Things to Do in Lusaka in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Lusaka
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season weather - 26.7°C (80°F) highs without the intense heat of summer months, ideal for walking city markets and outdoor exploration
- Minimal rainfall with only 20 mm (0.8 inches) over 10 days - brief afternoon showers that clear quickly and cool the air
- Lower accommodation prices as April falls between peak tourist season and conference season, with hotels offering 20-30% discounts
- Excellent visibility for day trips to Livingstone and Victoria Falls - clear skies and moderate humidity make the 2-hour drive comfortable
Considerations
- Cool mornings at 15°C (59°F) require layered clothing - locals joke that visitors always pack wrong for the temperature swings
- Some outdoor markets close early on rainy afternoons, particularly Soweto Market which shuts down stalls when heavy showers hit
- Dust from dry season construction projects still lingers, affecting air quality until May rains fully settle it
Best Activities in April
Victoria Falls Day Tours
April offers the perfect weather window for the 470 km (292 mile) round trip to Victoria Falls. Morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) make the early departure comfortable, while afternoon temperatures of 26.7°C (80°F) are ideal for walking the falls viewpoints. The falls are at good water levels from March rains, but mist isn't overwhelming like in peak flow months.
Lusaka City Heritage Walks
April's moderate temperatures make walking tours of downtown Lusaka genuinely pleasant. Start early when it's 15°C (59°F) to explore Independence Avenue and the National Assembly. By midday at 26.7°C (80°F), you'll appreciate the shade of jacaranda trees that bloom beautifully in April. Light afternoon showers provide natural breaks for tea stops.
Kafue National Park Game Drives
April is exceptional for Kafue visits - the 2.5-hour drive from Lusaka is comfortable in moderate temperatures, and animals congregate around remaining water sources. Cool mornings at 15°C (59°F) are perfect for early game drives when animals are most active. Afternoon temperatures never become oppressive like in hot season.
Copper Belt Cultural Tours
April weather makes the 450 km (280 mile) journey to Copper Belt cities like Kitwe and Ndola very comfortable. Mine tours and cultural sites are best experienced in April's moderate climate before the humid rainy season returns. Local festivals celebrating mining heritage often occur in April's pleasant weather.
Lake Kariba Fishing Expeditions
April offers ideal conditions for the 200 km (124 mile) journey to Lake Kariba. Water levels are optimal from March rains, fish are active in moderate temperatures, and the lakeside accommodation is comfortable without oppressive heat. Morning mist over the lake at 15°C (59°F) creates stunning photography conditions.
Traditional Village Experiences
April's comfortable weather makes village visits outside Lusaka genuinely enjoyable. The 50-100 km (31-62 mile) drives to traditional communities are pleasant in moderate temperatures. Village activities like traditional brewing demonstrations and craft workshops are comfortable in 26.7°C (80°F) afternoon heat rather than oppressive.
April Events & Festivals
Zambia Independence Celebrations Preparation
Throughout April, communities across Lusaka practice traditional dances and prepare crafts for October independence celebrations. Markets fill with colorful fabrics and traditional items. Street rehearsals happen most evenings in residential areas like Kamwala and Chilenje.
Harvest Festival Season
Many traditional communities within 100 km (62 miles) of Lusaka celebrate harvest festivals in April. These feature traditional brewing ceremonies, storytelling, and dance performances. Each community celebrates different weeks based on their harvest timing.