Things to Do in Namibia in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Namibia
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- End-of-rainy-season conditions mean landscapes are still green and photogenic, particularly in Etosha National Park where waterholes are full and wildlife congregates in massive numbers. You'll see herds of elephants, zebras, and springbok without the dust storms that plague the dry season.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Easter, meaning accommodation costs drop 20-35% compared to peak winter months (June-August). Lodges in Sossusvlei and Swakopmund that charge 4,500-6,000 NAD in July will run 3,000-4,000 NAD in late April.
- Daytime temperatures are genuinely comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities - that 30°C (87°F) high is perfect for climbing Dune 45 or exploring Sesriem Canyon without the punishing 40°C+ (104°F+) heat of summer or the freezing pre-dawn starts required in winter.
- Coastal areas like Swakopmund and Walvis Bay hit their sweet spot - warm enough for beach walks and seal colony visits without the fog that blankets the coast in winter months. Flamingo populations at Walvis Bay Lagoon peak in April as they finish breeding season.
Considerations
- Rainfall variability means you might catch the tail end of the rainy season with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in northern regions like Etosha and the Caprivi Strip. These typically last 30-60 minutes but can turn dirt roads into mud traps if you're self-driving in remote areas.
- Some lodges and camps in more remote areas close for annual maintenance during April, particularly smaller owner-operated places in Damaraland and Kaokoland. Your options are more limited than in peak season, though major destinations remain fully operational.
- That 15°C (59°F) nighttime low is deceiving - in the desert it actually feels much colder, especially in Sossusvlei where temperatures can drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F) at sunrise. Most visitors underestimate how cold Namibian nights get year-round.
Best Activities in April
Etosha National Park Wildlife Drives
April sits in that perfect window where waterholes still have good water levels from recent rains, concentrating animals in predictable viewing spots, but the rainy season crowds have left. You'll see massive elephant herds, lions, and the endangered black rhino without bumper-to-bumper safari vehicles. Mornings are cool enough (around 18-20°C or 64-68°F) that animals stay active longer, and that afternoon humidity actually keeps dust down so photography is clearer. The park's eastern waterholes like Okaukuejo and Halali are particularly productive in April.
Sossusvlei Dune Climbing and Desert Photography
The iconic red dunes are accessible year-round, but April offers the best combination of comfortable climbing temperatures and dramatic light. That 30°C (87°F) daytime high means you can climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy without the scorching 42°C+ (108°F+) heat of December-February. Start at sunrise when it's around 12-15°C (54-59°F) - cold but manageable with layers. Recent rains mean you might catch rare desert blooms in the clay pans, and Deadvlei's white floor contrasts beautifully with darker, moisture-rich sand. The 60 km (37 mile) drive from Sesriem gate to the dunes is fully paved.
Swakopmund Adventure Activities and Coastal Exploration
Namibia's German-influenced beach town is actually at its best in April - warm enough (highs around 22-25°C or 72-77°F) for outdoor activities without the winter fog that can smother the coast June through September. This is prime time for quad biking in the dunes just outside town, sandboarding, and skydiving with clear visibility. The Skeleton Coast drive north toward Cape Cross seal colony is spectacular, and you'll see thousands of seals during pupping season. That 70% humidity feels refreshing here with ocean breezes, not oppressive like inland.
Damaraland Rock Art and Desert-Adapted Wildlife Tracking
This rugged northwestern region is accessible in April as roads have dried out from rainy season but landscapes retain color. Twyfelfontein's ancient rock engravings (UNESCO World Heritage site) are best visited in April's moderate temperatures - that 30°C (87°F) is manageable for the 1-2 hour guided walks required to see the petroglyphs. More importantly, this is excellent timing for tracking desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos with local guides. Animals are still moving between seasonal water sources, making tracking more dynamic than in winter when they stick to permanent waterholes.
Fish River Canyon Hiking and Viewpoint Exploration
The second-largest canyon in the world is actually closed for its famous multi-day hike in April (that only runs May-September when temperatures are safe), but this is still worthwhile for viewpoint exploration. April's temperatures make the rim walks comfortable, and you can drive the 20 km (12.4 mile) route between main lookout points without the crushing heat of summer. The canyon is 160 km (99 miles) long and up to 550 m (1,804 ft) deep - those dimensions are staggering from viewpoints like Hells Bend and the main viewing platform. Late afternoon light around 4-5pm is magical for photography.
Windhoek Cultural Tours and Craft Market Exploration
The capital is often skipped by tourists rushing to national parks, but April is actually ideal for spending 1-2 days here. That 30°C (87°F) daytime temperature is perfect for walking between sites like the Christuskirche, Independence Memorial Museum, and the excellent Namibia Craft Centre. The city sits at 1,650 m (5,413 ft) elevation so nights cool down pleasantly. Post-Easter timing means craft markets have fresh inventory and fewer tour groups. This is your chance to buy authentic Herero dolls, San crafts, and Kavango woodcarvings directly from artisans at prices 30-40% below what tourist lodges charge.
April Events & Festivals
Windhoek Agricultural Show
This is Namibia's largest agricultural and commercial expo, running for about a week in late April or early May (dates shift slightly year to year). It's primarily for locals but offers genuine insight into Namibian farming culture, livestock breeding, and rural life. You'll see prize cattle, sheep judging, agricultural equipment displays, and traditional food stalls. Worth attending if you're in Windhoek and want to see Namibia beyond the tourist circuit - locals dress up, families attend, and there's a festive atmosphere with live music and braai competitions.