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Africa in April

Find out where to go in April for your African safari: it’s raining in some places but drying up in others – read more…

Africa in April sees one of the year’s biggest weather changes: heavy rains have set in across East Africa but down in Southern Africa the reverse is true: it’s drying up.

For the traveller, this means an African safari in April is probably going to be most rewarding in southern destinations such as Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and the Kruger. Even more so when you consider that April is a great time for iconic Victoria Falls and Cape Town, both easily incorporated into a safari itinerary. Or, if it’s a beach holiday that you’d like to pair with your safari, then April is still warm and sunny and you have a choice of Southern African beach destinations ranging from the bracing waters of the Cape coast to sub-tropical Mozambican islands.

That’s not to say that East Africa is off limits at this time of year. You are likely to experience rain on safari in April but as well as showers, April also brings reduced prices for accommodation and there are few other visitors. And although some experiences like gorilla trekking will be very wet and muddy, a Serengeti safari takes you into the heart of the wildebeest migration as they begin a great westward trek, pursued by predators on all sides.

Kruger/Sabi Sands | Victoria Falls | Chobe/Savuti | Cape Town/Garden Route | Kalahari | Namibia | Zambia

 

1. Kruger Park & Sabi Sands, South Africa

 

Game drive in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

The summer rains are drying up in April which makes wildlife easier to see at water sources.


WHY GO?
Milder weather & less rain makes April a great time for South Africa’s heavyweight reserve plus the landscape is looking beautiful.

WEATHER?
Hot & rainy summer is coming to an end. First month of the year that you’ll need a coat at night but not a rain jacket during the day.

COMBINATIONS?
You can fly direct to Cape Town to give you South Africa’s top two holiday destinations on one itinerary; add on the Garden Route & you have the third.

The bush is still green and lush in the Kruger National Park in April, but waterholes are shrinking and animals are starting to cluster at the larger water sources.

There’s always good wildlife viewing in the Kruger Park itself but for a more guaranteed Big 5 experience, go to the adjoining private reserves such as the Sabi Sands. Smaller than Kruger but with a great density and diversity of animals and birds, these reserves have accommodation for every type of traveller and you’ll enjoy expertly-led day and night drives plus guided bush walks and off-road driving for exceptional sightings. Highly recommended for couples and honeymooners as well as multi-generational groups and families with children.

INSIDER TIP: “Several operators have put together ‘Kruger Combo’ packages with a mix of accommodations & destinations – it’s a good way to stay within budget.”

Other Great months for Kruger Park & Sabi Sands: June through October for the popular dry season; November through January for the Green Season.

2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia

 

Aerial view of Victoria Falls in full flow

Victoria Falls is in full flow: put it at the centre of your African safari experience.


WHY GO?
Victoria Falls is in full flow & the result is a mile of water sending a thundering cloud of spray up to a thousand feet into the air – no wonder it’s a World Wonder!

WEATHER?
Warm to hot with the chance of rain. Safaris is summer have lush landscapes, off-the-scale bird watching and lots of new-born animals.

COMBINATIONS?
Take advantage of shoulder season rates & fly to Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park for an all-action safari: game drives, bush walks, boat safaris & canoeing.

The local rains are drying up but the Zambezi River is close to bursting its banks as it absorbs the massive volume of water coming from the river’s remote watershed. By the time the Zambezi reaches Victoria Falls it is a mile wide and rushing along like a train. The result of the river’s sudden 100 metre (300 foot) drop is a plume of spray that can be seen from dozens of miles away – the Smoke that Thunders, to give it its local name.

You’ll need to choose between staying in Zambia or Zimbabwe but the experience is similar in either country at this time of year and border crossings are usually straight-forward if you’d like another perspective of the falls. There are also many activities in the area – game drives, market trips, bungee jumps, scenic flights and elephant interactions – but with the water levels this high, there’s no white-water rafting at this time of year.

INSIDER TIP: “Book a microlight or helicopter flight to see Victoria Falls from the air – it’s the best way to see it – & ask us about reduced accommodation rates or ‘Pay 2 Nights, Stay 3’ deals.”

Other Great months for Victoria Falls: March & May for the most water going over; June through October for dry weather & the best time for safaris, white-water rafting & Devil’s Pool.

3. Chobe River & Savuti, Botswana

 

Zebra migration in the Chobe region

Drier conditions in April see animals gathering at water – it’s ideal for wildlife photography.


WHY GO?
The summer rains are drying up quickly & it’s the start of shoulder season – go now for reduced accommodation rates at the best lodges.

WEATHER?
It’s still warm in April – some days will be over 30°C (86°F) - mild nights, warm to hot during the day with a chance of rain. Savuti zebra migration.

COMBINATIONS?
Fly to Namibia & visit the legendary Sossusvlei dunes before peak season brings higher accommodation prices & many more visitors.

The Chobe River is the most famous region of the Chobe National Park and consistently delivers great views of big game and, above all, elephants. It is most productive in the dry season (July – October) but game drives and boat safaris will reveal a wealth of wildlife both in and next to the river at this time of year.

Then fly to Savuti; it’s an area in the centre of the park with a reputation among guides, photographers and filmmakers as the place to go for dramatic wildlife viewing. Temperatures are still warm in April but it is raw, unpredictable and a battleground for lions and hyenas – and in April a zebra migration is passing through. Stay at a lodge on the Savuti Channel and you’ll have a good chance of seeing the local heavyweights – elephant, lion, buffalo and giraffe – from the comfort of your chalet.

INSIDER TIP: “As well as reduced accommodation rates there are ‘Pay 7 Nights, Stay 8’ deals – divide your time between different camps & enjoy diverse, productive wildlife viewing.”

Other Great months for Chobe River & Savuti: December & early January for the Green Season; June through October for dry weather & peak safari season.

4. Cape Town & Garden Route, South Africa

 

Winelands in the Western Cape, Cape Town

The afternoon’s shadows grow longer in the Winelands as autumn approaches: time for a tasting?


WHY GO?
The Garden Route is the perfect vacation destination: starts with Cape Town and finishes wth the Eastern Cape malaria-free Big 5 safari.

WEATHER?
Sunny weather, mild temperatures, little rain & no wind ... April’s one of the best months to be outdoors & exploring. Fewer visitors & cooler temperatures.

COMBINATIONS?
Fly via the Kruger, your Big 5 safari destination, to Vilanculos on Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast, gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.

April in the Cape and summer is gently cooling down into autumn. It’s one of the best months to be outside and walking, whether it’s on a mountain trail or the way to a wine cellar. Cape Town sits at the heart of the experience and there’s plenty to do both in and around the city – hire a local guide for personalised tours and all the best secret spots. It’s also a good destination to do yourself: hire a car and drive to the places you want to see in your own time – Table Mountain, Cape Point and the Boulders Beach penguins.

The Cape Winelands are within easy reach of Cape Town and have lots of accommodation and restaurants; why not go all the way and continue along the coast and onto the Garden Route, one of South Africa’s most-loved holiday destinations.

INSIDER TIP: “If you like the sound of adding the ‘Beach & Bush’ to your Cape Town holiday, then there are great deals available: Pay for six nights and stay for eight! Ask us for more information.”

Other Great months for Cape Town & Garden Route: December, January & February for the hot, dry summer; March & May for milder, less windy weather; August through October for whale watching & the best displays of flowers.

5. Kalahari, Botswana

 

Stargazing in Botswana's Kalahari

April skies are clearing, revealing some of the best views of the cosmos you are ever likely to see.


WHY GO?
The Kalahari is drying up, triggering herds of zebra to migrate north. Good opportunity to see predators in action & great for photography.

WEATHER?
It’s a good time to be here in April: the night skies are becoming more impressive as the clouds clear and the weather is just right.

COMBINATIONS?
The Savuti for the best views of the zebra migration & add on the Khwai River area for its great reputation for leopard and wild dog.

April in the Kalahari and the summer waterholes are nearly gone. Six months of dry weather lie ahead and many animals are making the most of the last water and remaining greenery as they prepare for tougher times.

Other animals are migrating out of the Kalahari, and this is your chance to see one of Africa’s least-known movements of animals – the Kalahari zebra migration. Head for the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan National Parks to catch the migration in action as well as views of the Kalahari’s classic animals such as springbok and gemsbok. There are always plenty of other animals to see in Botswana’s Kalahari: this is a stronghold of lion and cheetah as well as rarer carnivores like wild dogs and brown hyenas.

INSIDER TIP: “Safari accommodation in Botswana is usually very expensive – ask us which lodges offer shoulder season rates in April & you’ll enjoy a good saving.”

Other Great months for Kalahari: December & January (Green Season); June through August for the cooler dry season; September & October for the hot dry season.

6. Lower Zambezi & South Luangwa, Zambia

 

Lion pride during game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park

Zambia is opening up again after the rainy season: go now for great deals on safaris.


WHY GO?
There is still some rain in April but Zambia’s safari camps are opening for the new season: the landscape looks beautiful & there are few other visitors.

WEATHER?
Still hot in April – the average daily maximum is 30°C (86°F) - but there is a discernible change in climate as the first mild nights begin.

COMBINATIONS?
Victoria Falls: the waterfall is in magnificent full flow - therefore no white-water rafting - & many accommodations with reduced rates.

April is the first month that we’d recommend for a safari to Zambia: the country receives a lot of rain in summer and many camps are temporarily closed. The landscape starts to dry up and the safari season starts.

You can fly from Victoria Falls via Lusaka to both the Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa National Park and choose your accommodation from a number of lodges both in and near the parks. Activities include game drives and walks with some of the best guides in Africa as well as river activities and birding. Both parks are noted for their big game, especially elephants, buffalo, hippo and big cats, and you also have the opportunity at some lodges to go on spot-lit night drives to track Africa’s nocturnal hunters.

INSIDER TIP: “There are good-value deals around in April – ask us about extra fee nights as well as packaged itineraries, designed to save you money.”

Other Great months for Zambia: June through October for peak safari season & the driest weather; December & early January for the Green Season.

7. Sossusvlei & Skeleton Coast, Namibia

 

Oryx on the Sossusvlei sand dune in Namibia

Beat both the heat & high season prices with an April safari to Namibia’s fascinating deserts.


WHY GO?
Namibia is looking beautiful after the hot & rainy summer; this is a great month to visit before the arrival of crowds & peak season prices.

WEATHER?
Early winter: warm temperatures with a very slight chance of rain. Lush landscapes, excellent birding and ‘green’ desert. Best time to visit Sossusvlei.

COMBINATIONS?
Continue the adventure & visit Namibia’s Kaokoland from the comfort of Serra Cafema, one of the most remote lodges in Southern Africa.

Namibia in April and you’ll need an extra blanket at night but a hat and sunblock during the day. It can be very hot at low-lying Sossusvlei after the sun has risen but the landscape is sensational and there won’t be many other visitors. A series of enormous, tsunami-like sand dunes in a desert ocean, Sossusvlei never fails to impress and is best seen at dawn when the dunes change colour, morphing from grey and purple to red and orange.

Combine this sea of sand with a real ocean: the savage south Atlantic, its waves thumping the beaches of the Skeleton Coast, so-named for the shipwrecks that punctuate this fascinating environment. Stay at a desert camp for game drives and walks – you’ll be surprised which animals can survive here – and enjoy some of the most expansive night skies you’ll have ever seen.

INSIDER TIP: “It’s going to be better value if you take a fly-in package, complete with shoulder season rates: ask us about the best current deals.”

Other Great months for Namibia: May to October – it’s mild & dry for most of this time but hot in September & October.

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September| October| November| December

 

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Reviews

Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)
Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)
An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)
Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)