African Safaris in April – Where to Go and Why

Quick snapshot

• Best for: South Africa (touring & safari), Indian Ocean islands (post-cyclone-season), Victoria Falls at peak flow, and some Uganda options (with realistic expectations)
• Weather: South Africa cools down into that “just right” time for sightseeing and active trips
• Watch-outs: East Africa’s long rains start in early April and some Kenya/Tanzania camps close during April & May

Top picks for April (best destinations)

• South Africa – brilliant for touring and active trips; safari is also possible (with adjusted expectations)
• Namibia – great destination as rain eases, weather is agreeable and far fewer visitors than later in season
• Seychelles – calm seas and good visibility for swimming/snorkelling/diving
• Victoria Falls – for peak flow plus  shoulder season safari pricing in Zambia and Zimbabwe
• Mauritius – cyclone season typically easing, good for a beach add-on
• (Optional add-ons: Victoria Falls for peak flow;

What’s happening in April

April is one of those underrated sweet-spot months in South Africa. Days are cooler, so you may not be swimming in the Cape quite as much, but it’s a fantastic time for a sight-seeing or active holiday ((see our walking tours), without peak-summer heat. Late April can also bring a little more chance of rain in Cape Town so if you’d like warmer conditions, look at slightly warmer climates such as the Cederberg, or warm ocean temperatures up on the Maputaland coast in KwaZulu Natal.

In the Kruger, the lush vegetation can make game harder to spot than in the later winter months – but the landscape looks magnificent, and birdlife is still abundant.

April and May are also dramatic months at Victoria Falls, when flows are often at their  peak. It can be spectacular (and drenching). But note that the heavy spray can limit visibility in terms of photography.

On Lake Malawi, lakeside lodges start opening again from April.

For beach add-ons: April is a strong month because cyclone season should now be over for Mauritius,  Madagascar and Mozambique, while the Seychelles often has superb sea conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving, with calm seas and good visibility (and the start of breeding season for keen birders).

We recommend the western side of Madagascar if travelling in April as it is drier than the rest of the country.