Where To Go On Safari In April

21/07/2023

Our Recommendation For The Best Holiday Destinations In April:

Countries to visit in April: Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Madagascar

April marks the transition from summer to winter season in Southern and Eastern Africa. In East Africa the long rains are from March to May, so April is right in the middle, whereas in Southern Africa, the rainy season is roughly November to March, so April is the end of the wet season. During the rains, the vast landscapes of Africa come alive, offering an incredible scenic backdrop for wildlife enthusiasts although viewing animals can be challenging with the long grass and leafy trees. As the temperatures become pleasantly warm, game drives and outdoor activities become even more enjoyable.
 

Tanzania

In the Serengeti National Park the large herds participating in wildebeest migration move from the southern parts of the park, where they have exhausted the vegetation, moving north west to fresh grazing pastures. A visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder teeming with diverse wildlife and in April spectacular lush scenery, is also a highlight.

During the rainy season, flamingos gather on the lake in Lake Manyara National Park while the landscape is lush and waterfalls cascade down the escarpment. For those seeking a unique cultural experience, a visit to the Maasai village near the park is recommended. Engage with the Maasai people, learn about their traditions and witness their vibrant dances.

Recommended Safaris:

• 7-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari
• 7 Days Rhino Ngorongoro Crater Safari
• 7-Day Classic Tanzania Tour

South Africa

South Africa in April has sunny autumn weather. Kruger National Park is a year-round destination with exceptional wildlife plus fantastic bird viewing from November to April with over 500 species as well as migrant birds arriving during the rains. There are many other superb birding destinations such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Madikwe Game Reserve and Phinda Game Reserve, which have a large influx of migratory birds during these months.

The Garden Route National Park, a popular coastal park stretching across eastern and western Cape provinces, is best visited during quieter months such as April. With diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, thrilling activities and scenic hiking trails, there is plenty to keep you busy here. April is a good month to visit Addo Elephant National Park, known for its large population of elephants and diverse wildlife, when it’s less busy and before the cold winter months.

Recommended Safaris: 

• 12-Day Exclusive Safari, Cape Town and Surrounds
• 4-Day Kruger Park Fly and Drive Safari
• South Africa Spectacular

Kenya

The month of April is in the middle of the long rains and is the wettest month of the year. It’s not an ideal time for wildlife viewing as the vegetation is thick and animals disperse, there can be relentless rainfall making tracks impassable and some parks inaccessible. However, the bush is picturesque and verdant, there are less visitors and prices are lower. It’s also the perfect month to see resident birds nesting and in breeding plumage as well as migratory species.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, is a year-round destination with abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. You can spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, and various other animals in their natural habitat.

Lake Nakuru National Park, which is renowned for its millions of flamingos and diverse wildlife while Meru National Park and Tsavo East National Park, among others, welcomes North African and Eurasian migratory bird species during the rains. Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya offers a unique safari experience with Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, Somali ostriches, and leopards.

Recommended Safaris:

• 5-Day Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha Safari
• 7-Day Kenyan National Parks Safari
• 12-Day Kenya Big Five Safari

Botswana

April is a transition month between the end of the summer rainy season and the beginning of the dry winter season. The night-time temperatures start to cool down a little in April, while the days remain hot and sunny. The mesmerising beauty of Botswana can be experienced in the magnificent Okavango Delta in April, as the rainy season ends, revealing lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. Explore by mokoro canoes, and spot elephants, lions, hippos, and various bird species.

Head to Chobe National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds. Enjoy thrilling game drives and boat safaris along the Chobe River, where wildlife congregates to drink. Another must-see Botswana destination, the Moremi Game Reserve, offers visitors a view of the vast floodplains, mopane woodlands, and lily-covered lagoons on thrilling game drives. April offers a great opportunity to spot predators and migratory birds in this pristine wilderness.

Explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, a remote and rugged landscape known for its unique desert-adapted wildlife, including the Kalahari lions and meerkats. 

Recommended Safaris: 

• 9-Day Okavango Delta, Chobe & Vic Falls Safari
• 10-Day Botswana Desert Camping Safari
• 4-Day Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Nxai Pan Safari

Zambia

April in Zambia is nearing the end of the rainy season, and is the month when many of the lodges and camps, which are closed during the rains, start to open up again as the rains fade away. The rains leave the vegetation lush and thick and water sources replenished, meaning it’s harder to spot wildlife as the wildlife moves away from the main rivers. This is also the most beautiful time of year and bird spotting is excellent with the abundant foliage and insects as well as the resident species displaying their breeding plumage. Low season rates are attractive together with the quieter camps and lodges.

Top wildlife viewing destinations to head to are South Luangwa National Park, known for its walking safaris and night drives, and  Lower Zambezi National Park, located along the mighty Zambezi River, where you can experience thrilling canoe safaris and boat cruises as well as game drives.

Recommended Safaris: 

• 2-Day South Luangwa National Park Safari
• 9 Days South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi Luxury Safari
• 6 Days Kafue National Park and Victoria Falls

Madagascar

Known for its abundant wildlife sightings, unique ecosystems and natural wonders, Madagascar is one of the best places to go on holiday in April, when the weather is dry and sunny. This is a good time for hiking and game viewing – it’s the ideal time to spot one of Madagascar’s highlights – lemurs! Explore Ranomafana National Park, which comes alive in April with lush foliage and abundant wildlife including lemurs, such as the golden bamboo lemur and the red-bellied lemur, as you trek through the park’s diverse ecosystems. 

Another must-visit destination is Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, renowned for its iconic Indri lemurs among others, and stunning rainforest scenery. Experience the magical calls of these gentle giants and immerse yourself in Madagascar’s rich flora and fauna. It’s also one of Madagascar’s premier birding spots, with around 110 species, many of them endemic.

Isalo National Park is known for its striking sandstone formations, deep canyons, and natural swimming pools. Embark on hikes through rugged landscapes, encounter endemic wildlife, including the ring-tailed lemur, and witness breathtaking sunsets. To experience the best holidays in April, don’t forget to add Ankarafantsika National Park to your travel itinerary, famous for its diverse birdlife and lemurs. Explore the dry deciduous forest, go on guided night walks, and spot the rare Coquerel’s sifaka.

Recommended Safaris: 

• 14-Day Madagascar Wildlife Tour
• 6-Day Madagascar Coral & Forest Safari
• 10-Day Madagascar Baobabs, Lemurs & Saint Marie Island

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Safari Deal

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