What are the best countries to visit in April? As the northern hemisphere moves into spring and the southern hemisphere into autumn – a time known as the “shoulder season”, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months – there are a number of fantastic destinations that really pop this time of year.

April is of course the cherry blossom season in Japan known as “hanami.” The entire country bursts into colour as the blossoms bloom, creating a stunning backdrop for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Plus, the weather is generally mild, making it perfect for exploring Japan’s cities and countryside.

April is also when the iconic tulip fields of the Netherlands are in full bloom. You can visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam or explore the countryside to see endless fields of vibrant tulips.

Italy is also one of the best countries to visit in April as the weather starts to warm up, but the tourist crowds are still manageable. You can explore cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as the picturesque countryside of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Plus, April is the start of the outdoor dining season, so you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine al fresco.

While these three destinations are fantastic, Botswana is one of the best places to visit in April and definitely tops the list of best places to visit in Africa in April. The reasons for this are simple, yet compelling. Overall, April in Botswana offers a more affordable and less crowded experience, with the added bonus of lush landscapes, abundant birdlife, and the opportunity to witness the natural cycle of renewal in the wilderness. Here are five reasons why you should visit Botswana in April

1. Green Season
   April falls within Botswana’s green season, also known as the rainy season or summer season. While some travellers may prefer the dry season for wildlife viewing, the green season offers its own unique attractions. The landscape is lush and green, with vibrant vegetation and flowers in bloom, creating beautiful scenery for photography and exploration.

1. Lower Prices
   Due to April being the shoulder season in Botswana, you may find lower prices on accommodations, tours, and flights compared to the peak dry season months. This can make it a more budget-friendly time to visit for travellers looking to experience Botswana without breaking the bank.
2. Fewer Crowds
   With fewer tourists visiting during April, you can enjoy a quieter and more peaceful experience in Botswana’s national parks and wildlife reserves. This means less competition for prime viewing spots during game drives and a greater sense of solitude in the wilderness.
3. Birdwatching
   April is an excellent time for birdwatching in Botswana. With the arrival of the rainy season, many migratory bird species return to the country, and resident bird populations are also more active. Birdwatchers can spot a diverse range of species, including raptors, waterfowl, and colourful songbirds, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Image: Simone Eman Photos (Southern Carmine Bee-Eater)

5. Landscape and Wildlife
   While wildlife viewing may not be as prolific as during the dry season when animals gather around water sources, April still offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in Botswana’s parks and reserves. The lush vegetation can make it a bit more challenging to spot animals, but it also provides a stunning backdrop for photography and a chance to see newborn animals and their mothers.

Best places to visit in Botswana in April

The Okavango Delta

In April, the Okavango Delta experiences a transition from the rainy to the dry season, resulting in significant changes. The high water levels, a legacy of the rainy season, foster a flourishing environment of channels, lagoons, and islands, ideal for activities like mokoro excursions and wildlife observation.

The lush vegetation, nourished by the rains, provides a vibrant backdrop for photography, though it may slightly hinder wildlife sightings compared to the sparse dry season. Nonetheless, diverse species including elephants, buffalo, and various antelope can still be spotted, along with an array of birdlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

April boasts warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings, with decreasing rainfall as the month progresses, facilitating comfortable outdoor exploration. Overall, April in the Okavango Delta promises a unique experience with abundant wildlife, lush landscapes, and excellent opportunities for both water-based activities and wildlife encounters.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park also undergoes a transition in April from the rainy to the dry season, creating a distinct ambience and wildlife encounter. Lush greenery blankets the park, enhancing the scenery for wildlife observation and photography, though the dense vegetation can make animal sightings a bit more challenging. Nonetheless, April offers prime opportunities for wildlife viewing, with elephants being a prominent feature, alongside buffalo, hippos, giraffes, and various bird species.

River cruises along the Chobe River offer a unique perspective to witness animal interactions, facilitated by the still relatively high water levels in April. Birdwatching enthusiasts will also find April to be rewarding, with a diverse array of resident and migratory species to spot. Overall, April in Chobe National Park presents a delightful blend of flourishing landscapes, abundant wildlife, and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to visit.

Makgadikgadi National Park

In April, Makgadikgadi National Park in Botswana reveals its unique allure, characterised by its iconic salt pans that emerge as remnants of ancient lakes after the rainy season. These expansive pans transform into a surreal landscape of cracked white earth, offering mesmerising vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

While wildlife sightings may not be as abundant as in other seasons, April still promises glimpses of zebras, wildebeests, springboks, and occasional predators like lions and cheetahs, often found grazing on the fringes of the salt pans. Birdwatchers are treated to a diverse array of species, including migratory birds bidding farewell as the rainy season ends and resident birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and eagles.

If you’d like to take advantage of Botswana’s “secret” season then please get in touch with one of our travel specialists today and we’ll tell you how you can also enjoy this special time of year.