Kenya in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Coast (Mombasa, Diani, Lamu, Malindi)

Warm, steamy mornings give way to sharper cloud buildups by afternoon as the long rains begin to show their teeth in March. Occasional heavy downpours start to interrupt day trips to Wasini Island and Lamu’s narrow streets can flood briefly; some rural roads become muddy. For travellers this month, schedule boat trips flexibly and expect fewer crowds compared with January-February, but carry a light waterproof and expect higher humidity.

Central Highlands & Nairobi (Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru)

A sharp shift arrives in March as the long rains build up across the highlands, starting with afternoon cloud and sudden downpours that intensify by month’s end. Naivasha and Nakuru see water levels rise and waterfalls and rivers begin to swell; wildlife viewing in the Rift can be trickier as vegetation thickens. Pack a light waterproof, plan flexible drives, and expect muddy tracks at many reserves.

Rift Valley & Maasai Mara (Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli fringe)

The landscape begins to change in March as the long rains approach-afternoon cloud builds and by late March you’ll see intermittent showers across the plains. Mara river levels rise gradually, improving grazing but making some river crossings more interesting-this affects where wildebeest congregate. For travellers, expect some muddy tracks in smaller camps and plan flexible game-drive schedules.

Mount Kenya & Aberdares (Nanyuki, Mount Kenya, Aberdare Range)

March sees more cloud build-up and the first serious long-rain showers start to affect higher trails, making paths muddy and rivers higher on approach routes. Lowland porters and lodges may adjust schedules; summit pushes become more unpredictable as afternoon storms develop. Pack waterproof gear and avoid exposed ridgelines when thunder is in the forecast.

Lake Victoria & Western Kenya (Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Siaya)

A clear uptick in rain arrives by March as the long rains take hold; river levels rise and some rural tracks toward Homa Bay and the Kakamega forest get muddy. Lake Victoria’s shoreline receives more cloud and brief storms can make boat rides choppier. For travellers, expect slower road transfers and intermittent interruptions to village markets; waterproof footwear is essential for forest walks.

Northern & Arid North (Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo)

March can bring the first scattered long-rain showers in parts of the northern ranges, but many areas remain dry-when storms arrive they are often intense and cause flash flooding in dry riverbeds. Samburu’s riverine pockets green up quickly after storms, attracting wildlife temporarily. For travellers, maintain flexible itineraries and check condition reports for remote roads before venturing out.