Uganda in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Uganda

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

200 mm (7.9 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak green season transforms landscapes into lush great destination - waterfalls at Murchison Falls are 40% more powerful, creating spectacular photography opportunities
Bird watching reaches its absolute peak with 200+ migrant species present - April is the only month to see both resident and Palearctic migrants together
Accommodation rates drop 30-50% compared to dry season, with luxury lodges offering significant discounts and fewer crowds at major attractions
Baby animals everywhere - April births mean incredible wildlife viewing with young elephants, antelopes, and primates active throughout national parks

Considerations

Heavy afternoon rains (typically 2-4 hours daily) can disrupt game drives and make some remote roads impassable, particularly in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls
Gorilla trekking becomes significantly more challenging with muddy, slippery trails requiring 4-6 hours instead of usual 2-4 hours
Malaria risk increases substantially during wet season - mosquito populations peak and antimalarial medication becomes essential rather than recommended

Best Activities in April

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Trekking

April's wet conditions make trekking more challenging but gorillas are easier to find as they stay in lower altitude areas. The forest canopy is at its most spectacular with enhanced visibility of endemic birds and butterflies. Morning treks (starting 8am) beat the afternoon rains that typically begin around 2pm. Permits are readily available unlike dry season sellouts.

Booking Tip: Book permits 60-90 days ahead through Uganda Wildlife Authority. Wet season permits occasionally available last-minute. Budget UGX 2,400,000-2,800,000 ($650-760) for permits plus accommodation. Pack serious rain gear and waterproof camera equipment. See current booking options in the widget below.

Murchison Falls National Park Game Drives

April's rains concentrate animals around permanent water sources, making game viewing predictable and spectacular. The falls themselves are at maximum power with 300 cubic meters per second flow rate. Early morning drives (6am-10am) offer best wildlife viewing before afternoon storms. Boat safaris to the falls base provide unique wet season perspectives.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots exclusively - afternoon drives often cancelled due to weather. 3-day packages typically cost UGX 1,200,000-1,800,000 ($320-480) including park fees. Choose lodges with covered viewing areas. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Lake Mburo National Park Walking Safaris

Uganda's only park allowing walking safaris becomes magical in April with cooler temperatures and active wildlife. Zebras, impalas, and elands are easily spotted in open savannas. Walking is possible between rain showers, typically 10am-1pm window. Perfect for photographers seeking dramatic storm cloud backdrops.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 day packages for UGX 600,000-900,000 ($160-240) including armed ranger guides. Morning walks essential - afternoon storms make trails dangerous. Lodge-based packages offer flexibility for weather delays. Check current availability in booking widget below.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Boat Safaris

Kazinga Channel boat trips are phenomenal in April with hippos and crocodiles most active in cooler, cloudy conditions. Over 600 bird species peak during migration period. Afternoon boat trips (2pm-6pm) often experience dramatic weather with impressive photography opportunities as storms approach across the savanna.

Booking Tip: Morning boats (9am-12pm) offer calmer conditions, afternoon trips provide dramatic skies but higher cancellation risk. Budget UGX 400,000-650,000 ($105-175) for 2-day packages. Book through established operators with covered boats. See current options in widget below.

Jinja White Water Rafting

April's high water levels create Grade 5 rapids at their most intense - adrenaline junkies' dream conditions. The Nile is 2-3 meters higher than dry season, creating massive waves and technical challenges. Cooler, cloudy weather means comfortable rafting temperatures without scorching sun.

Booking Tip: Advanced rafting experience required in April - beginners should wait for dry season. Full-day packages cost UGX 500,000-700,000 ($135-185) with safety gear included. Book only with operators meeting international safety standards. Current certified operators listed in booking section below.

Kampala Cultural and Food Tours

April's frequent rains make Kampala's covered markets and cultural sites ideal. Owino Market and local restaurants buzz with seasonal produce - jackfruit, mangoes, and fresh vegetables peak. Indoor cultural experiences like Uganda Museum and craft centers provide perfect rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: Focus on half-day morning tours (9am-1pm) before afternoon rains. Walking food tours cost UGX 120,000-200,000 ($32-53) including meals and transport. Choose tours emphasizing covered venues and indoor cultural sites. Browse current tour options in the booking widget below.

April Events & Festivals

Early April

Easter Weekend Celebrations

Uganda's predominantly Christian population celebrates Easter with massive church services, traditional foods, and family gatherings. Kampala's churches host special services with incredible gospel music. Local markets fill with seasonal specialties and traditional Easter dishes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - trails become extremely slippery and muddy, especially for gorilla trekking

High-quality rain poncho and pants - umbrella useless in forest environments, need hands-free protection

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 despite clouds, reflection off wet surfaces intensifies exposure

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays wet for hours in 75% humidity, synthetic fabrics dry within 30 minutes

Waterproof camera bag and lens cloths - equipment protection essential, moisture damages electronics quickly

Antimalarial medication and strong DEET repellent - mosquito populations peak during wet season

Lightweight merino wool layers - temperature drops 10°C (18°F) during storms, need warmth that works when wet

Waterproof daypack cover - standard backpacks soak through in 15-minute downpours

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages common during storms, early morning treks require reliable lighting

Gaiters for lower legs - prevent leeches and mud from entering boots during forest treks

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with flexible cancellation - weather delays are common and reputable operators always reschedule rather than cancel

Carry small denomination Ugandan Shillings (UGX 1,000-5,000 notes) - remote areas often lack change and mobile money doesn't work during power outages

Morning activities (6am-11am) have 85% success rate vs afternoon's 40% due to predictable 2pm-6pm rain patterns - locals plan everything around this

Wet season brings out army ants on forest trails - stick to designated paths and listen to guides, these migrations happen every 3-4 days in April

Avoid These Mistakes

Bringing only one pair of shoes - you need waterproof boots for activities plus dry shoes for evenings, everything stays wet for days

Booking afternoon activities - 60% of afternoon tours cancel due to weather, morning bookings rarely affected by rain patterns

Underestimating travel times - what takes 2 hours in dry season can take 4-5 hours on muddy roads, especially to remote lodges