Have you hit decision paralysis or are you simply in need of inspiration for a last-minute trip this April? Let us spark your wonder detectors with some of our favourite April destinations. And no, it isn't too late to plan!
Namibia
For adventure
Namibia in April is such a favourite of Faran that founder Josh chose it as the location to propose to his now wife. The expansive views from the deck of luxury wellness retreat Habitas, just an hour from Windhoek Airport, now holds very special memories for them.
Following the rainy season (November-March), Namibia in April is usually a lush month and while the verdant vegetation can make wildlife viewing more challenging, the flourish of life, in this normally arid country, brings its own sort of magic. Imagine foot-long grasses swaying in the warm breeze, abuzz with butterflies, birds and insects, just as a desert elephant lumbers past, browsing the new shoots.
Whether you decide to drive, fly or be driven around Namibia you will no doubt experience the unexpected in this country, famed for its oddities and contradictions. The last time Faran was in Namibia, in April, we even found a lake of water at the famously dry Sossusvlei area, resulting in a rare photographic opportunity.
We’d recommend at least 10 nights for a self-drive, 7 nights for a fly-in tour.
Trips start at £3,000 per person, excluding flights.
An ephemeral lake in the normally dry Namib-Naukluft National Park
South Africa
With the family
Still looking for an easter holiday? April is autumn in the southern hemisphere and the comfortable temperatures along with the variety of wildlife experiences, outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, and family-friendly amenities makes South Africa an ideal option for families with children of all ages.
For those with young children, it is one of the few locations in Southern Africa that can offer a malaria free safari. After trying to spot the ‘Big 5’ - and the early mornings and busy days that come with it - the east coast promises pleasant temperatures and stunning beaches for some R&R.
Cape Town is one of the most exciting cities on the planet and it is worth including some time here on any trip to South Africa or beyond. A week here wouldn’t be wasted. Check out penguins at Boulders Beach, kayaking with dolphins on the waterfront, learning about Nelson Mandela at Robben Island, hiking up Lion’s Head or perhaps a sunset gig in the Botanical Gardens, to name just a few!
We’d recommend at least 8 nights.
Trips start at £2,500 per person, excluding flights.
On safari with Singita Lebombo in South Africa
Botswana
For wildlife
Botswana is one of Faran’s champion destinations and has the potential for unbelievable wildlife at any time of the year. This, along with its model of high-quality, low-density tourism, can make it one of the costliest safari destinations in the world. Visit in April - very much the shoulder season, between the typically rainy months of November to March and the dry season months of June to October – to get real value for money.
By making your budget stretch further, you can spend longer in the country, explore deeper, and decompress fully. As many seasoned-safari goers will know, while the usual morning and afternoon scheduling of drives, walking safaris and sundowners is enthralling, it can also be exhausting, and we recommend enjoying the extra time to make the most of your gorgeous camp. Take a day to step away from the safari vehicle and enjoy a lie-in, or an afternoon in the pool to fully appreciate your surroundings.
Include the newly renovated Leroo La Tau for a chance to see the longest migration in Africa as zebras head from the Makgadikgadi Pans back north to the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers.
We’d recommend at least 7 nights.
Trips start at £4,000 per person, excluding flights.
Red lechwe with a backdrop of great white pelicans in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Maldives
To chill
April marks the final month of the Maldivian dry season. It also tends to be a quieter time of year and with temperatures a delightful 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F), what’s not to love?
If you need an escape from all that sunshine, why not see what’s going on beneath the waves? April promises crystal clear visibility and almost bath-like sea temperatures of 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F). Most resorts will have an in-house dive centre so whether you are an experienced divemaster or just want to float around with a snorkel you are going to be well taken care of.
While over-water villas can be tempting, the environmental impacts of their construction on the seafloor can be damaging. Marine life is therefore often better at resorts that have kept to the land of their atoll.
In terms of wildlife, April can be a great time to witness the sun-blocking profile of a manta ray gliding over you. The western atolls usually have the best sightings.
We’d recommend at least 7 nights.
Trips starts at £3,000 per person, excluding flights.
The Addu Atoll, Maldives
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