C (68-75°F) before humidity climbs.
Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park Planning
Worth mentioning with serious caveats - this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north has been largely inaccessible for years due to security issues and poaching impacts. However, if conservation efforts continue progressing and security improves by March 2026, this could represent one of Central Africa's most significant wildlife areas. March would theoretically be optimal timing with dry conditions and concentrated wildlife. Currently this requires extensive advance coordination with conservation organizations and security assessment. Only consider this if you're an experienced expedition traveler comfortable with genuine risk and uncertainty.
March Events & Festivals
Boganda Day
March 29th commemorates Barthélemy Boganda, the founder of CAR independence movement. In Bangui you'll see official ceremonies at the Place de la République and increased activity around government buildings. This is primarily a local observance rather than tourist spectacle, but it offers insight into national identity and political history. Expect some business closures and altered schedules on this date.