Zimbabwe in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Zimbabwe

26°C (79°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

18mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildlife viewing at waterholes - animals concentrate around remaining water sources as dry season intensifies, making Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park ideal for game drives from 6am-10am and 4pm-sunset
Crystal clear skies for Victoria Falls photography - minimal mist and spray allows spectacular rainbow shots and full cataract views, with water levels still substantial before May's dramatic drop
Perfect hiking temperatures - daytime highs of 26°C (79°F) with low humidity make Eastern Highlands trails like Mount Nyangani and Vumba Mountains comfortable for 6-8 hour treks
Harvest season cultural experiences - tobacco and maize harvests create authentic interactions with rural communities, plus traditional beer brewing ceremonies in Shona villages become frequent

Considerations

Dust and haze buildup from prolonged dry season can reduce visibility for landscape photography and make respiratory conditions uncomfortable, especially in Bulawayo and Harare
Water levels at Victoria Falls begin dropping noticeably - while still impressive, the falls start transitioning from full flood to lower flow, reducing some activities like white-water rafting intensity
Peak fire season risk - veld fires are common and can close roads or hiking trails unexpectedly, particularly in Matobo and Gonarezhou National Parks

Best Activities in April

Victoria Falls Game Drives and Walking Safaris

April offers the sweet spot for Victoria Falls area wildlife viewing. Animals gather predictably at remaining water sources while vegetation is sparse enough for excellent visibility. Morning temperatures of 13°C (55°F) mean comfortable 3-4 hour game drives starting at dawn. The Zambezi riverfront provides exceptional elephant viewing as herds come to drink.

Booking Tip: Book combination Victoria Falls and game park packages 14-21 days ahead. Expect rates of $180-280 per day including park fees. Morning slots fill first, so prioritize 6am starts. Look for operators offering both sides of the falls plus game drives. See current tour options in the booking widget below.

Eastern Highlands Mountain Trekking

April's cool nights and warm days create perfect conditions for multi-day hikes in Nyanga and Chimanimani. Clear skies offer impressive views across Mozambique, while comfortable 26°C (79°F) highs prevent overheating on steep ascents. Waterfalls are still flowing well from recent rains, and wildflowers bloom before winter dormancy.

Booking Tip: Mountain guide services run $45-70 per day for groups up to 6. Book local guides through Nyanga village cooperatives 7-10 days ahead. Pack for 15°C (27°F) temperature swings between day and night. Multi-day treks require advance camping permits. See current hiking packages in the booking section below.

Matobo Hills Rock Art and Balancing Rocks Tours

Low humidity and clear skies make April ideal for exploring Matobo's ancient San rock paintings and unique granite formations. Cool mornings allow comfortable 4-6 hour walking tours between rock art sites, while afternoon temperatures remain pleasant for photography. Wildlife viewing improves as animals seek shade among the rock formations.

Booking Tip: Full-day Matobo tours typically cost $120-180 including transport from Bulawayo. Book certified archaeological guides who can interpret rock art - essential for meaningful visits. Tours combine cultural sites with game viewing. April booking should be done 10-14 days ahead as domestic tourism peaks. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Zambezi River Canoeing and Fishing

April marks excellent conditions for multi-day Zambezi canoe trails. Lower water levels create perfect Class II-III rapids, while tiger fish are most active before winter feeding slowdown. Clear weather provides reliable paddling conditions, and wildlife viewing from the water is exceptional as animals drink along exposed banks.

Booking Tip: 3-4 day canoe expeditions range $280-420 per person including camping gear and meals. Book through registered operators with satellite communication equipment. April slots fill quickly among international visitors, so reserve 3-4 weeks ahead. Combination canoeing-fishing packages offer best value. See current Zambezi options in the booking section below.

Harare and Bulawayo Cultural Township Tours

April's comfortable temperatures make walking tours through high-density suburbs and craft markets more enjoyable. Harvest season brings traditional ceremonies, local beer brewing, and authentic cultural exchanges. Clear skies provide excellent conditions for photography, while cool mornings are perfect for exploring outdoor markets and artisan workshops.

Booking Tip: Half-day township tours cost $35-55 per person including transport and community fees. Book through community-based tourism organizations that ensure local benefit. April features more cultural activities than other months due to harvest celebrations. Full-day combinations with traditional lunch run $80-120. See current cultural tour options in the booking widget below.

Hwange National Park Safari Drives

April delivers Hwange's best wildlife viewing as the dry season concentrates animals around artificial water pumps and natural pans. Elephants, lions, and wild dogs become highly predictable in their movements. Clear skies and minimal rain ensure excellent road conditions and unobstructed photography opportunities during the golden 4pm-7pm game drive window.

Booking Tip: 3-day Hwange safari packages range $350-550 per person including accommodation and meals. Book lodge-based safaris 4-6 weeks ahead as April is prime season. Self-drive options require 4WD and cost $25 daily park fees plus fuel. Guided day trips from Victoria Falls run $180-250. Check current safari availability in the booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Late April

Harare Agricultural Show

Zimbabwe's largest agricultural exhibition showcasing farming innovations, livestock competitions, and rural culture. Features traditional food, craft demonstrations, and live music from local artists. Essential for understanding Zimbabwe's agricultural heritage and sampling regional specialties like sadza and dried meats.

Throughout April

Traditional Harvest Ceremonies

Shona and Ndebele communities hold thanksgiving ceremonies for successful maize and tobacco harvests. Includes traditional dancing, ancestor veneration rituals, and communal feast preparation. Many rural areas welcome respectful visitors to observe these authentic cultural practices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) requiring fleece or light jacket, while afternoons reach 26°C (79°F) needing cotton shirts and breathable pants

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 9 combined with clear skies creates intense sun exposure during game drives and hiking

Dust mask or bandana - dry season dust is significant, especially on unpaved roads to national parks and during windy conditions

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - essential for rocky terrain in Matobo Hills and Eastern Highlands, plus protection from thorns during bush walks

Insect repellent with DEET - while mosquitoes decrease in dry season, tsetse flies remain active near water sources and game parks

Lightweight rain jacket - while only 3 rainy days expected, afternoon thunderstorms can be intense and occur with little warning

Binoculars (8x42 minimum) - excellent wildlife viewing conditions make quality optics essential for spotting distant animals at waterholes

Power bank and solar charger - many lodges have limited electricity hours, and game drives can last 8+ hours away from charging points

Water bottles (3+ liters capacity) - low humidity can mask dehydration risk during long outdoor activities

Cash in small US bills ($1, $5, $10) - USD is preferred currency, and many rural areas lack card payment systems

Insider Knowledge

Game viewing is most productive 6-8am and 4-7pm when animals move between shade and water sources - midday drives waste time and fuel as animals rest in dense bush

Victoria Falls photographs best from Zambian side in April mornings for rainbow shots, then Zimbabwe side for afternoon full-cataract views as mist patterns shift with sun angle

Fuel shortages can occur unpredictably - always fill up when you see stations with fuel, carry extra jerry cans for national park trips, and ask locals about current supply situations

Book accommodations in Victoria Falls town rather than Livingstone if focusing on Zimbabwe attractions - saves 45 minutes daily border crossing time and eliminates visa complications for day trips

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Victoria Falls will have full water volume like March - April begins the seasonal decline, so adjust photography expectations and book helicopter flights early in the month

Packing only summer clothing - 13°C (55°F) morning temperatures require warm layers, especially for dawn game drives and mountain hikes

Not carrying enough cash - card payments remain unreliable outside major hotels, and ATMs frequently run empty or reject foreign cards