March is one of the most rewarding months to photograph Africa. Seasonal rains have ended in many regions, the light is soft, wildlife is active, deserts are accessible, and the heat is still manageable compared to later months. From the red dunes of Namibia to the ancient medinas of Morocco and the lush landscapes of Rwanda, this guide covers 50 destinations ideal for photographers seeking breathtaking scenes with less crowding and excellent visibility.
Below you’ll find detailed insights for each destination:
• Why go in March
• What to photograph
• Three top photo spots
• External link to official tourism information
North Africa
1. Marrakech, Morocco
Why go in March: Mild temperatures allow long days of shooting without heat exhaustion.
What to photograph: Souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Atlas Mountain views, traditional architecture.
Top photo spots: Koutoubia Mosque; Bahia Palace; Jardin Majorelle.
More info: https://visitmorocco.com
2. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Why go in March: Soft light enhances the blue-washed walls before high season crowds.
What to photograph: Blue alleyways, Rif Mountains, doorways and patterns.
Top spots: Outa el Hammam Square; Spanish Mosque viewpoint; Old Medina alleys.
More info: https://visitmorocco.com
3. Sahara Desert (Merzouga & Erg Chebbi), Morocco
Why go in March: Cooler nights, manageable days, and clear skies for astrophotography.
What to photo: Dunes, camel caravans, Milky Way, desert camps.
Top spots: Erg Chebbi high dunes; Merzouga village; Lake Dayet Srij.
More info: https://visitmorocco.com
4. Fes, Morocco
Why go in March: Crisp air and clear visibility enhance medina shots.
What to photo: Tanneries, narrow streets, mosques.
Top spots: Chouara Tannery; Bab Boujloud Gate; Mount Zalagh viewpoint.
More info: https://visitmorocco.com
5. Tunis, Tunisia
Why go in March: Warm but not hot, great for coastal photography.
What to photo: Carthage ruins, Sidi Bou Said blue-and-white village.
Top spots: Carthage Amphitheatre; Sidi Bou Said cliffs; Medina of Tunis.
More info: https://discover-tunisia.com
6. Sahara (Douz), Tunisia
Why go in March: Best time for desert photography before extreme heat.
What to photo: Sand dunes, oasis life, camel caravans.
Top spots: Grand Erg Oriental; Jebil National Park; Douz palm groves.
More info: https://discover-tunisia.com
7. Cairo & Giza, Egypt
Why go in March: Clear skies, comfortable temperatures.
What to photo: Pyramids, ancient monuments, Nile sunsets.
Top spots: Great Pyramid viewpoint; Khan el-Khalili; The Sphinx plateau.
More info: https://egypt.travel
8. Luxor, Egypt
Why go in March: Ideal light for temples and hot air balloon photography.
What to photo: Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Nile landscapes.
Top spots: Temple of Karnak; Hatshepsut Temple; Hot air balloons at sunrise.
More info: https://egypt.travel
9. Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Why go in March: Not so hot; perfect golden-hour desert shots.
What to photo: Salt lakes, dunes, fortress ruins.
Top spots: Shali Fortress; Fatnas Island; Siwa salt pools.
More info: https://egypt.travel
East Africa
10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Why go in March: Calving season continues; predators active.
What to photo: Wildlife, big cats, storms rolling over plains.
Top spots: Southern Serengeti; Ndutu Area; Seronera Valley.
More info: https://tanzaniatourism.go.tz
11. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Why go: Clear mornings, abundant wildlife.
What to photo: Crater views, flamingos, elephants.
Photo spots: Crater rim; Hippo Pool; Lerai Forest.
More info: https://tanzaniatourism.go.tz
12. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Why go: Calm turquoise waters and fewer visitors.
What to photo: Beaches, Stone Town, dhows.
Top spots: Nungwi Beach; Stone Town alleys; Paje kite-surfing lagoon.
More info: https://tanzaniatourism.go.tz
13. Masai Mara, Kenya
Why go: Dry conditions, excellent wildlife visibility.
What to photo: Big Five, savanna, Maasai culture.
Top spots: Mara River; Olare Motorogi; Talek area.
More info: https://magicalkenya.com
14. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Why go: Iconic dryland species in great light.
What to photo: Grevy’s zebra, elephants, reticulated giraffes.
Top spots: Ewaso Ng’iro River; Buffalo Springs; Kalama Conservancy.
More info: https://magicalkenya.com
15. Lamu Island, Kenya
Why go: Warm, calm days; cultural photography paradise.
What to photo: Swahili architecture, wooden dhows.
Top spots: Lamu Old Town; Shela Beach; Lamu waterfront.
More info: https://magicalkenya.com
16. Addis Ababa & Surroundings, Ethiopia
Why go: Clear skies and good access to highlands.
What to photo: Churches, mountains, culture.
Top spots: Entoto Hills; Holy Trinity Cathedral; Merkato Market.
More info: https://visitethiopia.travel
17. Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Why go: Lush landscapes after rains.
What to photo: Gelada baboons, dramatic cliffs, highland villages.
Top spots: Geech Plateau; Chenek; Imet Gogo viewpoint.
More info: https://visitethiopia.travel
18. Lalibela, Ethiopia
Why go: Harsh summer heat hasn’t begun.
What to photo: Ancient rock-hewn churches.
Top spots: Church of St. George; Bet Maryam; Lalibela highlands.
More info: https://visitethiopia.travel
19. Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)
Why go: Good gorilla trekking visibility.
What to photo: Mountain gorillas, volcano peaks.
Top spots: Volcano foothills; Gorilla trekking sites; Virunga viewpoints.
More info: https://visitrwanda.com
20. Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Why go: Misty mornings, calm waters.
What to photo: Islands, dugout canoes, morning reflections.
Top spots: Viewpoints around Kyevu; islands; lakefront villages.
More info: https://visituganda.com
Southern Africa
21. Cape Town, South Africa
Why go: Late summer light and dramatic sunsets.
What to photo: Table Mountain, beaches, street scenes.
Top spots: Lion’s Head; Bo-Kaap; Chapman’s Peak Drive.
More info: https://southafrica.net
22. Cape Winelands, South Africa
Why go: Grape harvest season.
What to photo: Vineyards, mountains, farm landscapes.
Top spots: Franschhoek Pass; Stellenbosch Old Town; Paarl Rock.
More info: https://southafrica.net
23. Kruger National Park
Why go: Cooler mornings; wildlife drawn to waterholes.
What to photo: Lions, elephants, sunsets.
Top spots: Crocodile Bridge; Satara; Letaba.
More info: https://southafrica.net
24. Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
Why go: Clear views and green landscapes.
What to photo: Peaks, waterfalls, valleys.
Top spots: Tugela Falls; Amphitheatre; Royal Natal NP.
More info: https://southafrica.net
25. Namibia — Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Why go: Cooler mornings and soft desert light.
What to photo: Red dunes, dead camelthorn trees.
Top spots: Deadvlei basin; Big Daddy dune; Dune 45.
More info: https://namibiatourism.com.na
26. Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Why go: Foggy mornings and surreal coastal light.
What to photo: Shipwrecks, dunes meeting ocean.
Top spots: Shipwrecks north of Swakopmund; Cape Cross; Hoanib River.
More info: https://namibiatourism.com.na
27. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Why go: Transition into drier season, great wildlife visibility.
What to photo: Elephants, lions, vast white pans.
Top spots: Okaukuejo Waterhole; Halali; Etosha Pan lookout.
More info: https://namibiatourism.com.na
28. Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
Why go: March delivers massive water flow for dramatic mist.
What to photo: Falls, rainbows, gorge viewpoints.
Top spots: Knife-Edge Bridge; Devil’s Cataract; Victoria Falls Bridge.
More info: https://zambiatourism.com
29. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Why go: Water begins rising, creating unique reflections.
What to photo: Wildlife, wetlands, mokoro safaris.
Top spots: Chief’s Island; Moremi; Xaxaba Lagoon.
More info: https://botswanatourism.co.bw
30. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Why go: Elephants gather in large herds.
What to photo: River sunsets, elephants, hippos.
Top spots: Chobe Riverfront; Savuti Marsh; Ngoma area.
More info: https://botswanatourism.co.bw
Indian Ocean & Islands
31. Mauritius
Why go: Tropical light, lush green landscapes.
What to photo: Beaches, waterfalls, volcanic craters.
Top spots: Chamarel; Le Morne; Trou aux Biches.
More info: https://mauritiusnow.com
32. Rodrigues Island, Mauritius
Why go: Fewer tourists and great coastal clarity.
What to photo: Lagoons, cliffs, local culture.
Top spots: Port Mathurin; Mont Limon; Caverne Patate.
More info: https://mauritiusnow.com
33. Seychelles (Mahé)
Why go: Calm water and minimal rainfall.
What to photo: Granite formations, jungles, beaches.
Top spots: Anse Intendance; Anse Royale; Mission Lodge.
More info: https://seychelles.com
34. Seychelles (La Digue)
Why go: Perfect lighting conditions for iconic beaches.
What to photo: Anse Source d’Argent granite rocks.
Top spots: Anse Source d’Argent; Nid d’Aigle viewpoint; L’Union Estate.
More info: https://seychelles.com
35. Madagascar (Avenue of the Baobabs)
Why go: Dust-free sunsets and mild temperatures.
What to photo: Baobab silhouettes.
Top spots: Baobab Alley; Morondava beaches; Kirindy Forest.
More info: https://madagascar-tourisme.com
36. Nosy Be, Madagascar
Why go: Calm water and great underwater visibility.
What to photo: Coral reefs, beaches, fishing villages.
Top spots: Tanikely Marine Reserve; Andilana; Lokobe Reserve.
More info: https://madagascar-tourisme.com
West & Central Africa
37. Dakar, Senegal
Why go: Dry season with clear visibility.
What to photo: City life, pink lake, coastline.
Top spots: Lake Retba; African Renaissance Monument; Ngor Island.
More info: https://discover-senegal.com
38. Saint-Louis, Senegal
Why go: Cultural heritage and golden light.
What to photo: Colonial streets, fishermen, riverfront.
Top spots: Faidherbe Bridge; Guet Ndar; Old Town.
More info: https://discover-senegal.com
39. Gambia (River Gambia NP)
Why go: Bird migration and warm weather.
What to photo: Birds, river landscapes, hippos.
Top spots: River Gambia viewpoints; Wassu; Kuntaur.
More info: https://visitthegambia.gm
40. Ghana (Cape Coast)
Why go: Great coastal light before wet season.
What to photo: Forts, beaches, markets.
Top spots: Cape Coast Castle; Kakum canopy walk; Elmina Castle.
More info: https://visitghana.com
41. Accra, Ghana
Why go: Vibrant cultural scenes and mild weather.
What to photo: Markets, art districts, coastal landscapes.
Top spots: Jamestown; Labadi Beach; Arts Centre.
More info: https://visitghana.com
42. São Tomé and Príncipe
Why go: Tropical humidity decreases; clear coastlines.
What to photo: Jungles, volcanic peaks, beaches.
Top spots: Pico Cão Grande; Lagoa Azul; Praia Banana.
More info: https://visitsaotomeprincipe.st
43. Cameroon Highlands (Bamenda)
Why go: Clear skies and green scenery.
What to photo: Highlands, villages, waterfalls.
Top spots: Bamenda escarpment; Lake Awing; Bali Nyonga.
More info: (regional information varies)
44. Gabon (Loango NP)
Why go: Elephants and hippos near beaches.
What to photo: Wildlife, lagoons, surf elephants.
Top spots: Loango Beach; Akaka Forest; Iguela Lagoon.
More info: https://gabonwildlife.com
45. Nigeria (Lagos)
Why go: Dry season offers clear skies.
What to photo: Skyline, beaches, culture.
Top spots: Tarkwa Bay; Lekki Conservation Centre; Balogun Market.
More info: https://tourism.gov.ng
46. Benin (Ouidah)
Why go: Warm weather and cultural photography opportunities.
What to photo: Temples, markets, coastal scenes.
Top spots: Door of No Return; Ouidah Python Temple; Route des Esclaves.
More info: (regional tourism pages vary)
More Remote and Unique Destinations
47. Djibouti (Lac Assal)
Why go: Cool enough to explore harsh landscapes.
What to photo: Salt flats, volcanic lakes, barren landscapes.
Top spots: Lac Assal shores; Ardoukoba Volcano; Ghoubbet Bay.
More info: (regional tourism pages vary)
48. Eritrea (Asmara)
Why go: Beautiful soft light and unique architecture.
What to photo: Art deco buildings, markets.
Top spots: Fiat Tagliero; Tank Graveyard; Liberation Avenue.
More info: (regional tourism resources vary)
49. Sudan (Meroe Pyramids)
Why go: Much cooler than summer months.
What to photo: Ancient pyramids, desert landscapes.
Top spots: Royal Necropolis; Bagrawiyah dunes; Nile River near Shendi.
More info: (regional tourism sources vary)
50. Mozambique (Bazaruto Archipelago)
Why go: Clear water, excellent underwater photography.
What to photo: Dunes, beaches, dhows.
Top spots: Benguerra Island; Two Mile Reef; Vilankulo waterfront.
More info: https://visitmozambique.gov.mz
Internal Links (frewaphoto.com)
- Winter Photography Guide:
https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-winter-photography-sweden/ - Winter Macro Guide:
https://frewaphoto.com/winter-macro-photography-guide/ - January Photography Destinations:
https://frewaphoto.com/january-photography-destinations/ - Stockholm Archipelago Guide:
https://frewaphoto.com/stockholm-archipelago-guide/ - Sälen Guide:
https://frewaphoto.com/visit-salen-sweden-ultimate-guide/ - Åre Guide:
https://frewaphoto.com/visit-are-sweden-guide/
FAQ — Best African Destinations to Visit in March for Photography
(10 questions as requested)
- What makes March a good month for African photography?
Many regions have dry weather, clear skies, and migrating wildlife while temperatures remain comfortable. - Which African regions are best in March?
Southern and East Africa offer top wildlife conditions; North Africa is ideal for desert and cultural photography. - Are March crowds low?
Yes, especially before Easter holidays. - Is March safe for safari photography?
Yes, especially in major parks in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. - What equipment should I bring to Africa?
Telephoto lens (200–600mm), wide-angle lens, polarizer, ND filters, dust covers, and tripod. - Is March too hot for the Sahara?
No—temperatures are warm but far better than later spring and summer. - Where can I photograph the Milky Way in Africa in March?
Namibia, Morocco deserts, and parts of Botswana offer excellent night-sky visibility. - Is wildlife photography still good after the rainy season?
Yes—animals are active and landscapes vibrant. - Can I combine cultural and nature photography in one trip?
Morocco, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania offer excellent mixed opportunities. - What vaccinations or travel prep should photographers consider?
Check each country’s official health recommendations; many require protection against malaria in some regions.