Things to Do in Mozambique in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Mozambique
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-cyclone season calm - April sits right after the heavy rains end in March, meaning the ocean visibility is actually improving day by day. Dive sites around the Bazaruto Archipelago typically hit 15-20 m (49-66 ft) visibility by mid-April, compared to 8-10 m (26-33 ft) in March. The water's still warm at 26-27°C (79-81°F), and marine life is active.
- Genuine shoulder season pricing - You'll find accommodation rates drop 30-40% compared to the June-October peak. A beachfront lodge in Vilankulo that costs USD 400/night in July might be USD 240 in April. Flights from Johannesburg to Vilankulo or Pemba also tend to be 20-25% cheaper, and you can actually book decent places with just 2-3 weeks notice instead of the 3-4 months you'd need for winter.
- Fewer tourists but full services - Unlike the true low season in January-February when some lodges close entirely, April keeps everything open but crowd-free. You'll have dhow trips, dive operations, and island transfers running on full schedules, just without the queues. Bazaruto National Park sees maybe 40% of its peak visitor numbers, which means you might actually have entire beaches to yourself.
- Mango season peaks - This is when Mozambican markets overflow with manga de Inhambane, those incredible small mangoes that locals insist are the world's best. You'll find them everywhere for 20-30 meticais per kilo (about USD 0.30-0.45), and street vendors sell them already peeled and chilled. It's also prime time for matapa, the cassava leaf stew that's better when made with fresh young leaves available in April.
Considerations
- Afternoon rain is genuinely disruptive - Those 10 rainy days don't tell the full story. You'll get brief showers on maybe 60% of days, typically between 2pm-5pm, lasting 20-40 minutes. The issue isn't getting wet, it's that boat operators often won't do afternoon island runs if weather looks uncertain, and you can't really plan a full beach day. You learn to front-load activities before 1pm, which feels restrictive after a few days.
- Humidity makes everything harder - At 70% humidity with temperatures around 28°C (82°F), it's the kind of sticky warmth where you're sweating within 5 minutes of any activity. Clothing doesn't dry overnight, camera gear needs constant attention, and you'll go through more water than you expect. It's not unbearable, but if you struggle with humid heat, April isn't your month. October has similar temperatures but lower humidity.
- Some marine activities are still recovering - While diving improves through April, whale shark season doesn't really start until October, and humpback whales don't arrive until June-July. If you're coming specifically for those marquee marine encounters, you're 2-3 months too early. April is more about reef diving, snorkeling, and general ocean time rather than specific wildlife spectacles.
Best Activities in April
Bazaruto Archipelago snorkeling and island hopping
April is when the archipelago starts showing its best side after the rainy season. Water clarity improves weekly, and you'll typically see 12-18 m (39-59 ft) visibility by late April. The five islands - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangue - have different characters, and dhow trips let you explore 2-3 in a day. Coral reefs are active, you'll see reef sharks, turtles, and massive schools of tropical fish. The real advantage is doing this without the June-October crowds when every sandbank has 4-5 boats anchored. Water temperature sits around 26°C (79°F), so you can snorkel for hours in just a rash guard.
Tofo Beach diving and manta ray encounters
Tofo in April offers some of the year's most reliable manta ray sightings, particularly at sites like Manta Reef and Galleria. The rays feed on plankton that blooms after the rains, and you'll often see 5-10 individuals on a single dive. Visibility ranges from 10-15 m (33-49 ft) and improving. Water's warm enough that most people dive in 3mm suits or even just rash guards. The vibe in Tofo during April is notably relaxed - dive shops aren't fully booked, so you can often arrange dives the night before rather than days in advance. Worth noting that this is reef and manta diving, not the whale shark season that runs October-March.
Maputo city exploration and Mercado Central food tours
April's weather actually works well for Maputo - it's warm but not scorching, and brief afternoon showers give you an excuse to duck into the city's excellent seafood restaurants or the Central Market. The capital has genuine energy that coastal areas lack, with the renovated waterfront, Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceicao fortress offering harbor views, and the distinctive architecture mixing Portuguese colonial and modernist styles. The Mercado Central is where you'll find the real food scene - grilled prawns, matapa, peri-peri chicken, and those incredible Inhambane mangoes. Walking tours typically cover 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) over 3-4 hours, manageable in April's heat if you start by 9am.
Quirimbas Archipelago kayaking and mangrove exploration
The Quirimbas up north sees even fewer April visitors than the southern islands, which means you'll have the 32-island chain feeling genuinely remote. Kayaking through the mangrove channels works brilliantly in April - the water's calm, tides are moderate, and you'll see incredible birdlife as migratory species overlap with residents. Islands like Ibo with its crumbling Portuguese forts and Quilalea with pristine reefs offer completely different experiences from the Bazaruto Archipelago. The humidity is real at 70-75%, but you're on the water where there's usually a breeze. Half-day paddles typically cover 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles).
Gorongosa National Park wildlife drives
April sits at an interesting moment in Gorongosa - the landscape is still lush and green from the rains, waterholes are full, and animals are more dispersed rather than concentrated around limited water sources like they are in the dry season. This means you work harder to spot wildlife, but the park is stunningly beautiful with everything in bloom. You'll see elephants, hippos, waterbuck, and diverse birdlife. The park's recovery from civil war damage continues to impress, with animal numbers increasing yearly. Morning drives from 6am-10am avoid the hottest hours, and the afternoon 3pm-6pm slot often catches animals becoming active again after midday rest.
Inhambane dhow sailing and historical town walks
Inhambane town offers something different from pure beach time - it's one of Mozambique's oldest settlements with 500+ years of history, featuring colonial architecture, a working dhow harbor, and the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception. Traditional dhow sailing trips on the bay work perfectly in April when winds are moderate and consistent. The town itself is walkable at 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) for the main circuit, best done early morning before heat peaks. You're also positioned between Tofo Beach 22 km (13.7 miles) east and the mainland attractions, making it a practical base.
April Events & Festivals
Maputo Easter celebrations
Easter dates shift yearly, but when it falls in April, Maputo's Catholic heritage comes through with processions, special masses at the Cathedral, and family gatherings. It's more culturally significant than tourist-oriented, but gives insight into local traditions. Expect some businesses and restaurants to close Good Friday through Easter Sunday, and book accommodation further ahead if Easter weekend falls during your dates.