April is the wettest month in northern Tanzania and the quietest for safaris. That puts many people off, but for flexible travellers it has real rewards: lush green landscapes, dramatic skies, very few vehicles and the lowest lodge rates of the year. The animals in the Ngorongoro Crater stay put whatever the weather, so a crater day in April can feel almost private.
This guide covers the weather, where the wildlife and the migration usually are in April, what the Ngorongoro Crater is like, crowds and prices, a sample itinerary and what to pack.
Tanzania in April at a glance
| April | |
|---|---|
| Weather | Long rains at their peak; heavy showers, often in the afternoon |
| Karatu | Mild and cloudy, cool nights |
| Crater rim at dawn | Cold, wet and misty |
| Migration | Moving from the south towards central and western Serengeti |
| Crowds | Lowest of the year |
| Season at our lodge | Low season, with our lowest rates |
Weather in April
April is usually the wettest month. Rain often falls as heavy afternoon or evening storms, with clearer mornings, but some days are grey throughout. Roads in the parks can be muddy and some tracks close. Highland nights are cool, and the crater rim is often wrapped in cloud.
Altitude matters more than latitude in northern Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits at about 2,300 metres and is always cooler than Karatu, at about 1,500 metres, or the lower parks such as Tarangire. See our Ngorongoro weather guide and Karatu weather guide.
Wildlife and the Great Migration in April
The migration herds leave the southern plains and spread towards central Serengeti and the Western Corridor, following fresh grass. They are harder to predict this month. Resident wildlife is everywhere, and young animals born earlier in the year are growing fast.
The migration follows the rain, so its position shifts a little from year to year. As a rough guide:
| Month | Where the herds usually are |
|---|---|
| January to March | Ndutu and southern Serengeti, calving |
| April to May | Moving through central Serengeti towards the west |
| June | Western Corridor, Grumeti River |
| July to October | Northern Serengeti, Mara River |
| November | Moving south through the east |
| December | Arriving in the south |
The Ngorongoro Crater in April
The crater is at its quietest and greenest. Big game is still easy to find, and with few vehicles, sightings feel personal. Expect misty mornings on the rim and some muddy patches on the crater floor.
Wildlife lives on the crater floor all year, so the crater is a reliable highlight in any month. Read our complete Ngorongoro Crater guide.
Tarangire and Lake Manyara in April
Lake Manyara is lush and full of birds but some tracks may be closed. Tarangire is very green and quiet. Some seasonal camps in the Serengeti close in April and May. See our Tarangire guide and Lake Manyara guide.
Good to know for April
- Choose the crater and Lake Manyara. They are reliable in the rain and close to a Karatu base, so less time is spent on muddy roads.
- Ask about closures. Some lodges and seasonal camps close in April; check before you plan a route.
- Waterproof your gear. Bring rain covers for your bag and camera.
- Enjoy the quiet. It is not unusual to share sightings with only a few other vehicles.
Pros and cons of a safari in April
Why go
- Fewest vehicles of the year
- Lowest lodge rates
- Lush scenery and dramatic light
- Crater wildlife as reliable as ever
Things to know
- Heaviest rain of the year
- Muddy roads and some closed tracks
- Some camps closed
- Migration harder to predict
A sample April itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Arusha |
| 2 | Lake Manyara, then Karatu |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Crater |
| 4 | Rest morning, Endoro Falls or a coffee farm |
| 5 | Return to Arusha |
Two nights in Karatu gives you a relaxed crater day. Our lodge, The Retreat at Ngorongoro, is in the Tloma area of Karatu, 20 to 30 minutes from the crater gate. See our villas.
Why April can be the best-value month
At our lodge, April and May are low season. In 2026 and 2027 a villa for two on full board costs US$480 a night in low season, compared with US$798 in high season, including VAT and tourism levy. Many lodges across the region offer similar savings. Park fees stay the same, but the overall cost of a safari can fall noticeably. See our tariffs and safari cost guide.
What to pack for April
A good waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes, a warm fleece, waterproof bag covers and shoes you do not mind getting muddy. See our full safari packing list.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read about a Tanzania safari in March or a Tanzania safari in May.
Questions about a Tanzania safari in April
Is April a bad month for a Tanzania safari?
Not bad, but wet. It is the rainiest month, with the fewest visitors and lowest prices. The Ngorongoro Crater is a strong choice because its wildlife stays all year.
Are parks open in April?
Yes. The national parks and the Ngorongoro Crater are open, though some tracks and seasonal camps close.
Where is the migration in April?
Moving from the southern plains towards central Serengeti and the Western Corridor.
Travelling in April? Check availability at The Retreat at Ngorongoro.
