Congo in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Congo

26°C (79°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is at its most spectacular - rivers are full, waterfalls thundering, and wildlife congregates around water sources making viewing exceptional
Lowest tourist numbers of the year mean you'll have Bangui expeditions and forest camps almost entirely to yourself
Peak forest density season - the rainforest canopy is at maximum lushness, perfect for primate tracking and birdwatching with over 400 species active
Cool mornings (21°C/70°F) provide comfortable trekking conditions before afternoon rains, ideal for early forest walks

Considerations

Daily torrential rains from 2-6pm make afternoon activities impossible - plan everything for mornings
Many remote forest roads become impassable, limiting access to eastern Odzala and requiring expensive chartered flights for some locations
Extreme humidity (85%) makes any physical activity exhausting after 10am, and clothes never fully dry

Best Activities in March

Western Lowland Gorilla Tracking in Odzala-Kokoua

March is peak season for gorilla encounters as families stay close to consistent water sources. The 6am starts beat afternoon rains, and thick forest canopy provides natural shelter. Success rates are highest due to predictable gorilla locations near riverbanks. Trackers can follow fresh overnight trails in the soft, wet soil.

Booking Tip: Book minimum 3 months ahead through licensed operators in Brazzaville. Permits cost $400-600 per person. Groups limited to 4 people. Book through operators with GPS emergency equipment and satellite communications. See current certified operators in booking section below.

Sangha River Boat Expeditions

March's high water levels open up tributaries normally inaccessible, including the spectacular Sangha-Mbaéré confluence. Massive trees create cathedral-like canopies over the water, and forest elephants come to drink at dawn. River levels are 2-3m (6-10 ft) higher than dry season, allowing access to deep forest areas.

Booking Tip: 3-5 day expeditions cost $800-1,200 per person including meals and camping gear. Book local mokoro canoes for tributary exploration ($50-80/day). Ensure operators have covered boats for afternoon rain protection. See current river expedition options in booking section below.

Nocturnal Forest Wildlife Spotting

March's constant moisture brings out incredible nocturnal activity - forest elephants moving to higher ground, numerous primate species, and over 60 bat species. The wet season concentrates animals along established paths. Night sounds are amplified by the humidity, making audio identification easier.

Booking Tip: Night walks cost $60-100 per person with experienced guides. Start at 7pm to avoid evening rain. Book guides with high-powered LED headlamps and thermal imaging equipment. Groups maximum 6 people. Licensed guides carry emergency GPS beacons in this remote terrain.

Brazzaville Cultural and Market Exploration

March is mango season - local markets overflow with over 20 varieties of tropical fruits at peak ripeness. The rain keeps dust down, making market walking pleasant in early mornings. Traditional music festivals happen throughout March as communities celebrate the abundance season.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided market tours cost $40-70 per person. Start at 6am before heat builds. Look for guides who speak local Lingala and French. Include visits to Poto-Poto arts district and traditional healing markets. Book through established cultural centers for real feels.

Lesio-Louna Gorilla Sanctuary Visits

Rehabilitation gorillas are most active in March's cooler mornings before seeking shelter from afternoon rains. The sanctuary's forest paths are well-maintained despite rains, and viewing platforms offer excellent photography opportunities in the soft, filtered light of the wet season canopy.

Booking Tip: Day visits cost $80-120 per person including transport from Brazzaville. Book 2 weeks ahead as groups limited to 8 people per day. Morning slots (7am-11am) are best for gorilla activity. Afternoon visits often cancelled due to weather. Transportation in 4WD vehicles essential.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Fête des Fleurs (Festival of Flowers)

Brazzaville's celebration of the rainy season's blooming cycle featuring traditional dances, local music, and botanical displays. Local communities showcase indigenous plants used in traditional medicine and cooking. Street food vendors offer seasonal specialties made with March fruits.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500mm (20 inches) water resistance - forest trails become ankle-deep mud streams

Quick-dry synthetic clothing only - cotton stays wet for days in 85% humidity and breeds bacteria

Waterproof phone case and document protector - electronics fail rapidly in constant moisture

SPF 50+ sunscreen in waterproof formula - UV index of 6 still burns through cloud cover

Anti-fungal foot powder and extra socks - change twice daily to prevent tropical foot infections

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - wet season brings peak mosquito and tsetse fly activity

Compact umbrella plus full rain poncho - afternoon downpours dump 50mm (2 inches) in 30 minutes

Headlamp with waterproof rating IPX7 - essential for early morning activities and evening wildlife

Antimalarial medication started 2 weeks before arrival - March has highest transmission rates

Water purification tablets - even bottled water quality decreases during heavy rain season

Insider Knowledge

Book all internal flights for morning departures - afternoon thunderstorms ground small aircraft daily after 1pm, causing 24-48 hour delays

Carry cash in waterproof bags - ATMs frequently malfunction in wet season humidity, and credit cards aren't accepted outside Brazzaville

Stay near Brazzaville for your first 2-3 days to acclimatize to humidity before heading to forest regions - many visitors underestimate the physical impact

Learn basic Lingala greetings (Mbote = hello, Melesi = thank you) - March is community celebration season and locals deeply appreciate cultural respect

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon forest activities - daily 2-6pm rains make this impossible and dangerous, with zero refunds from local operators

Bringing leather goods or cotton clothing - they develop permanent mold within 3-4 days that cannot be removed

Underestimating transportation time - forest roads take 3x longer in March, turning 2-hour drives into 6-hour ordeals through mud