Things to Do in Kigali in March

March Weather in Kigali

26°C (80°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

130 mm (5.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to July-August, with luxury hotels offering rates from $80-120 versus $150-200 in peak season
Ideal hiking weather with comfortable morning temperatures of 16-18°C (61-64°F) perfect for early starts to Nyungwe Forest or Mount Bisoke treks before afternoon warmth
Post-harvest season brings freshest local produce to markets - March is when new season coffee, avocados, and passion fruit are at their peak quality and lowest prices
Excellent wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park as animals concentrate around water sources during the drier periods between rains, with clearer roads and better game drive conditions

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes can disrupt outdoor dining and walking tours, typically hitting between 2-4pm without warning
Higher humidity levels of 70% make midday activities feel more strenuous than the temperature suggests, particularly challenging for those not used to tropical climates
Some mountain roads to Nyungwe become muddy and require 4WD vehicles after heavy rains, potentially limiting access to certain lodges and increasing transport costs by $20-40 per day

Best Activities in March

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Primate Tracking

March offers the best balance for forest activities - morning mist clears by 8am revealing spectacular views, while cooler temperatures of 14-16°C (57-61°F) at 2,000m (6,562 ft) elevation make the physical demands of tracking chimpanzees and colobus monkeys much more comfortable. Post-rain forest air is crystal clear, and primates are more active in the cooler conditions before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Reserve permits 2-3 weeks ahead through Rwanda Development Board. Canopy walk tickets cost $60, primate tracking $90-150 depending on species. Book morning slots (7-9am start) to avoid afternoon rains. Choose operators offering 4WD vehicles during March. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Kigali City Walking Tours and Genocide Memorial Visits

March's variable weather actually benefits city exploration - morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) are perfect for walking between districts, while afternoon showers provide natural breaks to explore indoor attractions like the Kigali Genocide Memorial or craft cooperatives. The city's excellent drainage means streets clear within 20 minutes of rain stopping.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours starting 8-9am to maximize outdoor time before potential afternoon showers. City tours typically cost $25-40 per person. Look for guides certified by Rwanda Tourism Board. Many operators offer flexible indoor alternatives when rain hits. See current walking tours in the booking section below.

Akagera National Park Safari Drives

March marks excellent game viewing as the landscape transitions between seasons - animals concentrate around permanent water sources making wildlife spotting more predictable, while clearer roads after February rains provide access to remote areas of the park. Morning game drives benefit from cooler temperatures and active wildlife, with spectacular photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 2-day packages ($180-250 including park fees) rather than day trips to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Morning drives (6-10am) offer best animal activity and comfortable temperatures. Choose operators providing 4WD safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. Reserve accommodation inside the park to avoid daily entry fees. See current safari packages in the booking section below.

Lake Kivu Water Activities and Beach Time

March provides ideal conditions for Lake Kivu activities - water temperatures remain warm at 24-25°C (75-77°F) while air temperatures are comfortable for all-day lake activities. Post-rain clarity makes the lake perfect for kayaking and swimming, while afternoon showers often pass over the lake quickly, creating dramatic photography opportunities with clearing skies.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages to Gisenyi or Kibuye offer better value ($120-180 for 2 days) than day trips from Kigali. Kayak rentals cost $15-25 per day, boat tours $30-50 per person. Book lakeside accommodation in advance as March attracts both international visitors and local holidaymakers. See current Lake Kivu tours in the booking section below.

Coffee Plantation Tours and Tasting Experiences

March is harvest season's end, making it the optimal time for coffee experiences. Plantations in the Northern and Western provinces showcase the full coffee process from tree to cup, with fresh processing happening daily. Cooler morning temperatures of 16-18°C (61-64°F) make walking through highland plantations comfortable, while afternoon indoor processing demonstrations provide shelter from potential rain.

Booking Tip: Book directly with cooperatives or through certified cultural tourism operators. Full-day coffee experiences cost $40-70 including transportation, lunch, and tastings. Morning tours (8am-2pm) work best with March weather patterns. Choose tours including both farm visits and processing facilities. See current coffee tour options in the booking section below.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

March offers exceptional gorilla trekking conditions - morning starts at 15-17°C (59-63°F) provide comfortable hiking temperatures, while the forest is lush from February rains but not overly muddy. Gorilla families are often more accessible as they move to mid-elevation areas avoiding both dry lowlands and misty peaks. Photography benefits from excellent natural lighting filtering through the forest canopy.

Booking Tip: Gorilla permits cost $1,500 and must be booked months ahead through Rwanda Development Board. March availability is better than peak months. Choose operators providing porter services ($20 tip recommended) and rain gear. Physical fitness is essential - treks range 2-8 hours at 2,400-3,000m (7,874-9,843 ft) elevation. See current trekking packages in the booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony Preparation Season

March begins the preparation period for Rwanda's annual gorilla naming ceremony. While the main event occurs later in the year, March offers unique opportunities to visit research centers, meet conservation teams, and learn about newly born gorillas that will be named. Special behind-the-scenes tours and conservation presentations are available throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - March afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and can be heavy, but temperatures stay warm at 22-24°C (72-75°F) during rain

Breathable hiking boots with good grip - essential for forest treks on potentially muddy trails, especially at 2,000m+ (6,562 ft+) elevation in Nyungwe and Volcanoes parks

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at Kigali's 1,567m (5,141 ft) elevation, higher in mountain areas

Quick-dry cotton or merino wool clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic materials uncomfortable, while natural fibers breathe better in warm, humid conditions

Light fleece or sweater - early morning temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F), essential for dawn game drives and mountain activities

Insect repellent with DEET - March's humidity increases mosquito activity, particularly important for Akagera National Park visits

Waterproof daypack cover - protects cameras and electronics during unexpected afternoon showers while hiking or on game drives

Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration - Kigali's hills require good footwear, and post-rain streets can be slippery on steep sections

Portable phone charger - longer days outdoors due to great weather conditions mean extended use of cameras and GPS

Light scarf or shawl - respectful covering for genocide memorial visits and useful for air-conditioned restaurants and hotels

Insider Knowledge

Book restaurant reservations by 6pm - Kigali locals dine early to avoid afternoon showers, and popular spots like Heaven Restaurant and Repub Lounge fill up quickly during March's pleasant evening weather

Carry small bills (500-1000 RWF notes) - March's fresh produce season means amazing street food and market finds, but vendors rarely have change for large denominations

Plan indoor backup activities for 2-4pm daily - this is when 60% of March's showers occur, so schedule museum visits, spa treatments, or shopping during this window

Use early morning hours (6-9am) for photography - March's post-rain air clarity creates exceptional visibility and lighting conditions, especially for landscape shots of the Thousand Hills

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon outdoor tours - most operators still offer 2-4pm slots, but this is exactly when March showers hit; always request morning start times

Overpacking heavy rain gear - March showers are warm, so heavy rain suits are unnecessary and uncomfortable in 70% humidity; light waterproof layers work better

Assuming mountain weather matches Kigali - temperatures drop 6-8°C (11-14°F) per 1000m (3,281 ft) elevation gain, so Nyungwe and Volcanoes parks are significantly cooler than weather apps show for Kigali