Skip to main content

April

Africa in April: Top Safari Destinations

April is one of the most intriguing and least crowded months to experience an African safari. Often considered part of the green season or shoulder season, Africa in April offers lush landscapes, dramatic skies, rich wildlife behavior, and excellent value for travelers willing to embrace nature at its most vibrant. While some regions experience increased rainfall, April rewards patient and curious travelers with unforgettable encounters, fewer tourists, and a deeper sense of wilderness.

Rather than being a month to avoid, April is a time when Africa feels alive—rivers swell, forests deepen in color, newborn animals explore their surroundings, and predators take advantage of abundant prey. This comprehensive guide explores Africa in April: Top Safari Destinations, highlighting weather patterns, wildlife experiences, advantages and challenges, and practical travel tips to help you plan a remarkable April safari.

Why Visit Africa in April

April sits at the heart of Africa’s long rains in some regions, but this does not mean constant downpours. Instead, rainfall often arrives in short, heavy bursts, leaving plenty of time for safari activities.

Key Benefits of April Safaris

  • Very few tourists and uncrowded parks

  • Lush, green scenery and dramatic landscapes

  • Excellent rates and special offers at lodges

  • Abundant birdlife and breeding activity

  • Unique wildlife behavior, including newborn animals

April is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, authenticity, and exceptional photographic opportunities.

Understanding April Weather in Africa

Africa’s weather in April varies greatly depending on region and altitude.

East Africa

  • Long rains typically begin in April

  • Warm temperatures

  • Landscapes at their greenest

Southern Africa

  • Transition from summer to autumn

  • Rainfall begins to decrease

  • Comfortable temperatures

North Africa

  • Mild, dry, and pleasant

  • Excellent for desert and cultural travel

Although rain can impact some remote roads, experienced guides adapt itineraries to ensure rewarding experiences.

Tanzania: April Safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Tanzania remains one of the most compelling African safari destinations in April, especially for travelers who value scenery, predators, and solitude.

Serengeti National Park in April

By April:

  • The Great Migration begins moving northward

  • Herds spread across central and western Serengeti

  • Predators remain active, feeding on young and weak animals

The plains are lush, rivers begin to fill, and the Serengeti feels expansive and peaceful.

Ngorongoro Crater

  • Excellent year-round wildlife viewing

  • Less crowded in April

  • Lush crater floor enhances photographic beauty

Why Visit Tanzania in April

  • Fewer vehicles at sightings

  • Exceptional green-season photography

  • Attractive lodge rates

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

Kenya: April’s Quiet Wilderness Safaris

April in Kenya is part of the long rains, but it is also one of the most serene times to visit.

Top Safari Areas

Wildlife Experiences

  • Resident wildlife remains present year-round

  • Big cats are active due to abundant prey

  • Elephant herds thrive in green environments

Why April Works in Kenya

  • Very low visitor numbers

  • Exclusive safari experiences

  • Deeply scenic landscapes

While some camps close temporarily, those that remain open offer excellent value and solitude.

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

Uganda: Primate Safaris in April

April is a rewarding month for primate safaris in Uganda, especially for travelers who don’t mind forest moisture.

Top Experiences

What to Expect

  • Lush forests and dramatic misty scenery

  • Fewer trekkers and permits easier to secure

  • High success rates for gorilla sightings

Trails may be muddy, but encounters remain deeply moving and intimate.

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking in April

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park remains open year-round, including April.

April Highlights

  • Mist-covered volcanic landscapes

  • Reduced visitor numbers

  • Strong gorilla trekking success rates

While rainfall can increase trekking difficulty, the experience is quieter and more atmospheric.

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

South Africa: One of the Best April Safari Destinations

South Africa is among the most reliable safari destinations in Africa in April.

Top Safari Regions

  • Kruger National Park and Private Reserves

  • Madikwe Game Reserve (malaria-free)

  • Addo Elephant National Park

Why April Is Ideal

  • Rainfall decreases significantly

  • Vegetation still green but thinning

  • Wildlife sightings begin to improve

April is also perfect for combining safari with:

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

Botswana: April in the Okavango Delta and Beyond

April marks the transition from wet season to dry season in Botswana.

Top Destinations

What Makes April Special

  • Water levels begin to rise in the Delta

  • Wildlife concentrates around emerging floodplains

  • Birding remains excellent

Botswana in April offers a balance of greenery and improving wildlife visibility.

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

Namibia: April for Scenic and Photographic Safaris

Namibia’s landscapes are particularly striking in April.

Top Areas

  • Etosha National Park

  • Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert

  • Damaraland

Why Visit Namibia in April

  • Rare greenery in desert regions

  • Fewer tourists

  • Comfortable temperatures

Wildlife may be dispersed, but scenery is at its most dramatic.

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

Zambia: Emerald Season Beauty in April

April is the tail end of Zambia’s Emerald Season.

Safari Areas

  • South Luangwa National Park (select camps)

  • Lower Zambezi National Park

Why Visit Zambia in April

  • Lush, vibrant landscapes

  • Exceptional birdwatching

  • Discounted safari rates

Some camps begin closing late April, so careful planning is essential.

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

Zimbabwe: Authentic Safaris in April

Zimbabwe in April offers peaceful and rewarding safari experiences.

Top Destinations

  • Hwange National Park

  • Mana Pools National Park (limited access)

Highlights

  • Fewer tourists

  • Wildlife remains active

  • High-quality guiding

April is an excellent month for travelers seeking solitude and authenticity.

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations

Wildlife Experiences Unique to April

Newborn Animals

April still sees:

  • Young antelope and plains game

  • Protective maternal behavior

  • Predator-prey interactions

Predator Activity

Predators thrive due to:

  • Abundant prey

  • Cooler temperatures compared to peak summer

Birdwatching

April remains excellent for birding:

  • Migratory species still present

  • Nesting and breeding displays

Photography in Africa in April

April is a favorite month for photographers:

  • Deep green backdrops

  • Dramatic skies and cloud formations

  • Reflections from seasonal water

Light conditions and colors are rich and dynamic.

Pros and Cons of April Safaris

Pros

  • Very few tourists

  • Excellent value

  • Unique scenery and wildlife behavior

  • Ideal for photographers and birders

Cons

  • Increased rainfall in East Africa

  • Muddy roads in remote areas

  • Some camps close temporarily

The key to April travel is choosing destinations wisely.

Who Should Travel to Africa in April

April is ideal for:

  • Experienced safari travelers

  • Wildlife photographers

  • Birdwatchers

  • Couples seeking privacy

  • Budget-conscious luxury travelers

It may be less suitable for those wanting guaranteed dry weather and peak-season wildlife concentrations.

Planning Tips for April Safaris

  1. Select Destinations Carefully – Focus on areas with good April access

  2. Work with Safari Experts – Seasonal knowledge is crucial

  3. Pack Smart – Include waterproof layers and quick-drying clothes

  4. Embrace Nature’s Rhythm – April is about beauty, not predictability

Combining April Safaris with Other Experiences

April is excellent for combining:

  • Safari and beach holidays (Zanzibar, Mauritius, Mozambique)

  • Safari and city travel (Cape Town, Nairobi)

  • Safari and cultural tours

These combinations add depth and flexibility to your trip.

Why April Is One of Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secrets

April delivers:

  • Uncrowded wilderness

  • Lush, cinematic landscapes

  • Authentic wildlife encounters

  • Exceptional value

It is a month that reveals Africa in its most natural, rejuvenated state.

Africa in April is a month of renewal, beauty, and quiet wonder. From predator-rich plains in Tanzania and Kenya to primate encounters in Uganda and Rwanda, from Botswana’s evolving wetlands to South Africa’s reliable Big Five safaris, April offers extraordinary diversity and depth.

For travelers who appreciate solitude, scenery, and meaningful wildlife moments, April is one of the most rewarding times to explore Africa’s top safari destinations. With the right planning and mindset, an April safari can be among the most memorable journeys of a lifetime.

Safari PackagesHelp me planAccommodations