April is the low season for travel to Tanzania, as the heavy rains of the long rainy season set in. While travelers wanting to spot the Big Five on safari or lounge on a Tanzanian beach might want to choose a different month to travel, lovers of birds are in luck. April and May are the best months for birdwatching. Read on to find out more about traveling to Tanzania in April.

Weather

As Tanzania is a tropical country, temperatures are fairly consistent year-round, averaging between 77°F and 86°F (25°C–30°C) in the lowlands and at the coast, and around 59°F to 68°F (15°C–20°C) in the highlands. The biggest variables are altitude and rainfall.

Tanzania has two main rainy seasons, the short rains and the long rains. The long rains start in late March and continue into May, so April is smack dab in the middle of this wet time. You should expect rain every day, anywhere in the country. Although it might not rain all day, every day, there's a higher chance of this happening in April than in other months (aside from May). This is not a good time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or other Tanzanian mountains, as the wet conditions make trails hazardous.

Crowds & Costs

April is the low season for travel to Tanzania. The wet weather can disrupt all kinds of activities, from beach vacations to safaris, and it can be challenging to track and follow wildlife when there's a lot of rain, and the roads are disrupted. Many lodges across the country shut for this season, but you may get a good deal at those that do remain open. 

Where to Go

Although most travelers come to Tanzania to experience its natural attractions, if you do happen to be traveling to the country in the wet month of April, you might like to spend some time in Dar es Salaam, a major city on the north-eastern coast. With Arab, African, Indian, and British colonial-era influences, there are interesting cultural attractions to enjoy in Dar, as it's known. The open-air Village Museum is a branch of the National Museum and has recreations of Tanzanian villages, with folk dancing shows. 

What to Do

Many people consider bird watching to be at its best in Tanzania in the long rainy season, so if you're a keen bird watcher, April is a great time to visit. Some top bird-watching destinations are the Mount Meru area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Serengeti National Park. A considerable number of species can be spotted, including crowned hawk-eagles, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, Rueppell's robin-chas, the very rare Beesley's larks, ashy starlings, yellow-collared lovebirds, rufous-tailed weavers, and much more.

As well as watching the beautiful birds, you can enjoy the gorgeous landscapes at this time of year. The vegetation will be vibrant and green, and the moody, cloud-filled skies often lead to great sunsets.

Events in April

Unification Day, nationwide. This public holiday on 26 April marks the unification of Zanzibar and Tanganyika (the precursor to present-day Tanzania) in 1964. Government offices and some businesses will be closed.

More Helpful Information

Tanzania in March
Tanzania in May
Best Time of Year to Visit Tanzania
How Many Days to Spend in Tanzania