Things to Do in Kenya in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Kenya
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Long rains bring lush, green landscapes - the country looks absolutely spectacular in April, with everything blooming and wildlife thriving. Parks like Amboseli and Tsavo are particularly stunning when the vegetation is this verdant, and you'll get dramatic cloud formations that make for incredible photography.
- Significantly lower accommodation rates - you're looking at 30-50% discounts compared to peak season. Mid-range lodges that cost USD 400-600 in July might run USD 200-300 in April. Safari camps are desperate for bookings and willing to negotiate, especially if you're booking multiple nights.
- Fewer tourists at major attractions - the Maasai Mara sees maybe 20% of its July crowds, which means you might have entire sections of the park to yourself. No queuing for hours at park gates, no convoy of 15 vehicles around a single lion sighting. This is what safari was meant to feel like.
- Migratory birds are still around - April is technically the tail end of the European winter migration, so you'll catch species that have already left by June. Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha are particularly rewarding for birders, with flamingo populations still strong and over 400 species active across the country.
Considerations
- The long rains mean muddy, sometimes impassable roads - particularly in the Maasai Mara and northern parks like Samburu. Some remote lodges close entirely, and game drives can be cut short when afternoon storms roll in. You might lose 2-3 hours of prime viewing time per day to weather, and certain areas become completely inaccessible without 4WD.
- Wildlife viewing is genuinely harder - the abundant vegetation means animals can hide more easily, and with water sources everywhere, they're not forced to congregate at predictable waterholes. You'll still see plenty, but it requires more patience and skill from your driver. Don't expect the guaranteed Big Five sightings that come with dry season.
- Coastal humidity can be oppressive - Mombasa and Diani Beach hit 85-90% humidity in April, which is the kind that makes you sweat just standing still. Beach activities are fine, but exploring Stone Town in Mombasa Old Town or doing any serious walking becomes exhausting. Air conditioning isn't universal in mid-range properties either.
Best Activities in April
Nairobi City Cultural Experiences
April's weather actually works perfectly for Nairobi - you're at 1,661 m (5,450 ft) elevation, so temperatures stay comfortable even with the humidity. The rain tends to fall late afternoon or evening, leaving mornings clear for exploring the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and Karen Blixen Museum. The city's restaurant scene is thriving, and you'll avoid the July-August crowds that pack these attractions. Worth noting that Nairobi has genuinely improved its safety situation in recent years, though standard urban precautions still apply.
Amboseli National Park Safari
Amboseli is one of the few parks that actually benefits from April conditions. The swamps fill up, attracting massive elephant herds, and when the clouds clear, you get those iconic Kilimanjaro backdrop shots. The park's road network is better maintained than Maasai Mara, so you're less likely to get stuck. Early morning game drives between 6:30-9am offer the best visibility before afternoon clouds roll in. The elephants here are habituated to vehicles and allow incredibly close approaches - some of the best elephant photography opportunities in Africa.
Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Birdwatching
The Rift Valley lakes are absolutely brilliant in April. Water levels are high, flamingo populations are strong, and the surrounding acacia forests are lush with migratory species still present. Lake Nakuru National Park also has excellent rhino populations - both black and white - and the reduced tourist numbers mean you can spend quality time at sightings without pressure to move on. The drive from Nairobi is only 160 km (99 miles) on good roads, making this a realistic day trip or overnight excursion.
Diani Beach Relaxation
If you can handle the humidity, Diani Beach in April offers empty white sand beaches and dramatically reduced rates at beachfront resorts. The Indian Ocean stays warm at 27-28°C (81-82°F), and while you'll get occasional rain showers, they're usually brief and late afternoon. Snorkeling conditions are decent though not as crystal-clear as dry season. The real appeal is having these stunning beaches largely to yourself - what's packed with European package tourists in July becomes genuinely peaceful in April.
Hell's Gate National Park Cycling and Hiking
One of Kenya's few parks where you can walk and cycle without a guide, Hell's Gate is spectacular in April when the gorges run with water and the landscape turns green. Located just 90 km (56 miles) from Nairobi near Lake Naivasha, this makes an excellent day trip or half-day activity. The dramatic cliffs and geothermal features are stunning, and you'll encounter zebra, giraffe, and various antelope on foot or bike. Morning visits between 7-11am avoid the worst heat and afternoon storms.
Lamu Old Town Cultural Immersion
Lamu Island offers a completely different Kenya experience - no vehicles, just donkeys and dhow boats, with a UNESCO-listed old town that feels frozen in the 15th century. April is genuinely quiet here, with humidity offset by constant ocean breezes. The Swahili architecture, seafood restaurants, and relaxed pace make this ideal for travelers who want culture over wildlife. The town's museums, art galleries, and rooftop restaurants are best explored in morning hours before heat peaks around 1-3pm.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Weekend Celebrations
Easter timing varies, but when it falls in April, Kenya observes Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays. Expect churches packed with celebrations, particularly in Nairobi and coastal areas. Hotels and parks see temporary spikes in domestic tourism during the long weekend, so avoid these specific dates if you want the low season benefits. That said, experiencing a Kenyan Easter service can be culturally fascinating if you're interested in the country's strong Christian traditions.