Africa, Guides, Safari, Wildlife and Where to go when

Where to go on safari in April

Some great suggestions where to have the best safari experiences in April

Alex

Operations & Marketing Development

Published on

02 Oct 2020

Updated on

25 Apr 2025

This is when most of East Africa is in the midst of its long rains – weather can be unpredictable but beautifully dramatic and the Great Migration is in full flow, travelling north through the Serengeti. In the popular safari areas in Southern Africa, the majority of the heavy rains have stopped and the temperatures have cooled from the intensity during the height of summer. The bushveld is simply stunning at this time of year, lush and green – which can make wildlife spotting a little challenging but the birdlife is prolific.

In Botswana, the rivers are full, making it a special time to visit the Okavango Delta. And the mighty Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe will be at its powerful peak.

Botswana

Throughout Botswana the rainfall is coming to an end and the Okavango Delta begins to flood, becoming arguably one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Picking the right camp will play an integral role in your safari experience here so it’s worth speaking with an expert. The impala rut is in full flow which makes for a fascinating experience as the sleek antelope vie for dominance over harems of females.

Although it is the shoulder season in the rest of Northern Botswana, The Central Kalahari Game Reserve comes into its own. Soon after the rains and before it gets too hot and dry a lot of the wildlife tends to concentrate feeding on lush grasses in the valleys. During the peak dry seasons, food becomes scarce and the wildlife disperses. Night-time and morning temperatures tend to be low, however daytime temperatures are 30+ which is ideal for extended periods of activity before it gets too warm.

Tanzania

April might be a rainy season with sporadic thunder-filled down pours but don’t let this deter you as it does with many people. Travelling to Tanzania and East Africa during this time of year means less crowds and you’ll only share the wilderness with the wildlife. The extinct volcano of the Ngorogoro Crater will be a carpet of yellow and purple flower and teaming with wildlife, simply idyllic.

Zimbabwe and Zambia

The powerful Zambezi River will be fully charged by the summer rains as it thunderously pours over the world-famous Victoria Falls, throwing vast clouds of mist in to the air making it one of the best seasons to visit this wonder of the natural world.

In Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park, this is the beginning of the dry season and arguably one of the most beautiful times to experience these stunning reserves as the wildlife begins to congregate around waterholes.

Botswana's Okavango Delta in all it's glory

Ngorongoro Crater — The amazing Ngorogoro Crater, Tanzania

Game Drive Camp Hwange Copy — Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

South Africa

It’s now mid-Autumn in South Africa which only lasts for a short period. The once thick vegetation begins to draw back exposing more wildlife which has now begun to congregate more and more around waterholes. It’s a fantastic time to experience the infamous Kruger National Park and the private concessions of the Sabi Sands. The days are beginning to cool which in turn means the wildlife is more active, creating more opportunities to spot it.

Namibia

The coming of April marks the end of the rainy season. Warm, dry and sunny, an ideal time to visit Namibia with the air largely clear from dust, this is considered to be Namibia at it’s most beautiful as the normally totally orange sands of the arid deserts are interspersed with patches of vibrant greens and brightly coloured flowers. Although not the best time for wildlife viewing as there is still plenty of water to be found, the birdlife and striking landscapes more than make up for it.

Madagascar

Madagascar in April brings rays of sunshine after the heavy rains and cyclone season. With such a diverse and unique ecosystem, Madagascar offers breath taking natural beauty, white sand beaches, beautiful rainforests… and of course… extraordinary wildlife. This is the only place in the world where you will see lemurs in their natural environment as they roam the emerald-green rainforests packed full of brightly coloured reptiles and birds.

Madagascar is also a splendid destination if you are wanting to tick whales off from your wildlife bucket list. Nature is in full bloom at this time of year, with few tourists – it is probably one of the best times of year to travel to this remarkable island.

Mauritius

April is one of the best months to visit Mauritius. With nice warm days and cooler evenings and a great sea temperature this is a very popular month for families looking for an Easter break.

Londolozi Founders Camp View Copy — Londolozi Founders Camp in Sabi Sands, South Africa

Ringtailed Lemurs In Berenty Reserve — Ring-tailed lemurs are endemic to Madagascar

Aerial View Of Le Morne Mauritius — The stunning island of Mauritius

For more inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

Planning a safari holiday? Give our friendly experts a call on 01768 603 715 or fill in our enquiry form.

Check out these

Amazing holiday ideas for April

Madagascar Explorer

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Ile Sainte Marie

13 days
From £3,515 ^pp.

Botswana Baobabs & Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta
Savuti & Chobe

11 days
From £3,670 ^pp.

Sunway Botswana Okavango AT Reisen Patrick Franke

Namibia and Botswana safari

Zambia
Namibia
Botswana

21 days
From £3,195 ^pp.

Zambia & Malawi Luxury Honeymoon

Vic Falls
South Luangwa
Lake Malawi

13 days
From £10,335 ^pp.

Family Holiday in Mauritius

Belle Mare

11 days
From £1,699 ^pp.

Speak with our safari experts today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315

Enquire Now

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024

Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024

Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024

Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024

Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024

Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024

Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024