• ~ mins read

Tanzania in April offers a captivating blend of nature, wildlife, and history to adventurous travelers looking for something different. As the rainy season takes hold, Tanzania transforms into a lush paradise, with its landscapes bursting with life and color. While your chances of spotting the big five might be slim due to rain and poor game drive conditions, there are plenty of other adventures awaiting in Tanzania in April, such as birding in the Serengeti, exploring near-empty beaches in Zanzibar, or catching a deal at top accommodations, which still makes it a good time to visit this country.

Planning a trip to Tanzania in April, you’ll be able to beat the crowd to indulge in this East African beauty taking your sweet time.

"Memories to last a lifetime "
  • Nova Ava
  • From Estonia
5 - Excellent
“"My safari experience was beyond anything I could have imagined. It was a perfect ble...” Read More
View Incredible Tours in Tanzania

Tanzania Weather in April

Sunset at a scenic pond in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in April.
Tanzania in April experiences heavy amount of rainfall.

While April is the rainy season in Tanzania, it experiences a warm climate of average daytime temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F) and average nighttime temperatures typically sitting at 24°C (76°F). In the lowlands and coastal areas, the average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while in the highlands, temperatures tend to be slightly cooler, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

As Tanzania faces one of the wettest months of the year, rains can be sudden. The southern and western parks will also have high humidity.

For a more detailed month-by-month view, you can read our best time to visit Tanzania article.

Weather in Tanzania in April - Rainfall and Temperatures

MarAprMay
Avg Daily (°C)313028
Avg Nightly (°C)252423
Avg Daily (°F)888683
Avg Nightly (°F)777674
Avg Rainfall (mm)140255200

Why visit Tanzania in April?

Yellow-billed Storks in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania in April.
The rainy season creates an amazing environment for birdwatching.
  • Get intimate with nature: For those seeking a serene and unspoiled encounter with nature, the low season from April to early June presents an ideal opportunity. This period offers a less crowded environment in otherwise jam-packed destinations like the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, allowing you to fully appreciate their natural splendor without the distractions of large crowds.
  • Birdwatcher’s paradise: Many consider bird-watching to be the best during April and May. The rainy season creates a thriving environment for birdlife as food sources become abundant and breeding activities commence. From striking raptors to colorful bee-eaters, you'll encounter a diverse array of avian species amidst the rain-fueled lush Tanzanian landscapes. The diverse habitats in Tanzania, including national parks such as Tarangire National Park and the coastal beaches in Zanzibar, are the places you need to go birdwatching in April.
  • Witness the Great Migration: Even without spotting the big five, you can still have a thrilling Tanzanian safari experience in April. For an epic Wildlife sighting, look out for the Great Wildebeest Migration in April. February and March are when the wildebeests gather in the southern Serengeti plains of Tanzania to give birth to their young, and as the rainy season arrives in April, the herds begin their epic migratory journey toward the central Serengeti in search of greener fodder to feed upon. Smaller herds of zebras and antelopes also travel with them.
  • Budget-friendly travel: The low travel season brings excellent discounts on hotels and lodges. With accommodations such as the Ngorongoro Lodge available at nearly half the usual price, visitors can make the most of their budget while immersing themselves in the wonders of Tanzania.

Where to go and what to do

Woman rests after safari in luxury tent during sunset camping in Tanzania i
Embark on a Serengeti National Park safari to spot the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania in April.
Kilimanjaro from Moshi in Tanzania in April.
Admire the serene beauty of Mt. Kilimanjaro from Moshi.

 From vibrant flamingos in Lake Manyara to the majestic raptors in Ngurdoto Crater and the iconic African fish eagle in the Serengeti, you'll have the opportunity to spot a remarkable variety of birds in their natural habitats during the bird-watching season that is April.

In April, visit Kitulo National Park, a hidden gem in Tanzania. The park is at its prime during the rainy season with its lush greenery, and it has so much more to it than spotting the big five that will leave you satisfied with your Safari adventure. The stunning Kitulo Plateau and Livingstone Forest Reserve that the park showcases transform into an explosion of colors as orchids, irises, and aloes bloom during the month.

Don’t forget to embark on a Serengeti National Park safari, not only to spot the Great Wildebeest Migration but also to spot the densely populated wildlife such as the hippos, giraffes, impalas, and Grant’s gazelle.

Given the daily rains in April, it might not be feasible to tour every prominent Tanzanian village. However, a wonderful alternative would be to explore the open-air Village Museum in Dar Es Salaam, which showcases recreated Tanzanian villages. This provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the local culture and experience the essence of these villages during your visit.

April is not recommended for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro due to the challenging conditions it presents. Slippery forest paths and snow-covered routes, especially from the Western Breach, make it a difficult ascent during this month. However, you can still admire its beauty from afar as you tour Moshi, the base town of Kilimanjaro.

What to bring

As it will most definitely rain in Tanzania in April, make sure you pack the right equipment to keep yourself and your camera dry so you can capture some stunning moments of your Tanzanian vacation.

Bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho, along with a compact umbrella, also helps you stay dry when it showers. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent as the country is prone to mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season.

Tanzania beckons in April with its captivating transformation as nature flourishes in a kaleidoscope of colors and wildlife thrives under the rainy season's embrace. Embrace the untamed beauty and embark on your next great adventure.

Let us help you plan your customized trip to Tanzania. Fill out our form, and we can get a tailored itinerary for your Tanzania adventure in April.

Published by David Lee, updated on October 8, 2023

Related Articles

Plan a trip to TanzaniaWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Tanzania.
  • Thea Gillingham
    Thea GillinghamTravel Expert in Kenya & Tanzania
  • Leonie Taylor
    Leonie TaylorTravel Expert in Kenya & Tanzania
  • Godbless Swai
    Godbless SwaiTravel Expert in Tanzania
Our travel experts are recommended by:
  • BBC
  • Independent
  • Lonely Planet
0 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.