Things to Do in Nairobi in April

April Weather in Nairobi

26°C (79°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

129 mm (5.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Post-long-rains clarity - dust settled, air is cleanest it's been since November, perfect visibility for Nairobi National Park game drives and city skyline photography
Perfect hiking weather - cool mornings (16°C/60°F) ideal for Karura Forest and Ngong Hills before warming to comfortable 26°C/79°F afternoons
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 20-30% from March peak, flights from Europe/US are cheapest before May holiday bookings surge
Cultural calendar peak - Nairobi International Book Fair, multiple art exhibitions, and university cultural festivals create vibrant local scene tourists rarely experience

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon showers - 40% chance of sudden 20-30 minute downpours between 2-4pm can disrupt outdoor markets and walking tours
Cool evenings catch visitors off-guard - temperature drops 10°C (18°F) after sunset, outdoor dining and rooftop bars require layers
Red soil mud after rain - unpaved areas around markets and some attractions become extremely muddy, ruining light-colored shoes and clothing

Best Activities in April

Nairobi National Park morning game drives

April's post-rain visibility is exceptional - animals concentrate around permanent water sources while vegetation remains lush. Cool mornings (16°C/60°F) mean active wildlife and comfortable safari conditions. Giraffe, zebra, and rhino sightings peak in dry season transition.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through Kenya Wildlife Service registered operators. Morning drives (6:30-10am) offer best animal activity and weather. Typically KES 4,500-7,000 ($30-45) including park fees. See current tour options in booking section below.

Karura Forest canopy walks and cycling

April's moderate humidity (70%) and stable temperatures make forest activities comfortable all day. Waterfall flows are strongest post-rains while paths remain manageable. Perfect month for the 15km (9.3 miles) cycling trail network without extreme heat or heavy rains.

Booking Tip: Entry KES 300 ($2), bike rental KES 500-800 ($3-5) per day. No advance booking needed but arrive early (8am) on weekends. Guided nature walks available through forest rangers - arrange at main gate.

Ngong Hills hiking expeditions

Cool April mornings are ideal for the 2-hour ascent to 2,460m (8,070ft) summit. Post-rain air clarity offers stunning Rift Valley views impossible during dusty months. Avoid afternoon rain risk by starting early - most rewarding hike season in Nairobi area.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes KES 2,000-3,500 ($13-23) including transport from city center. Start by 7am to complete before afternoon weather changes. Book through licensed mountain guides - verify insurance coverage.

Cultural center and museum circuits

April's art exhibition season coincides with comfortable indoor browsing weather. Nairobi National Museum, Kenya National Archives, and Gallery Watatu host special April collections. Rain backup days are perfect for cultural immersion most tourists skip.

Booking Tip: Museum passes KES 1,200-2,000 ($8-13) for major sites. Many galleries free entry. Cultural center events typically KES 500-1,500 ($3-10). Check Nairobi cultural calendar - many April events not advertised internationally.

Giraffe Centre conservation experiences

April's mild weather perfect for extended outdoor interaction with endangered Rothschild giraffes. Less crowded than peak months but animals remain active in comfortable temperatures. Educational programs run smoothly without weather disruptions.

Booking Tip: Entry KES 1,500 ($10), advance booking recommended for weekend visits. Morning sessions (9-11am) offer best giraffe interaction before afternoon rest period. Combine with adjacent Elephant Sanctuary for full day.

Local food market tours and cooking classes

April brings seasonal vegetables and fruits post-harvest. City Market and Maasai Market comfortable for browsing in moderate temperatures. Cooking class venues utilize fresh seasonal ingredients while avoiding extreme weather that disrupts outdoor food preparation.

Booking Tip: Market tours KES 3,000-5,000 ($20-33) including tastings. Cooking classes KES 4,500-7,500 ($30-50) for 3-4 hour sessions. Book morning sessions to avoid afternoon rain disruptions. See current culinary tours in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Nairobi International Book Fair

East Africa's largest literary event featuring local authors, publishers, and cultural discussions. Unique opportunity to engage with Kenyan literary scene and purchase books unavailable internationally.

Late April

University of Nairobi Cultural Week

Student-led festival showcasing traditional dances, music, and art from across Kenya's 44 tribes. Free public events with authentic cultural performances rarely seen by tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - sudden 20-30 minute showers occur 40% of afternoons, often with little warning

Sturdy walking boots - red soil becomes slippery mud after rain, especially around markets and unpaved attractions

Layering pieces - 10°C (18°F) temperature swings from cool mornings to warm afternoons to cool evenings

Dark-colored clothing - Nairobi's red dust shows on light colors, worse when mixed with rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index 8 at 1,795m (5,889ft) altitude requires stronger protection than sea level

Light sweater or fleece - evenings drop to 16°C (60°F), essential for rooftop dining and outdoor evening activities

Quick-dry fabric clothing - 70% humidity and occasional rain make cotton slow to dry

Closed-toe shoes for evening - temperature drops make sandals uncomfortable after sunset

Small umbrella - compact protection for sudden showers while walking between venues

Insect repellent - post-rain mosquito activity increases, especially in garden areas and outdoor restaurants

Insider Knowledge

Matatu (shared taxi) routes run slower in afternoon rain - allow extra 30-45 minutes travel time between 2-5pm on rainy days

Local restaurants serve seasonal specialties in April - ask for 'maharagwe' (fresh beans) and 'terere' (amaranth greens) at their peak flavor

Nairobi residents avoid outdoor plans 2-4pm during rain season - schedule indoor activities or late afternoon starts like locals do

Currency exchange rates improve slightly in April shoulder season - better deals at forex bureaus than peak tourist months

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing light-colored shoes - red soil mixed with rain creates permanent stains that ruin white sneakers and light footwear

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm - locals know afternoon showers are likely, tourists often get caught unprepared

Underdressing for evenings - 16°C (60°F) nights feel much colder at altitude, outdoor restaurant patios require layers