April may be the wettest month in Uganda, but if you pack quality rain gear and don't mind bumpy roads, it's a good time to take advantage of the quiet national parks, cheaper accommodations, and wildlife permit deals. Plus, as mountain gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees can be seen all year round, you can still tick off most of the country's highlights.

Weather

Falling right in the middle of the rainy season, it only makes sense that April is the wettest month in Uganda. With daily rains, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, you'll find a thick atmospheric mist that settles around the treetops. At the same time, Murchison Falls National Park has a drier climate. Temperatures are still warm, if not hot, throughout the country, and daytime temperatures peak around 79ºF (26ºC). Vegetation is also at its most lush, and while this can make wildlife more difficult to spot, you'll also find the trails and gardens exceptionally beautiful.

Crowds & Costs

For budget-conscious travelers, April is one of the best times to visit Uganda for cheaper accommodations, flights, and permits. While some lodges, especially near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, close during the rainy seasons, you'll find significantly more affordable rates at the ones that remain open. You'll also find national parks throughout the country much quieter and have the chance to experience extraordinary wildlife encounters without the crowds. Plus, the Uganda Wildlife Authority offers discounts of up to 25% for gorilla tracking permits.

Where to Go

Take advantage of the quieter trails and cheaper accommodations and opt for an eight-day National Parks of Uganda adventure. With most international flights arriving at Entebbe International Airport, it's easy to spend your first day getting your bearings and discovering the cultural highlights of Entebbe and Kampala, Uganda's capital. Then, get your first taste of Uganda's incredible landscapes with a transfer to Jinja, home to the source of the Nile River.

Continuing north, you'll soon reach Murchison Falls National Park, an ideal spot to base yourself this month. With a much dryer climate than southern Uganda, you can embark on game drives and scenic boat rides without worrying about all-day rain and impassable roads. Before leaving the northern portion of Uganda, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to over a dozen white rhinos and the only place in Uganda to see these rare animals up close.

Next up, settle in for a few days of exploring Kibale National Park and its surroundings, splitting your time between walking along boardwalks in the bird-filled wetlands of Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary and searching for chimpanzees feeding or caring for their young among the dense evergreen rainforest. Then, test your luck in Queen Elizabeth National Park, spotting elusive leopards and giant forest hogs in the now-quiet Kasenyi Sector. 

If tracking mountain gorillas is a must-do, April is still a good time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Chances of seeing other tourists are slim, and as the heavy rains send gorillas lower in the mountains, you won't have to trek as deep in the jungle to see them. The same is true of Mgahinga National Park; however, heavy rain can make trekking unpleasant without the appropriate gear.

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What to Do

Instead of rushing from place to place, April is an excellent time to slow down and enjoy the tranquility of Uganda's impressive landscapes and warm culture. With fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations, you can cover a lot of ground on this ultimate Uganda wildlife adventure and see firsthand the large mammals the country is renowned for. For those interested in cultural highlights, opt for a day tour of Kampala, check out the fascinating Kabaka's Palace and the Ndere Cultural Center, and spend an afternoon roaming the Buganda Craft Market.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also be spoiled for choice in April. Embark on game drives in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Parks, and watch for elephants, buffalo, leopards, and plenty of monkeys and birds feeding and playing among the forests. Then, for those up for a grand adventure, head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, don your rain gear, and embark on a thrilling trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

As April is considered off-season, it's also a great time to support local communities and participate in cultural experiences. Head to the Kasoga Community Experience to get an authentic glimpse into the day-to-day life of rural Uganda and try milking cows and making ghee. Another great option is a visit to Batwa Pygmy Cultural Experience, where you can learn to cook traditional meals and learn about the displaced Batwa people through songs and stories.

Events in April

Easter, nationwide. Good Friday and Easter Monday are considered public holidays in Uganda, and the long weekend is a popular time for Ugandans to travel domestically to visit family. Some restaurants and shops will be closed.

Kabagarame Kampala Festival, Kampala. Popular among locals, Kabagarame Kampala Festival showcases the talents of numerous chefs who serve traditionally prepared pork alongside blended millet and mashed plantain. It's a time to socialize and enjoy the traditions of Uganda.

Traveling to Uganda in April? Check out these great itineraries

Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Adventure - 18 Days. Take advantage of Uganda's quieter trails and cheaper accommodations as you explore four national parks, experience multiple wildlife safaris, and participate in cultural experiences.

Uganda's National Parks: Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 7 Days. In just one week, explore deep in southwestern Uganda's savannas and mist-laden jungles in search of mountain gorillas, lions, giraffes, and elephants.

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