Tanzania in April
Weather in Tanzania in April
April is the rainiest month of the year in Tanzania and marks the beginning of the wet season. However, you shouldn’t picture April as a monochrome, dreary month of endless rainfall – most of the rain comes from early afternoon thunderstorms that dissipate relatively quickly.
Outside of the thunderstorms, you can expect relatively warm daytime temperatures ranging from 16°C to 28°C (and up to 30°C on the islands). While only half of the days in April can expect rain, you should be careful when travelling during the rainy season. Roads, particularly dirt ones, can become muddy and difficult to pass through.
Lodges in Tanzania in April
Around every cloud there is a silver lining, and while there may be many clouds in the April Tanzanian skies, the silver lining is that April is comparatively cheap when it comes to accommodation. April is the low season when it comes to tourism, so many lodges will have slashed prices.
April can also be positive due to there being fewer crowds and visitors – you may be able to get beautiful accommodations at half price and then have a monopoly on it when you are one of the only ones there! While April may be wet, you can certainly save money when travelling.
Northern Tanzania Safari in April
1. The Wildebeest Migration in April
The Great Migration of the Serengeti is still in full force in April, albeit in a different location. Because the Serengeti is so massive, month-by-month observers and scientists have picked out the most likely locations that the Migration will go past – April’s being the Seronera region of Serengeti National Park.
April’s rain brings plentiful food for the herds to graze on – making this month, at the end of the initial migratory period, the perfect time for the herd to indulge. While January to March presents the best opportunity to see predators at work, April will still have the occasional attack.
2. Climbing mount Kilimanjaro in April
With April being the wet season, only the hardiest of climbers should attempt to summit Africa’s highest peak. Rainy season begins in April and continues through to May, meaning that the well-trod trails up Kilimanjaro can become muddy and water-logged. The summit becomes capped with snow and ice, making a beautifully iconic view of the peak.
April makes Kilimanjaro tough, but that also means that it is a bigger challenge for a potential climber to overcome. A definite positive in attempting Kilimanjaro in April is that you are less likely to stumble over crowds of tourists or slow climbers – only serious mountaineers are likely to test Kilimanjaro in April.
3. Game drives, wildlife and birds in April
While rain may be an obscuring factor when dealing with game drives and safaris, it also brings out the wildlife. Wet season means that nature comes alive – not just plants, but this time of year brings a bounty of young animals to the plains of the southern Serengeti – meaning high chances of a predator attack.
Experiencing Tanzania in April can be very rewarding if you don’t mind some rain. Ngorongoro Crater in April, for instance, is potentially at its most beautiful. The lack of other tourists can lead to having more intimate and profound experiences – the feeling of being one with nature is at its finest.
Tanzania Beaches in April
1. Zanzibar Island in April
April in Tanzania is a month of changes – a shift from the sweltering summer months into the cooler rainy season. While some may be uncomfortable with Zanzibar in April, downpours are often quick – afternoon thunderstorms that swiftly dissipate to beautifully clear evenings and rich sunsets.
April is often Zanzibar’s quietest month, meaning there will be no crowded beaches, leading to a more intimate experience. Due to the relative quiet, April is a perfect time as well to digest the rich history on display throughout the island, especially in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Mafia Island in April
April is right in the middle of Tanzania’s rainy season, so when visiting Mafia in April, you are likely to experience some rain. While the storms are often quick, the weather aside from the showers is beautiful. On rainy days, there is always the option of exploring the historical sites on the island itself.
3. Pemba Island in April
While the temperatures and sunshine hours in Pemba make it a year-round excellent destination, it’s important to remember that April is a rainy month all over Tanzania. If you visit Pemba in April, the rainstorms are usually short-lived thundershowers in the afternoon, allowing the plant life on the Green Island to flourish!
Southern Tanzania Safari in April
1. Game drives, wildlife, and birds in April
Experiencing wildlife in southern Tanzania in April can sometimes prove challenging, but there are definitely positives. While the rain and cloud cover can often make seeing the animals difficult, the rainstorms in Tanzania are typically short, and leave the air very clear once they dissipate which is ideal for viewing.
The southern circuit of Tanzania is typically quite quiet in April with many tourists instead deciding to visit during the dry season. This lack of activity in the parks can bring animals out into the open and allow for more individual experiences with nature for a tourist in April.
2. Ruaha National Park in April
April is known far and wide as being right in the middle of the rainy season in Tanzania. However, the news is not all bad – when there are seasonal rains, this will mean a significant drop in crowds and prices for accommodation. The rainy season also plays host to one of the country’s biggest bird migrations.
3. Nyerere National Park in April
The old adage of April bringing showers is fully true when it comes to Nyerere and the other Southern Circuit parks of Tanzania. April’s rainy days may not seem pleasant, but they have a cleansing effect on the land, leaving clear air and vibrantly colourful vegetation in their wake.
Chimpanzee trekking in April
1. Mahale National Park in April
April is nearing the end of the wet season in western Tanzania, meaning that in the Mahale Mountains, the iconic waterfalls will be in full flow. Mahale National Park is also one of the more remote parks in Tanzania, allowing for a more intimate experience in reconnecting with nature.
2. Katavi National Park in April
April can be a delightful time to visit western Tanzania. Katavi National Park, one of the more secluded parks, is teeming with brilliant, colourful life. The lush scenery makes you truly feel as if you are stepping back in time before human civilization (apart from your game drive vehicle, of course!)
3. Gombe National Park in April
April is low season for Gombe Stream National Park, so your chances of having the entire park to yourself increase exponentially. There is no threat that Gombe will be overcrowded with tourists trying to see the chimpanzees this time of year, so if you like a more intimate experience, now is your time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania in April
Is April a good time to visit Tanzania?
April is the peak of the long rains in Tanzania. While wildlife is still present, heavy rainfall makes some areas harder to access, and certain lodges close. However, it’s an excellent time for lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and budget-friendly safari rates.
What is the weather like in Tanzania in April?
The weather in Tanzania in April is warm and very wet. Daytime temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C, with frequent and often heavy rainfall. Roads can be muddy, and game drives may be challenging, especially in southern parks and on the coast.
Can I see the Great Migration in April?
Yes, the Great Migration moves from southern Serengeti toward the central Serengeti during April. Large herds spread out across the plains following fresh grasses. Although travel conditions can be wet, wildlife sightings are still rewarding with fewer tourists around.
Is April a good time to climb Kilimanjaro?
April is not recommended for climbing Kilimanjaro. The long rains make trails slippery and visibility poor, reducing summit success rates. For better conditions, it’s best to plan climbs between June and October or January and February.
Can I visit Zanzibar in April?
Zanzibar in April is in its long rainy season. While beaches remain beautiful, heavy rainfall and high humidity affect diving, snorkeling, and island tours. It’s a quieter, off-peak time with lower hotel rates but limited outdoor activities.