Things to Do in Ethiopia in April

April Weather in Ethiopia

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry weather for trekking in the Simien and Bale Mountains - trails are accessible and views are crystal clear before cloud cover increases in May
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than peak December-January rates, with many lodges offering April specials
Ideal temperatures for exploring the Danakil Depression - daytime highs around 35°C (95°F) instead of the brutal 50°C+ (122°F+) of summer months
Belg harvest season brings vibrant green landscapes and fresh produce flooding local markets, making it perfect for authentic cultural experiences

Considerations

Small rains (belg) begin mid-April, creating muddy conditions on some highland roads and occasional afternoon showers lasting 1-2 hours
Tourist infrastructure operates at reduced capacity - some remote lodges close between April 15-30 for maintenance before peak season
Dust storms increase in lowland areas, particularly around Harar and eastern regions, reducing visibility and air quality

Best Activities in April

Simien Mountains Trekking

April offers the last month of guaranteed dry trails before the rains. Crystal-clear morning views of Ras Dashen (4,550m/14,928ft) and frequent Gelada monkey sightings in the warming temperatures. Daytime hiking temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) are perfect for multi-day treks.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through certified guides registered with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority. Multi-day treks cost 8,000-12,000 ETB per person including camping gear. See current trekking options in the booking section below.

Danakil Depression Salt Mining Tours

April's moderate temperatures (35-40°C/95-104°F daytime) make this the last comfortable month before summer's extreme heat. Witness Afar salt miners harvesting salt tiles and the surreal landscapes of Dallol sulfur springs. Early morning departures at 5 AM avoid peak heat.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators in Mekele. Tours typically cost 15,000-20,000 ETB for 3-day expeditions including 4WD transport and camping. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Lalibela Rock Churches Cultural Tours

April's dry weather ensures optimal access to all 11 churches without mud or water damage concerns. Pleasant 22-26°C (72-79°F) temperatures make exploring the underground tunnels comfortable. Avoid the Christmas and Timkat crowds while experiencing the same spiritual atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides through the Lalibela Tourism Office 1-2 weeks ahead. Full-day tours cost 2,000-3,000 ETB including church entrance fees. Dawn services start at 4 AM - bring layers for cool mornings. See current tour options below.

Omo Valley Cultural Experiences

April's dry conditions provide excellent access to remote villages before seasonal flooding begins. Witness traditional harvest celebrations among the Mursi, Hamar, and Ari peoples. River crossings are safe and roads are passable to all communities.

Booking Tip: Book through registered cultural tourism operators 2-3 weeks ahead. 4-day village visits cost 18,000-25,000 ETB including cultural permissions and local guides. Respect photography guidelines - fees are 100-200 ETB per photo. Check current cultural tours below.

Bale Mountains Wildlife Tracking

April offers peak wildlife viewing as animals are active in moderate temperatures. Ethiopian wolves are most visible during morning hunts (6-8 AM) when temperatures are cool at 4,377m (14,360ft). Mountain nyala frequent lower elevations during daytime warmth.

Booking Tip: Book through Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority certified guides 2 weeks ahead. Day trips cost 3,500-5,000 ETB including park fees and wildlife tracking. Multi-day expeditions available for 8,000-12,000 ETB. See current options in the booking section.

Harar Old City Food Tours

April's pleasant 24-28°C (75-82°F) temperatures make walking Harar's 368 alleyways comfortable all day. Fresh belg harvest ingredients create seasonal dishes unavailable other times. Evening hyena feeding occurs at optimal 18°C (64°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book registered guides through Harar Tourism Bureau 1 week ahead. Half-day food tours cost 1,500-2,500 ETB including tastings and market visits. Hyena feeding experiences cost additional 500 ETB. Current tour options available below.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Belg Harvest Celebrations

Local communities throughout highland regions celebrate the small harvest with traditional coffee ceremonies, fresh injera made from new teff, and community gatherings. Experience authentic rural Ethiopian culture as families process their crops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 10 at high altitudes with intense equatorial sun exposure

Layered clothing system: t-shirts for 26°C (79°F) days, fleece for 15°C (59°F) evenings, especially in highlands above 2,500m (8,200ft)

Waterproof hiking boots for muddy highland trails after afternoon rains, plus lightweight sandals for lowland regions

Quick-dry rain jacket for 1-2 hour afternoon showers that occur 12 days on average during April

Insect repellent with DEET for lowland areas where malaria mosquitoes become active in warming temperatures

Dust mask or bandana for eastern regions where April wind patterns increase dust storms

Headlamp with extra batteries for early morning wildlife viewing starting at 5 AM in national parks

Water purification tablets - highland streams may carry sediment from increased rainfall

Warm sleeping bag rated to 5°C (41°F) for mountain camping where temperatures drop significantly at night

Cash in small ETB denominations - ATMs are unreliable outside Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar

Insider Knowledge

Ethiopian Orthodox calendar places Easter in April 2025 (April 20) - expect reduced transportation and closed restaurants on Easter Sunday, but witness incredible religious processions

Book domestic flights 6-8 weeks ahead - Ethiopian Airlines reduces frequency on some routes during shoulder season maintenance periods

Local hotels offer 'belg season' packages throughout April with 25-35% discounts and free cultural experiences not available during peak season

Highland regions experience temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) between day and night - locals wear layers and you should too

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all roads remain accessible - some rural routes become impassable after mid-April rains, particularly in Southern Nations regions

Not booking Danakil Depression tours early enough - operators limit April groups due to increasing temperatures and April is the last comfortable month

Overpacking for hot weather - highland regions including Addis Ababa remain cool, requiring warm clothing for evenings and early mornings