Things to Do in Daressalaam in March

March Weather in Daressalaam

32°C (89°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Post-masika (dry season) conditions make beach excursions to nearby islands like Bongoyo and Mbudya Island ideal - calm waters and 28-30°C (82-86°F) sea temperatures perfect for swimming
March marks mango season peak - street vendors sell premium Dodo mangoes for 500-1000 TSh each, and local markets overflow with tropical fruits at lowest annual prices
Tourist numbers remain low before Easter holidays, meaning popular spots like Kivukoni Fish Market and National Museum have minimal crowds and locals are more willing to engage with visitors
Construction dust settles after February rains, creating clearer air quality and better photography conditions for harbor views from Msimbazi Centre rooftop bars

Considerations

Afternoon humidity spikes to 85-90% between 2-4pm, making midday walking tours uncomfortable - plan indoor activities during these peak heat hours
Short-season rains can occur unpredictably, typically 20-30 minute downpours that flood poorly-drained areas like Kariakoo Market streets within minutes
Indian Ocean breezes are inconsistent in March, so waterfront restaurants lack the cooling effect that makes April-August dining more pleasant

Best Activities in March

Dar es Salaam Harbor Island Hopping

March's calm post-masika waters make dhow trips to Bongoyo Island perfect for snorkeling and beach relaxation. Water visibility reaches 8-10m (26-33 feet) and sea temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F). Local fishermen offer the best rates before Easter tourist influx.

Booking Tip: Book dhow trips 2-3 days ahead through Slipway or Msimbazi waterfront operators. Expect 25,000-40,000 TSh for full-day trips including snorkel gear. Avoid Friday departures when locals crowd the islands. See current tour options in booking section below.

Spice Route Walking Tours

March mornings (7-10am) offer perfect conditions for exploring Stone Town's Indian Quarter and Uhindini areas before heat peaks. Cardamom and cinnamon harvests from upcountry arrive fresh in March, making spice market visits aromatic and educational.

Booking Tip: Start early - 7am departures beat both heat and crowds. Local guides charge 15,000-25,000 TSh for 3-4 hour cultural walks. Look for Swahili-speaking guides who can translate vendor interactions. Current guided options available in booking widget below.

Msimbazi River Mangrove Exploration

March water levels are ideal for kayaking through mangrove channels - not too high from rains, not too low for navigation. Migratory birds from southern Africa stop here in March, making it prime birdwatching season with over 150 species visible.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (6-9am) when temperatures stay below 28°C (82°F) and wildlife is most active. Expect 30,000-45,000 TSh for guided kayak tours including equipment. Operators typically require 5-7 days advance booking. See available tours in booking section.

Traditional Taarab Music Venues

March coincides with pre-Ramadan cultural celebrations when taarab performances peak. Wednesday and Saturday nights feature live bands at venues like Bongo Flava clubs, offering authentic Swahili music experiences before tourist season pricing kicks in.

Booking Tip: Shows typically start 9pm and run until 2am. Entry costs 5,000-15,000 TSh depending on venue. Ask hotel concierges for current schedules as venues change weekly. No advance booking needed - arrive by 8:30pm for good seating.

Kivukoni Fish Market Dawn Experience

March brings peak fishing season as calm seas allow boats to venture further offshore. 5:30am market arrival offers incredible photo opportunities of traditional ngalawa boats unloading red snapper, kingfish, and octopus while dhow silhouettes frame sunrise shots.

Booking Tip: Go independently - no guides needed but bring 2,000-5,000 TSh to tip fishermen for photos. Wear closed shoes as market floors stay wet. Best Tuesday-Thursday when weekend crowds haven't picked over selection. Peak activity 5:30-7:30am only.

Mikadi Beach Local Food Scene

March seafood is premium quality due to optimal fishing conditions. Beach-side mama lishe (food vendors) serve fresh samaki wa kupaka (coconut curry fish) and urojo soup for 3,000-8,000 TSh per meal. Coconut water is sweetest during March harvest season.

Booking Tip: Visit Thursday-Sunday when most vendors operate. Bring exact change in small bills. Look for vendors with highest local customer turnover - this indicates freshness. Evening visits (5-8pm) offer cooler temperatures and sunset dining.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Mwaka Kogwa Cultural Festival

Traditional Shirazi new year celebration featuring traditional dancing, local food competitions, and cultural exhibitions. Local communities showcase traditional crafts and offer authentic cultural immersion opportunities rare for tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton take hours to dry after washing

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon showers flood streets within 10 minutes and umbrellas break in ocean winds

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 causes burns within 15 minutes, and coral-friendly formulas required for island trips

Closed-toe water shoes - rocky shores on Bongoyo Island and wet market floors require protection

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - March humidity increases mosquito activity especially near mangrove areas

Portable phone charger - frequent power cuts during afternoon storms can last 2-3 hours

Small daypack with waterproof compartment - protects electronics during unexpected downpours

Electrolyte tablets - dehydration happens quickly in 32°C (89°F) heat with 70% humidity

Breathable long pants - cultural sites require covered legs, and linen blends handle humidity better than denim

Sandals with good grip - wet pavements and boat decks become extremely slippery during rain season

Insider Knowledge

Download offline maps before arriving - mobile data becomes unreliable during afternoon storms and many areas lack consistent 4G coverage

Change money at CRDB Bank branches rather than forex bureaus - rates are 3-5% better and they accept slightly worn US bills that street changers reject

Book accommodations with backup generators - March storm season causes 2-4 hour power cuts daily between 2-6pm in most neighborhoods

Learn basic Swahili greetings ('Habari za asubuhi' for good morning) - locals dramatically drop prices and offer better service when tourists attempt local language

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 1-4pm when humidity peaks at 85-90% and afternoon storms are most likely to hit

Bringing only flip-flops - rocky coastlines, wet market floors, and mosque visits require closed-toe shoes

Expecting consistent internet - many cafes and restaurants have spotty wifi during storm season, so download entertainment and maps beforehand