April is a month of transition across much of Africa. In East Africa, the long rains are well underway, bringing green landscapes, dramatic skies and changing wildlife movements. In Southern Africa, summer rains are beginning to ease, temperatures become more comfortable and many safari areas start moving towards their drier winter season.
April is not the classic peak season safari month, but choosing the right destination can make it extremely rewarding. Tanzania’s Great Migration is beginning to move away from the southern Serengeti, Victoria Falls is close to peak flood, Botswana remains beautifully green and Madagascar is starting to enter one of its better travel periods.
Where to go on safari in East Africa in April?
April falls within the main rainy period across much of East Africa. Rainfall can be heavy at times, but it is rarely a case of continuous rain all day. There are often clear spells between showers, and the landscape is exceptionally green.
| Country | Safari Area | Rating | Typical Temperatures | Typical Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Masai Mara | LOW | 13°C to 26°C | Approx. 210 mm |
| Tanzania | Serengeti | LOW | 15°C to 27°C | Approx. 140 mm |
| Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park | LOW | 7°C to 15°C | Approx. 233 mm |
| Uganda | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | LOW | 12°C to 22°C | Approx. 165 mm |
Tanzania
April can be a fascinating month in Tanzania, especially for travellers interested in the Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration.
By April, many wildebeest calves are several weeks old and the herds begin responding to changing rainfall and grazing conditions. Large concentrations can still be found in the southern and central Serengeti National Park, while some herds may begin gradually moving north and west.
The exact movement varies from year to year, so it is better to think of April as a transition rather than a fixed migration stage. Predator activity remains strong, the plains are green and photographic conditions can be beautiful when storms build across the landscape.
April is one of the wetter months in the Serengeti, and some roads can become muddy. Flying between safari areas can be useful when conditions are wet, particularly if you want to reduce long road transfers, but it is not essential for every itinerary.
A northern Tanzania safari can still combine the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Ngorongoro Crater.
Kenya
The main Great Migration herds are in Tanzania during April, but Kenya continues to offer excellent resident wildlife.
April is part of the long rains in many of Kenya’s safari areas. The bush is lush and green, birdlife is excellent and there are generally fewer visitors than during the peak dry season months. The trade off is that some roads can become muddy and a number of seasonal camps may close during the wettest period.
Private wildlife conservancies remain particularly appealing for travellers who value low vehicle numbers and a wider range of activities. Depending on the conservancy, guests may be able to enjoy off road game viewing, guided walks and night game drives.
Rwanda and Uganda
April is one of the wetter months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda. Trails can be muddy and slippery, and rain is more likely than during the drier periods of the year.
Mountain gorillas can still be tracked year round, however, and rainforest weather is unpredictable in any season. Travellers simply need to be prepared with suitable footwear, rain protection and realistic expectations about trail conditions.
Rwanda’s gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, while Uganda offers trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both countries can also be combined with chimpanzee trekking and traditional wildlife safaris.
Where to go on safari in Southern Africa in April?
April is a transitional month across Southern Africa. The summer rains are easing in many areas, temperatures are becoming more comfortable and nights can begin to cool, especially in the drier interior.
The landscape is still green and wildlife may remain more dispersed than during the dry winter months, but birdlife, scenery and quieter safari areas can make April very rewarding.
| Country | Safari Area | Rating | Typical Temperatures | Typical Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botswana | Khwai / Okavango | GOOD | 15°C to 32°C | Approx. 20 mm |
| Madagascar | Andasibe-Mantadia | MIXED | 15°C to 27°C | Approx. 112 mm |
| Namibia | Etosha | GOOD | 13°C to 32°C | Approx. 25 mm |
| South Africa | Kruger | GOOD | 15°C to 31°C | Approx. 32 mm |
| Zambia | South Luangwa | MIXED | 17°C to 32°C | Approx. 45 mm |
| Zimbabwe | Hwange | GOOD | 12°C to 31°C | Approx. 26 mm |
Botswana
April can be a lovely month in Botswana. The intense heat of midsummer is beginning to ease, the landscape remains green and birdlife is excellent.
The Okavango Delta is beginning its seasonal transformation as floodwaters from Angola gradually move through the system. The timing and extent of the flood vary from year to year and between different parts of the Delta, so conditions are not the same everywhere.
The Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan can also remain rewarding after the summer rains, particularly for green landscapes, plains game and birdlife.
Zimbabwe
April is another transition month in Zimbabwe. The main summer rains are beginning to ease, but the bush remains green and natural water is still widely available.
Wildlife in Hwange National Park is generally more dispersed than later in the dry season, but birdlife and scenery can be excellent and the park is usually quieter.
April is also one of the most dramatic months for Victoria Falls. The Zambezi is close to peak flood and enormous volumes of water create a spectacular curtain of spray. Ground level views can sometimes be obscured, which is why a scenic helicopter flight can be especially impressive at this time of year.
Namibia
April is the beginning of a more settled period in Namibia. Summer rainfall is decreasing, temperatures are becoming more comfortable and the countryside can still be surprisingly green after a good wet season.
In Etosha National Park, wildlife is not yet as concentrated around waterholes as it will be later in the dry season, but game viewing begins to improve as seasonal water becomes less widespread.
April can work well for a broader Namibia circuit combining Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha, particularly for travellers who prefer milder temperatures and fewer visitors.
Zambia
April is the tail end of Zambia’s rainy season. The country is beautifully green, rivers are high and birdlife remains excellent.
In South Luangwa National Park, some roads and remote areas may still be difficult to access and many seasonal bush camps remain closed. This means April does not offer the same range of safari options as the drier months.
For travellers whose main focus is Victoria Falls, however, April is one of the most spectacular months because the Zambezi is close to peak flood.
South Africa
South Africa has several different climate zones, so April conditions depend on where you travel.
Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves are moving from the summer rainfall season towards the drier winter months. Rain is still possible, particularly early in the month, but temperatures are becoming more comfortable and the vegetation gradually begins to thin.
Cape Town and the Western Cape are in autumn. Days can still be very pleasant, making April a good month to combine the city and Winelands with a safari farther north.
Madagascar
April marks an important seasonal change in Madagascar and can be a very good month to visit.
The main wet season is ending, road conditions begin to improve and national parks that can be difficult to access during the height of summer become more practical to visit. The countryside remains green and temperatures are generally comfortable.
April is particularly appealing for travellers wanting to experience Madagascar’s lemurs, forests and landscapes without the heavier rainfall of January to March. It is also a good time to begin combining several regions as overland travel becomes easier.
So, where is best for an African safari in April?
April offers several very different safari experiences, so the best destination depends on your priorities.
- For the Great Migration during a transition month: Tanzania
- For green season scenery and changing floodwaters: Botswana
- For Victoria Falls at spectacular high water: Zambia and Zimbabwe
- For a quieter Namibia circuit: Namibia
- For Cape Town combined with safari: South Africa
- For lemurs, forests and improving travel conditions: Madagascar
- For gorilla trekking: Rwanda and Uganda, if you are comfortable with wetter conditions
April is a month when understanding the season matters. Rain can affect some safari areas, but it also creates lush landscapes, dramatic skies and fewer visitors, while other destinations are just beginning to enter their prime travel period.
If you are thinking about travelling to Africa in April, we can help you compare the different destinations and choose the areas that best suit your interests, travel style and budget. You are welcome to book a phone or Zoom conversation with us to start exploring the possibilities.
