Things to Do in South Sudan in March

March Weather in South Sudan

35°C (95°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 45mm (1.8 inches) across 5 days, making remote region access possible via unpaved roads that become impassable during rains
Optimal wildlife viewing at Boma and Bandingilo National Parks as animals concentrate around remaining water sources, with visibility extending up to 15km (9.3 miles) in dry air
Cultural festivals peak during harvest season - Dinka and Nuer communities celebrate cattle ceremonies with traditional dancing, wrestling matches, and communal feasting
River levels on White Nile are stable and predictable, allowing reliable boat transport between Juba and Malakal - journey takes 8-10 hours versus 14+ hours during flood season

Considerations

Extreme heat reaching 35°C (95°F) makes outdoor activities brutal between 11am-4pm, forcing significant schedule adjustments and limiting photography during harsh midday light
Harmattan winds carry dust storms from Sahara, reducing visibility to under 1km (0.6 miles) some days and creating respiratory challenges for sensitive travelers
Water scarcity in remote areas means carrying 4-5 liters (1.1-1.3 gallons) per person daily, significantly increasing luggage weight and logistics complexity

Best Activities in March

Boma National Park Wildlife Expeditions

March offers the continent's most spectacular wildlife migration as over 1.2 million white-eared kob, tiang antelope, and Mongalla gazelle move through the park. Dry conditions concentrate animals around permanent water sources, creating extraordinary viewing opportunities. Early morning game drives (5:30-9:30am) provide comfortable temperatures of 24-28°C (75-82°F) and optimal lighting for photography.

Booking Tip: Essential to book 4-6 weeks ahead through operators with proper permits and 4WD vehicles. Expect costs of $400-600 per person daily including camping, meals, and guides. Look for operators with satellite communication equipment and medical evacuation insurance coverage. Check current tour options in booking section below.

White Nile River Navigation

March provides ideal river conditions with stable water levels and minimal current, perfect for multi-day boat journeys between Juba and Malakal. Temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) on water versus 35°C (95°F) on land. Witness traditional fishing communities, Sudd wetland wildlife, and spectacular sunsets without rainy season navigation hazards.

Booking Tip: Book through established boat operators 2-3 weeks ahead, costs typically $150-250 per person daily including meals and basic accommodation. Verify boats have GPS navigation, life jackets, and backup engines. Journey takes 2-3 days each direction. See current river tour options in booking widget below.

Traditional Cattle Camp Cultural Immersion

March harvest season brings Dinka and Nuer communities together for traditional cattle ceremonies impossible to witness other times. Participate in authentic cultural exchanges including traditional wrestling, cattle blessing ceremonies, and communal meals. Dry conditions make reaching remote cattle camps via 4WD possible on hardened earth roads.

Booking Tip: Requires advance community liaison and cultural guides, typically $200-350 per person for 2-3 day experiences. Essential to book through operators with established community relationships and proper cultural protocols. Includes traditional meals, basic camping, and interpreter services. Check cultural tour availability in booking section.

Sudd Wetland Bird Watching Expeditions

World's largest tropical wetland hosts peak bird populations in March as migrating species from Europe and Asia converge with resident African species. Dry season provides access to elevated viewing positions and stable boat platforms. Record over 350 species including shoebill storks, Nile lechwe, and massive pelican colonies in single expeditions.

Booking Tip: Specialized birding guides essential - book 3-4 weeks ahead through operators with ornithology expertise and spotting scopes. Costs range $300-500 per person for 2-day expeditions including boat transport, camping equipment, and birding equipment. Verify guides have species identification expertise and current bird migration data.

Archaeological Site Exploration

March's dry conditions provide optimal access to ancient archaeological sites including medieval Christian kingdoms of Makuria and potential prehistoric settlements. Ground-penetrating conditions ideal for site exploration, and comfortable morning temperatures perfect for extended walking surveys covering 5-8km (3.1-5.0 miles) daily.

Booking Tip: Requires permits from National Museum and archaeology department - arrange 6-8 weeks ahead. Costs typically $250-400 per person daily including expert archaeological guides, site access fees, and documentation permits. Look for operators with academic partnerships and proper excavation insurance. Current archaeological tours available below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Dinka Cattle Blessing Ceremonies

Traditional ceremonies celebrating cattle - the cornerstone of Dinka culture - featuring ritual blessings, traditional dancing, wrestling competitions, and communal feasting. Ceremonies vary by community but typically include cattle parades, ancestral prayers, and cultural exchanges with visitors welcomed respectfully.

Early to Mid March

Harvest Season Community Celebrations

Multiple ethnic communities including Nuer, Shilluk, and Bari celebrate successful harvests with traditional festivals featuring local foods, traditional music performances, craft demonstrations, and cultural exchanges. Each community has distinct traditions but all welcome respectful cultural tourism during this abundant season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

UV-blocking long-sleeve shirts and pants in light colors - UV index reaches 11 requiring maximum skin protection during 6+ hour daily sun exposure

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap for dust storms reducing visibility to 1km (0.6 miles) and wind gusts up to 40km/h (25mph)

High-quality dust masks or bandanas for Harmattan winds carrying Sahara dust creating respiratory challenges

Electrolyte replacement tablets for 45% humidity and 35°C (95°F) temperatures causing rapid dehydration during 8-10 hour activity days

Portable water purification system capable of processing 5-6 liters (1.3-1.6 gallons) daily in areas without reliable clean water access

SPF 50+ sunscreen in metal tubes - plastic containers melt in 35°C (95°F) vehicle interiors during 6-8 hour transport days

Lightweight sleeping bag rated to 20°C (68°F) for camping in areas where temperatures drop 13°C (23°F) overnight

Quick-dry synthetic clothing avoiding cotton which retains moisture and dust in 45% humidity conditions

Sturdy hiking boots for uneven terrain covering 5-10km (3.1-6.2 miles) daily on rocky and sandy surfaces

Portable power bank with solar charging capability for areas without electricity during 3-5 day remote expeditions

Insider Knowledge

Start outdoor activities at 5:30am when temperatures are 22°C (72°F) versus midday 35°C (95°F) - locals complete all physical work before 10am during March heat

Carry emergency satellite communication device - cellular coverage exists only within 20km (12.4 miles) of major towns and medical evacuation requires 4-8 hours minimum response time

Book accommodations in Juba 6+ weeks ahead for March travel - only 12 international-standard hotels exist and humanitarian organizations book heavily during dry season operations

Always travel with armed security escorts outside Juba - mandatory for tourists and typically costs $100-150 daily through licensed security companies with government authorization

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating water needs in 35°C (95°F) heat and 45% humidity - tourists frequently require medical attention for dehydration after carrying insufficient water supplies

Planning midday outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when temperatures peak and UV index reaches dangerous level 11, making extended sun exposure potentially harmful

Booking transportation without 4WD vehicles - March's dry conditions still require high-clearance vehicles for roads that are rough dirt tracks rather than paved surfaces