East Africa – Green Season & New Life
April marks the start of the long rains in East Africa—covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The weather can be quite unpredictable during this time. Coastal areas like Kenya’s Diani Beach and Tanzania’s Zanzibar experience wet and thundery conditions. Inland, places such as the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area are bustling with wildebeest herds. They are often seen huddled in the rain.
This is East Africa’s “green season”. It’s a beautiful time when the landscapes are lush and full of life. This includes many newborn animals. The best way to explore during this season is with a fly-in safari, making travel between parks smoother and more scenic.
Southern Africa – Lush Landscapes After the Rains
In Southern Africa, the summer rains have ended, leaving behind lush greenery and more comfortable temperatures. Areas like Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans, and the Kalahari are especially scenic in April. It’s a great time for birdwatching.
Game viewing can sometimes be more challenging. This is due to abundant water sources that let wildlife spread out. However, spending more time at each lodge or camp can really pay off with special sightings. Nights start to cool down. This is especially true in drier regions like the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi. Meanwhile, the Okavango Delta enjoys milder temperature swings.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Rain in April? Yes, but tapering off
- April is the tail end of the wet season (known as the “emerald season”).
- Rain usually comes in short, dramatic bursts, often in the late afternoon.
- The landscape is lush, rivers high, and access to some remote camps may still be limited due to muddy roads.
💡 Good for photographers and birders, less so for hard-core game drives due to thick vegetation.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Rain in April? Light, occasional
- April marks the start of the annual flood, but the water comes from Angola and isn’t rain falling locally.
- Local rains are decreasing significantly now, though the terrain may still be wet.
- Expect warm days and cool nights, with some cloud cover.
💡 Perfect time to experience the watery transformation before peak tourist months hit.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Rain in April? Yes, it’s the long rains
- April is one of the wettest months in the Serengeti.
- Showers are often heavy but brief, with plenty of sunshine in between.
- Roads can get muddy, but the wildlife is active, especially in the southern and central areas.
💡 Pack for mud and magic — raincoats, waterproof boots, and a sense of adventure!
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Rain in April? Light to minimal
- Etosha is transitioning into the dry season, so rains are mostly behind it.
- Occasional showers may occur early in the month, but nothing major.
- Wildlife viewing starts improving as animals begin to visit permanent waterholes again.
💡 Great month to beat the crowds and enjoy a cool, quiet safari.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Rain in April? Rare and light
- The wet season ends in March, so April is mostly dry with clear skies.
- It’s cooler and more comfortable, especially for early morning game drives.
- Bush is still green, but visibility begins to improve as vegetation thins.
💡 A fantastic, balanced month — decent animal sightings with fewer tourists.
