Weather
April is fall in Namibia, a quick two-month transition between the hot, wet summer and the drier, cooler winter. Many consider this an ideal time to visit as the temperatures are generally warm but not hot, there is little rain, and the landscape is lush and green after the wet summer (except in desert areas).
Average April temperatures across Namibia range between 73°F and 86°F (23°C and 30°C). The northeastern Caprivi Strip is at the higher end of this range, while the Skeleton Coast is at the lower end. Nighttime temperatures will be cooler in many places, including the desert and inland, high-altitude Windhoek, the capital. Expect overnight lows of around 55°F (13°C) or possibly colder.
Crowds & Costs
April is considered the shoulder season. While the weather is generally good for travel, the conditions aren't ideal for game viewing, one of the major draws to Namibia. The country is still fairly off the beaten path as far as African safari destinations go, though, so even in the peak season, the crowds aren't usually oppressive. Unless you want to see wildlife in the national parks, now is a great time to come to avoid many other travelers and get lower prices.
If Easter falls in April, there can be a small spike in tourism. As well as international travelers who might visit over Easter, some local families travel now. Places popular with locals include Windhoek, Okahandja, and Rehoboth, or the coastal towns of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Henties Bay. Book accommodation in advance if you're heading to these places over the holiday.
Where to Go
With cooler temperatures year-round, including the autumn months, the Skeleton Coast is a great place to visit this month. Along the northwestern coast of Namibia, the Skeleton Coast National Park is a long stretch of remote beaches dotted with the "skeletons" of shipwrecks: a photographer's delight. The southern parts of the park are more accessible and can be reached on 4WD tours, though you have to fly into the northern regions as there's no road access.
Keen bird watchers won't want to miss the Caprivi Strip this month. This long, skinny finger of land in northeastern Namibia tends to be one of the hottest parts of Namibia but will be more comfortable in April than in summer. A huge array of bird species can be seen here—reportedly over 450. Being close to the Okavango Delta, the Caprivi Strip is home to some Okavango species that aren't seen elsewhere in Namibia.
What to Do
Photographers—whether amateur or professional—will love Namibia in April. As well as the birds in the Caprivi Strip and the flamingoes of Walvis Bay, the national parks are green and lush. Although it's harder to spot wildlife now, the landscape should compensate for that. Plus, the year-round beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the arid Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, with dead trees and golden dunes, make photogenic subjects.
Whether you're a photographer or simply interested in traditional culture, head to Aawambo communities in northern Namibia in late March and early April for the Oshituthi Shomagongo or Marula Fruit Festival. Listed by UNESCO as a significant intangible cultural heritage tradition, the festival revolves around the beverage made from the fruit. Men carve utensils and serving tools; women make baskets and pots. People gather to sing traditional songs, recite poems, and tell stories. A different Aawambo community hosts the festival each year, so taking a guided tour is the best way to get the most out of your visit.
Events in April
Easter, nationwide. Easter can fall in March or April, and the long Easter weekend is a public holiday across Namibia, a predominantly Christian country (Lutheran and Catholic). Expect closures and domestic travel before and after the weekend.
Oshituthi Shomagongo, northern Namibia. Over three days in late March and early April, this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage festival unites Aawambo (Ovambo) communities, who gather to prepare omagongo, a drink made from the marula fruit.
Windhoek Karneval, Windhoek. A colorful street parade and costumed ball are highlights of this Germanic-inspired carnival, held annually in the capital in late March or early April.
Traveling to Namibia in April? Check out these great itineraries
Namibia Photography Tour: Windhoek, Sossusvlei Dunes, Etosha Game Reserve - 10 Days. Flexible for all budgets and skill levels, start with an urban exploration of Namibia's capital, Windhoek, before capturing sunrises and sunsets in front of quiver trees and deep in canyons. Explore eerie ghost towns, enjoy several safaris, photograph rhinos, and discover your inner child as you roll down the tallest dunes in Sossusvlei.
More Helpful Information
Namibia in March
Namibia in May
Best Time of Year to Visit Namibia
How Many Days to Spend in Namibia