Things to Do in Zimbabwe in April

April's lower water volume means significantly less spray, offering the clearest aerial views of the Falls' entire geological structure. The light tends to be sharp and golden in the late afternoon, illuminating the rainbow that almost permanently hangs in the gorge. The sound from above is a distant, powerful rumble rather than an all-encompassing roar.

This is the premier month for walking. The heat is manageable, the mosquitoes have largely retreated, and the reduced foliage means spotting game on foot is both safer and more productive. You will feel the crunch of dry leaves underfoot, smell the wild sage, and hear the alarm calls of impala long before you see the predator that startled them.

The river levels are still high enough for smooth navigation upstream from the Falls. But the current has slowed. This makes for serene, two-hour floats where the soundtrack is the lap of water against the hull and the cry of fish eagles. Hippos are abundant and active, and you will likely see elephants coming down to drink on the Zambian side as the sky turns orange.

The cooler, dry weather of April is good for hiking the granite kopjes of Matobo National Park. The rock surfaces are warm to the touch from the sun, not scorching hot. Guided walks to track both black and white rhino on foot are profoundly moving. The silence is broken only by the guide's whisper and the distant call of a black eagle.

Exploring the ancient stone ruins is pleasant in April's mild temperatures. A good tour will include a visit to a local homestead where you might taste freshly made maheu (a fermented millet drink, slightly sour and grainy) and hear traditional mbira music played in the shade of a musasa tree.