Tanzania Safari in April

April in Tanzania unfolds amidst the peak of the long rainy season, bringing forth both challenges and unique opportunities for travellers. As thunderstorms dominate the landscape, fostering lush greenery and vibrant birdlife, the heavy rains may pose difficulties for safari goers.

Let us first look at the pros and cons of visiting in April quickly, and then we will address aspects like climate and accommodations, and look at each park in the Northern Circuit and Zanzibar in detail:

Pros:

1. Picturesque Landscapes: April marks the peak of the long rainy season, leading to lush greenery and the formation of numerous pools and watering holes creating picturesque landscapes.

2. Excellent Birdwatching: Lush vegetation fosters excellent birdwatching opportunities in April, with various bird species flitting among the trees, including Turacos, partridges, trogons, bee-eaters, and robins.

3. Tranquil Experience: April is part of the low season, resulting in reduced crowds, minimal vehicle traffic, and enticing discounts on accommodations, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers seeking a tranquil experience.

4. Opportunities for Wildlife Sightings: Despite the challenges posed by dense foliage and intermittent rains, wildlife sightings promise excitement, with opportunities to observe herds of buffaloes, elephants, baby animals, and predators like lions and hyenas from a closer distance.

Cons:

1. Heavy Rainfall: April is characterised by frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, leading to muddy roads, potential flooding, and challenges in navigating some park routes, which may limit accessibility to certain areas.

2. Limited Availability: Many lodges, camps, and shops close down during April, leading to limited availability of accommodations and services, requiring travelers to plan and secure lodging arrangements in advance.

3. Challenges in Island Getaways: Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island are not ideal for holidays in April due to heavy rains, less sunshine, potential flooding, and high humidity, making outdoor activities challenging and requiring considerable indoor time.

4. Closure of Signature Activities: Signature activities like hot air balloon rides and walking safaris may be temporarily closed in April due to heavy foliage, muddy roads, and increased tsetse and mosquito populations.

Let us now see what Tanzania looks like in April in detail.

Climate and Landscape

April in Tanzania marks the peak of the long rainy season, characterised by frequent thunderstorms throughout the day. The landscape undergoes a transformation as numerous pools, watering holes, and rivers fill up or form, providing ample water sources for wildlife. However, the thick foliage resulting from the rains often conceals animals from view. Temperatures range from 29°C / 84°F to 20°C / 68°F, offering a moderate climate despite the rain.

The lush vegetation fosters excellent birdwatching opportunities, with species like Turacos, partridges, trogons, bee-eaters, and robins flitting among the trees. With patience you may even catch glimpses of fledglings in their nests, adding to the vibrant ecosystem of the parks.

Accommodations and Crowds

April signifies the low season for tourism in Tanzania, leading to the closure of many lodges, camps, and shops. However, for those establishments that remain open, enticing discounts are often offered to attract visitors. Accommodation prices during this period are nearly half of those during the peak season, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. Despite the reduced crowds, travelers should be prepared for limited availability and plan accordingly to secure lodging arrangements.

Serengeti

In Serengeti, the migration predominantly occupies South Serengeti, Ndutu, and the Southwestern region early in the month. Towards the end of the month, the majority of the migration converges in the Southwestern area. While the park may be damp, and some roads might experience flooding, your 4x4 vehicle should navigate most muddy paths to reach the herds. Calves have grown bigger and more agile by this time, joined by numerous other baby animals and herbivores, attracting predators like lions and hyenas. Consequently, wildlife sightings promise excitement, albeit hindered at times by dense foliage and intermittent rains disrupting game drives. However, the upside is the absence of crowds and minimal vehicle traffic, ensuring a tranquil experience.

Additionally, besides the mentioned regiond, Serengeti in general remains a great location throughout the year, with Central Serengeti standing out as a notable destination even in April. Central Serengeti is renowned for its famous Seronera Valley, teeming with big cats and earning it the name of the Big Cat Capital. Along with the impressive population of big cats, Central Serengeti is also home to a variety of other animals like giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, elephants, impalas, and more. Its landscape features the classic Serengeti grasslands and is studded with stunning kopjes where you can often find animals lounging about or observing their surroundings, making Central Serengeti an excellent location to visit in April and throughout the year.

To ckeck out Central Serengeti tours, click here.

To check out Southern Serengeti/Ndutu tours click here.

To understand the movement of the Great Migration better, ckeck out our article here.

To check out our popular migration itineraries, click here.

Tarangire

In Tarangire, the grass will have grown longer during this time, but you can still expect to encounter herds of Buffalos and Elephants. The rare fringe-eared oryx also lingers in the park, although spotting them might require a bit more effort. Predators such as lions and leopards continue to roam the area. While leopards might prove challenging to find, encountering a pride of lions is quite likely. A notable advantage of the low season is the ability to park close to herds or prides without disturbance from other vehicles.

Bird enthusiasts will find the park particularly rewarding, with opportunities to observe Egyptian geese, tawny eagles, starlings, and a variety of other bird species.

To check out our Tarangire tours, click here.

Ngorongoro

Like other parks, Ngorongoro will showcase lush and captivating scenery, teeming with a diverse array of birds and animals. Many of the baby animals will have grown more robust, providing opportunities to witness their confident and playful antics. However, it's essential to note that the roads may become muddy, and occasional rains could pose intermittent challenges to your tour experience.

To check out our Ngorongoro tours, click here.

Lake Manyara

Traversing Lake Manyara will pose challenges due to muddy and potentially flooded roads, making the journey less comfortable. However, if you prioritise diverse scenery and ecosystems, this park might appeal to you. While the wildlife here will be similar to that of other parks, dense bushes and thick canopies may obstruct your views.

To check out our Lake Manyara tours, click here.

Island Getaways: Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island

April is not ideal for a Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island holiday due to heavy rains, less sunshine, and potential flooding on the streets. You may receive some sunshine in between, but the islands will be humid and drenched most of the time. You may have to spend a considerable amount of time indoors.

To understand the difference between Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia in detail, click here.

Southern Circuit

During April, which falls within Tanzania's long rainy season from March to May, the Southern Circuit offers a unique safari experience characterized by unpredictable weather patterns. Afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms are common, yet temperatures remain warm, ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-27°C) during the day.

In terms of park conditions, the lush vegetation becomes thicker, posing a slight challenge in spotting wildlife. Additionally, some roads, especially in remote areas, may become muddy and impassable, limiting access to certain regions within parks.

Regarding animal visibility and activity, wildlife activity might be slightly lower as animals have abundant water sources, reducing their need to concentrate around permanent waterholes. However, this period offers excellent birdwatching opportunities due to increased bird activity during the rainy season.

Tourist activities such as safaris are still feasible, but travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions caused by rain. Our 4x4 safari vehicles will be able to help tackle muddy roads, however, walking safaris may be limited due to wet conditions. Cultural visits, may remain an option.

In terms of pros and cons, the Southern Circuit in April boasts lush green landscapes, fewer crowds compared to the peak dry season, and potentially excellent birdwatching. However, cons include unpredictable weather with rain showers, limited accessibility due to muddy roads, and slightly lower animal visibility around waterholes.

In the Southern Circuit, you will have the option of visiting parks such as Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), and Mikumi National Park, each have their considerations in April.

In conclusion, visiting the Southern Circuit in April presents trade-offs. The lush landscapes and potential for excellent birdwatching are appealing, but travelers should be prepared for unpredictable weather and limited accessibility, which can impact their safari experience.

To understand in detail how all the Tanzanian safari circuits differ from each other, check out our article here.

Western Circuit

April in Tanzania's western circuit falls within the long rainy season, characterized by unpredictable weather patterns featuring afternoon showers and possible thunderstorms. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-27°C) during the day.

In terms of park conditions, the lush vegetation becomes thicker, making wildlife spotting slightly more challenging. Additionally, like the Southern Circuit, some roads, especially in remote areas, may become muddy and impassable, potentially limiting access to certain park regions.

Wildlife activity may be slightly lower during April due to abundant water sources, leading animals to disperse more and not concentrate heavily around permanent waterholes. However, this period presents excellent birdwatching opportunities due to increased bird activity during the rainy season.

Tourist activities such as safaris are still feasible in April, although travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions caused by rain. Our 4x4 vehicles will help you handle muddy roads, however, walking safaris may be limited due to wet conditions. Cultural visits, however, remain an option for travelers.

In terms of pros and cons, visiting the Western Circuit in April offers lush green landscapes, fewer crowds compared to the peak dry season, and potentially excellent birdwatching. However, cons include unpredictable weather with rain showers, limited accessibility due to muddy roads, and slightly lower animal sightings around waterholes.

Within the Western Circuit, you may visit parks like Gombe Stream National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, and Katavi National Park.

Overall, similar to the Southern Circuit, visiting the Western Circuit in April presents trade-offs. While the lush landscapes and potential for excellent birdwatching are enticing, travelers should be aware of unpredictable weather and limited accessibility that may affect their safari experience.

To understand in detail how all the Tanzanian safari circuits differ from each other, check out our article here.

April - Seasonal Discounts

In April, accommodations across Tanzanian parks offer some of the most significant discounts of the year, with reductions ranging from 10% to 60% off the original rates. Lodges such as Acacia Luxury Camp, Serena Safari Lodge, and Baobab Tented Camp provide these generous discounts, making it an ideal time for travellers seeking both luxury and affordability during the quieter season.

Popular Itinerary

To help you understand better, what our safari tours look like in April, we have presented below one of our most popular 7 Day tours.

The following itinerary through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area is popular amongst travellers seeking an immersive Tanzanian safari experience during this time of the year. April marks a transitional period in East Africa, making it a unique time to witness wildlife behaviours and natural phenomena.

Day 1 - Arusha to Tarangire

Your adventure begins with a prompt 8:30 AM pick-up from your hotel in Arusha, where you'll meet your friendly guide and set off for Tarangire National Park. As you depart, you'll be provided with a hearty picnic lunch, ensuring you stay energized for the day's activities. Tarangire National Park, renowned as Tanzania’s third-largest national park, welcomes you with its iconic baobab trees dominating the skyline. These ancient trees create a picturesque setting, serving as shelters for various wildlife species. Keep your camera ready to capture the awe-inspiring scenes as you venture into the heart of this wildlife haven. The Tarangire River, a lifeline for the park's inhabitants, attracts numerous animals, most notably the impressive herds of elephants, along with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a myriad of antelope species. After a full day of exhilarating game drives and wildlife sightings, return to your camp/lodge for a delectable dinner under the African sky.

Day 2 - Tarangire

Rise and shine to a sumptuous breakfast before embarking on another exciting day in Tarangire National Park. With the sun painting the landscape in golden hues, you'll commence your full-day game drive, immersing yourself in the park's diverse ecosystems. The towering baobab trees, some centuries old, create a mystical ambiance, making even the tallest giraffes seem diminutive in comparison. Throughout the day, you'll encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants gracefully roaming the savannah, giraffes nibbling on acacia leaves, and perhaps the elusive leopard blending into its surroundings. A well-timed picnic lunch amidst nature's splendor offers a moment of tranquility and reflection before you resume your wildlife exploration. Keep an eye out for unique sightings like the tree-climbing python and the elegant gerenuk. As the day draws to a close, return to your accommodation for a delightful dinner, sharing stories of the day's adventures around a cozy campfire.

Day 3 - Tarangire to Central Serengeti

After a satisfying breakfast, embark on a scenic journey towards the iconic Serengeti National Park. Traverse the vast plains, each turn offering panoramic vistas of untouched wilderness. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in an afternoon game drive, marveling at the sheer abundance of wildlife that calls the Serengeti home. The great herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles paint a mesmerizing picture against the backdrop of the endless horizon. A refreshing picnic lunch amidst this natural spectacle adds to the day's excitement. As the sun begins its descent, return to your lodge for a scrumptious dinner, savoring the flavors of the region as you recount the day's memorable sightings.

Day 4 & Day 5 - Central Serengeti

Choose your adventure pace for the day—whether a relaxed morning followed by full-day game drives or an early start to catch the wildlife in action at dawn. The central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera area, is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, known for its resident lion prides and elusive leopards. As you venture deeper into this wildlife haven, you'll witness nature's raw beauty unfold before your eyes. Capture the elegance of a cheetah on the hunt, the majestic lions basking in the sun, and the playful antics of elephant calves. Packed lunches amidst the savannah provide a chance to recharge amidst nature's wonders. As the day transitions into dusk, return to your lodge, where a warm dinner and relaxing evening await, allowing you to soak in the day's adventures and sightings.

Day 6 - Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, bidding farewell to its captivating landscapes and wildlife. Your journey continues towards the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a geological marvel encompassing the largest collapsed volcanic crater in the world. En route, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch, surrounded by the natural beauty that defines this region. As you approach Ngorongoro, anticipation builds for the unique wildlife encounters that await within this natural amphitheater. Conclude your day with a hearty dinner, relishing the flavors of the local cuisine, and rest peacefully in anticipation of tomorrow's adventure.

Day 7 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Arusha

Rise early for a thrilling day ahead, starting with a quick breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater at the break of dawn. This natural wonder, with its vast floor and diverse ecosystems, promises a safari experience unlike any other. As your 5-hour game drive unfolds, be prepared to witness the vibrant wildlife scenes that thrive within this unique habitat. From elephants gracefully crossing the plains to the majestic black rhino making a rare appearance, every moment is a testament to the area's ecological richness. A picnic lunch by the tranquil Hippo pool provides a serene interlude amidst the day's adventures. As your crater exploration concludes, begin the ascent back to Arusha, reflecting on the incredible experiences and cherished memories garnered throughout your safari journey. Arrive in Arusha by evening, bidding farewell to your safari team with gratitude for an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

Activities and Wildlife Considerations

April signals the temporary closure of signature activities such as hot air balloon rides and walking safaris due to the heavy foliage and challenging muddy roads. Additionally, tsetse and mosquito population increase during this time.

Tanzania Safari Costs Across All The Months

To help you understand the cost of a Tanzania Safari throughout the year, we have attached a table below showcasing the monthly prices for our most recommended 7-day safaris. These prices are based on stays at E2 accommodations, which are mid-tier, 3-star level comfort hotels located in prime areas. E2 accommodations strike a perfect balance between affordability and convenient proximity to major attractions, ensuring a comfortable and accessible safari experience.

To understand our classification of accommodations better, please click here.

Tailored Guidance for Your Safari Adventure

Explore our comprehensive guides rating popular parks and regions in North Tanzania for each month here.

Discover recommended safari tours for April. Connect with our team when planning your April visit for detailed insights into wildlife and avian scenarios across different parks. customise your itinerary based on expert recommendations.

Tours

To check out our Tanzania safaris of different durations during the month of April click on the link of your choice below:

1. 3 Day Tanzania Safari in April
2. 4 Day Tanzania Safari in April
3. 5 Day Tanzania Safari in April
4. 6 Day Tanzania Safari in April
5. 7 Day Tanzania Safari in April
6. 8 Day Tanzania Safari in April
7. 9 Day Tanzania Safari in April
8. 10 Day Tanzania Safari in April
9. 11 Day Tanzania Safari in April
10. All Tanzania Safaris in April

FAQs for Tanzanian Safari in April

How is the weather? April in Tanzania experiences the peak of the long rainy season, characterized by frequent thunderstorms. While this can lead to lush landscapes and ample water sources for wildlife, it can also result in dense foliage that may conceal animals from view. Despite the rain, temperatures range from 29°C / 84°F to 20°C / 68°F, offering a moderate climate for safari activities.

Which parks do you recommend visiting in April? In April, despite the rainy season, several parks in Tanzania are worth visiting. The Serengeti is recommended for its migration spectacle, especially in areas like South Serengeti, Ndutu, and the Southwestern region early in the month, shifting to the Southwestern area towards the end. Tarangire is another good option known for herds of buffalos and elephants, along with diverse birdwatching opportunities. Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara also offer captivating scenery and wildlife viewing, although the roads may become muddy and challenging.

Is April crowded? April is considered the low season for tourism in Tanzania due to the rainy season and the closure of many lodges, camps, and shops. As a result, there are reduced crowds, but travelers should be prepared for limited availability in accommodations and plan accordingly.

Is April relatively expensive? Accommodation prices in April are typically lower compared to the peak season, with many establishments offering enticing discounts to attract visitors. This makes April a more budget-friendly option for travelers despite the closure of some lodges and shops.

Where can I see migration in April? The migration spectacle in April can be observed in areas like South Serengeti, Ndutu, and the Southwestern region of Serengeti early in the month, shifting towards the Southwestern area as the month progresses. This period offers opportunities to witness herds of animals, including calves and predators like lions and hyenas.

Is April good for birding? April is an excellent time for birdwatching in Tanzania due to the lush vegetation resulting from the rains. Bird species like Turacos, partridges, trogons, bee-eaters, and robins are often spotted, offering a vibrant experience for bird enthusiasts.

Can I do a group safari in April? No, we do not offer group safaris in April. We organise Group Safaris between June and October, and December and February. To better understand how a group safrai differs from a private safari please check out our article here.

What should I watch out for while planning an April safari? While planning an April safari, travelers should consider factors such as the heavy foliage that may obscure wildlife viewing, intermittent rains that can make roads muddy and challenging to navigate, and increased populations of tsetse flies and mosquitoes. Signature activities like hot air balloon rides and walking safaris may also be temporarily closed during this time.

Can you recommend a few Tanzania safari tours for April? Certainly, here are some of out recommended tours:

5 DAYS - LAKE MANYARA, NGORONGORO CRATER , SERENGETI (2 NIGHTS), AND TARANGIRE

6 DAYS - TARANGIRE, SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CRATER

7 DAYS - TARANGIRE, SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CRATER

8 DAYS - LAKE MANYARA, SERENGETI (3 NIGHTS), NGORONGORO CRATER AND TARANGIRE

9 DAYS - LAKE MANYARA, SERENGETI (4 NIGHTS), NGORONGORO CRATER AND TARANGIRE (2NIGHTS

10 DAYS - TARANGIRE, LAKE MANYARA, LAKE NATRON, SERENGETI, NGORONGORO CRATER, AND LAKE EYASI

Reviews

Reviews by travellers who did a Tanzania safari tour with us in April.

Anju Thank you (Asante!) for an AMAZING and MEMORABLE trip!!!!

Tour Name: 5 Days-Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, and Tarangire (private)

We had such an amazing experience in Tanzania. Sylvia, our tour planner, planned out a very feasible package for our family. She was able to max out our time in Tanzania through planning out a route where we hit all the major parks and attractions till we got back on the plane home!! Our safari guide John was wonderful! We learned a lot from him like; the people, culture, food, animals and most of all the language. My 11 year old daughter was singing in Swahili by day 3 :) !! John was also accommodating to our pace and timing since we were travelling with 11, 8 and 5 year old children. We spotted all the animals that we could have seen in each parks. We were lucky enough to see all the animals that was on our list and spend sufficient watching them and enjoying each location. All the lodges and the camp we stayed at were very warm and welcoming (Kutoka Lodge, Arusha; Hhando Coffee Lodge, Karatu; Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp, Serengeti). Food and stay was really good.

Overall Nzuri sana!!! We didn't have any worry (Hakuna shida!!)

Asante-sana Monkey Adventures!!!

Nola M Serengeti at it's best

The experience of visiting the Serengeti was amazing. The sheer number of plains animals was something to witness. Thousands of Wildebeest, Buffalo and Zebra, most with young grazing of the wide open plains was what an African Safari is all about. Our guide was first class and his game spotting skills were excellent. I would highly recommend Monkey Adventures

lfrank1969 Great Experience with Monkey Adventures

My daughter and I had a fantastic 3 day safari with Monkey Adventures. Our guide John was fantastic, so knowledgeable and fun and a pleasure to spend 3 days with. We went to Tarangire 2 days, and Ngorogoro 1 day and it was perfect. We saw an unbelievable number of animals right in front of us at both parks. The lodging at Tarangire Safari lodge was excellent and convenient to the game drives in Tarangire. The food there was fantastic, the views amazing and service was top notch. Monkey Adventures was very responsive to all of our questions and very helpful in deciding where to go and where to stay, all for a very reasonable price. I really want to thank Silvia for helping us organize this trip, and John our guide for being so fun to be with and for teaching my daughter Swahili.