Gaborone in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Gaborone

28°C (83°F) High Temp

13°C (56°F) Low Temp

30mm (1.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect wildlife viewing season - animals gather at remaining water sources as dry season progresses, making game drives in Mokolodi Nature Reserve 40% more successful than wet months
Ideal hiking weather with crisp mornings around 13°C (56°F) warming to comfortable 28°C (83°F) by afternoon, perfect for Kgale Hill's 1.5km (0.9 mile) trail without extreme heat
Low tourist season means 30-50% lower accommodation rates and uncrowded attractions, plus locals have more time for genuine cultural exchanges
Clear skies 70% of the time create exceptional conditions for photography and stargazing, with minimal dust compared to peak dry season months

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms on 10 days can disrupt outdoor plans between 2-5pm, requiring flexible scheduling and indoor backup activities
Temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) between morning and afternoon mean layered clothing essential and potential discomfort if unprepared
Some outdoor restaurants and markets reduce evening hours as temperatures drop quickly after sunset around 6:30pm

Best Activities in April

Chobe National Park Day Trips

April's dry conditions concentrate elephants along the Chobe River, creating world-class game viewing just 2 hours from Gaborone. Morning temperatures of 13°C (56°F) mean comfortable early starts for the 5am departures, while animals are most active. Low tourist season means better positioning for photography and more personalized guide attention.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators for day trips typically costing P1,200-1,800 ($90-135). Early morning departures essential - tours leaving after 7am miss peak animal activity. Look for operators including both land and boat game drives.

Kalahari Desert Cultural Tours

April's mild temperatures make multi-day Kalahari experiences comfortable, with perfect conditions for traditional San bushman walks and evening cultural demonstrations. Clear skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities, while reduced humidity means more comfortable sleeping in traditional shelters.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours range P2,500-4,000 ($185-300) per person. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as fewer operators run tours in low season. Choose tours that include overnight stays at community-run campsites for real feels rather than luxury lodges.

Gaborone City Heritage Walking Tours

Cool morning temperatures around 13°C (56°F) make the 3km (1.9 mile) heritage walk through downtown Gaborone comfortable, covering Independence Avenue, this destination, and local markets. April's reduced crowds mean more opportunities to interact with locals and explore traditional Kampala without tour bus congestion.

Booking Tip: Self-guided heritage trails cost P50-100 ($4-7) for maps, while guided group tours cost P300-500 ($22-37). Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms. See current guided tour options in the booking section below.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve Game Drives

Only 12km (7.5 miles) from downtown Gaborone, April's dry conditions bring rhinos, giraffes, and zebras to open grasslands near the entrance roads. Cool mornings mean active wildlife, while the 30km (18.6 mile) reserve network is easily navigable in standard vehicles due to minimal mud from brief April showers.

Booking Tip: Day visits cost P120-180 ($9-13) per person. Self-drive options available for P200 ($15) vehicle fee plus entrance. Book educational programs 5-7 days ahead - April's low season means smaller groups and more personalized ranger attention.

Traditional Village Homestays

April's harvest season in surrounding villages offers real feels participating in sorghum and maize preparation. Comfortable temperatures make outdoor cooking lessons and cattle post visits enjoyable, while reduced tourism means families have more time for teaching traditional skills and storytelling.

Booking Tip: Village homestays typically cost P400-800 ($30-60) per night including meals. Book through community tourism boards 10-14 days ahead. Transport to villages 30-60km (18-37 miles) outside Gaborone requires 4WD during rainy periods - confirm road conditions.

Gaborone Dam Recreation Area

April's moderate temperatures and full dam from recent rains create ideal conditions for sailing, fishing, and lakeside hiking. The 5km (3.1 mile) shoreline trail is comfortable in morning temperatures, while afternoon boat activities benefit from reduced wind compared to dry season months.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost P30-50 ($2-4). Boat rentals typically P300-600 ($22-45) for half-day. Weekend bookings essential as locals heavily use the facility during April's pleasant weather. Equipment rental available on-site for fishing and water sports.

April Events & Festivals

Late March through early April

Maitisong Festival

Botswana's premier arts festival featuring traditional music, dance, and theater performances across multiple venues in Gaborone. Local and international artists perform everything from traditional Setswana music to contemporary African fusion. Free outdoor performances complement ticketed shows.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 13°C (56°F) but reach 28°C (83°F) by afternoon, requiring t-shirts, light sweater, and removable jacket

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 at altitude of 1,000m (3,280 ft) creates intense sun exposure even on cloudy days

Waterproof day pack cover - afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly and can soak belongings in minutes

Closed-toe shoes for morning game drives and hiking - grass can be wet from overnight dew and brief showers

Light rain jacket (not umbrella) - April showers are often accompanied by wind making umbrellas ineffective

Warm sleeping clothes if staying in traditional accommodation - temperatures drop quickly after 7pm sunset

Binoculars for wildlife viewing - clear April air provides excellent visibility for spotting animals at distance

Insect repellent - humidity levels around 70% increase mosquito activity near water sources

Power bank and waterproof phone case - unreliable electricity in remote areas and risk of water damage during storms

Cash in Croatia notes - many local operators and village experiences don't accept cards, especially in low tourist season

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by mid-March for April visits - many lodges reduce staff during low season and may close sections, limiting availability despite lower prices

Afternoon thunderstorms follow predictable patterns - clouds build from 1pm, storms hit 2-5pm, then clear skies return. Plan indoor activities or shelter during this window

Local restaurants serve seasonal dishes in April including morogo (wild spinach) and fresh maize - ask servers about traditional preparations not listed on tourist menus

Fuel up vehicles before heading to remote areas - some rural fuel stations reduce hours or close temporarily during low tourist season, creating unexpected supply gaps

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes and suffering in 13°C (56°F) morning temperatures during game drives and early morning activities

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-5pm when thunderstorms are most likely, then losing half a day when storms hit

Assuming all tourism services operate normal hours in low season - many reduce schedules or require advance booking for tours that run on-demand during peak times