Things to Do in Botswana in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Botswana
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources - the Okavango Delta starts flooding in April from Angola's rains, creating spectacular wildlife viewing corridors where predators and prey interact. You'll see elephant herds moving between water points, and lion sightings increase by roughly 40% compared to wet season months.
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 20-35% compared to peak July-October rates, while still maintaining excellent game viewing conditions. Most lodges offer 3-for-2 deals or fourth-night-free packages specifically in April, and you can actually get bookings at top camps that are impossible to secure in high season.
- Pleasant daytime temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) make walking safaris and mokoro excursions genuinely comfortable - you're not dealing with the 35°C (95°F) heat of October or the pre-dawn cold of June mornings. The warmth means you can enjoy early morning game drives without layering up excessively.
- Fewer tourists than peak season but full lodge operations - you'll have maybe 3-4 vehicles at a leopard sighting instead of 8-10, and photographic opportunities improve dramatically. Most camps are at 50-60% capacity, so you get better guide attention and more flexible safari scheduling.
Considerations
- Unpredictable rainfall patterns mean you might encounter muddy roads in the Kalahari and occasional afternoon thunderstorms that can disrupt bush flights or delay game drives by 30-60 minutes. The 10 rainy days are spread randomly throughout the month, not clustered, so planning specific activities gets trickier.
- Some remote camps in the northern Okavango close for annual maintenance during April, particularly smaller mobile operations. About 15-20% of seasonal camps shut down between late March and early May, limiting your options in certain concessions.
- Bird plumage is transitioning as migrants begin departing - you'll miss the peak breeding colors of February-March, though resident species are still active. Serious birders might find April less rewarding than wet season months, with roughly 30% fewer species visible compared to January-February.
Best Activities in April
Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursions
April is actually ideal for mokoro trips because water levels are rising but channels aren't yet crowded with peak season tourists. The flood waters from Angola typically reach the Panhandle in late March, spreading through the Delta during April and creating fresh channels with active wildlife. Morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make the 2-3 hour paddles comfortable, and you'll see hippos, crocodiles, and sitatunga antelope in the newly flooded areas. The combination of increasing water and moderate crowds means you get authentic Delta experiences without the July-August congestion.
Chobe National Park Game Drives
April sits in that sweet spot where animals are concentrating at water sources but tourist numbers haven't peaked. The Chobe riverfront becomes particularly active as inland pans dry up, pushing elephant herds toward permanent water. You'll typically see 50-200 elephants during afternoon drives along the river, plus buffalo herds, lions, and leopards hunting at water edges. The 25°C (77°F) daytime temperatures mean animals are active longer into the morning - game drives can productively run until 10am instead of wrapping at 9am like in hotter months.
Makgadikgadi Pans Quad Biking and Cultural Visits
The pans are drying out in April after wet season rains, creating firm surfaces perfect for quad biking across the salt flats. You'll experience the surreal landscape of cracked white earth stretching to the horizon, with occasional flamingo flocks at remaining water pools. April temperatures make the 2-3 hour quad trips comfortable - you're not dealing with the scorching 38°C (100°F) heat of September-October. Cultural visits to nearby villages show traditional life as communities prepare for the dry season, including palm wine tapping and basket weaving demonstrations.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve Self-Drive Safaris
April offers the last realistic chance for self-drive trips before winter cold makes camping less appealing and before roads become too dry and dusty. The reserve's black-maned lions are active, and you'll encounter gemsbok, springbok, and brown hyenas without the vehicle congestion of Moremi or Chobe. Recent April rains mean some vegetation is still green, creating better photographic contrast than the brown monotone of dry season. The challenge is navigating potentially muddy sections after rain - 4x4 experience is genuinely necessary, not just recommended.
Moremi Game Reserve Walking Safaris
April's moderate temperatures make multi-hour walking safaris genuinely enjoyable rather than endurance tests. Moremi's diverse habitats - from mopane woodland to floodplain edges - are accessible on foot with armed guides, offering intimate wildlife encounters impossible from vehicles. You'll track elephants by fresh dung, identify birds by call, and learn bush survival skills. The 70% humidity sounds challenging but actually feels comfortable during morning walks starting at 6am when temperatures are 18-20°C (64-68°F). Afternoon walks from 4-6pm work well before potential evening showers.
Gaborone Cultural and Historical Tours
If you need a break from bush camps or are starting your trip in the capital, April's pleasant weather makes Gaborone's museums and markets actually enjoyable to explore on foot. The National Museum covers Botswana's independence history and San culture, while the Three Dikgosi Monument offers insight into the country's founding chiefs. The Main Mall and African Mall show modern Botswana life, with craft markets selling authentic baskets and pottery. April's 25°C (77°F) afternoons mean you can walk between sites without the oppressive heat of October-November.
April Events & Festivals
Maitisong Festival
This performing arts festival in Gaborone typically runs in late March into early April, showcasing Botswana theater, music, and dance. You'll see everything from traditional Setswana performances to contemporary African jazz and experimental theater. Venues include the Maitisong Theatre and outdoor stages around the city. It's worth timing your trip to catch the final weekend if you're interested in Botswana's arts scene beyond wildlife - tickets range from 80-300 Pula per performance.