Cameroon in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Cameroon

32°C (90°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Waterfalls reach peak flow - Ekom Nkam Falls thunders at 80m (262 ft) with mist visible from 2km (1.2 miles) away, perfect for photography
Wildlife viewing improves dramatically as animals gather at water sources during dry mornings before afternoon rains
Road conditions remain excellent before heavy rains begin - all routes to Kribi beaches and mountain towns fully accessible
Harmattan dust clears completely, creating crystal-clear visibility for Mount Cameroon climbs and coastal photography

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly around 3-4pm with lightning, limiting outdoor activities to mornings
Humidity climbs rapidly from 60% at dawn to 85% by midday, making physical activities exhausting
Mosquito populations surge with increased rainfall - malaria risk peaks compared to dry season months

Best Activities in April

Mount Cameroon Summit Treks

April offers the last reliable weather window before rains make upper slopes treacherous. Morning starts at 4,095m (13,435 ft) provide impressive views before afternoon cloud cover. Temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) at base to 5°C (41°F) at summit.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as dry season slots fill quickly. Choose operators with certified mountain guides and emergency communication equipment. Trek costs typically range 85,000-120,000 CFA francs including guide and permits.

Waza National Park Safari Drives

Peak game viewing as elephants, lions, and giraffes concentrate around remaining water holes before rains disperse them. Early morning drives (5:30-9am) offer 80% higher wildlife sightings than other months. Afternoon rains create dramatic skies for photography.

Booking Tip: Book minimum 2 weeks ahead through licensed operators with 4WD vehicles. Safari packages typically cost 45,000-65,000 CFA francs per day including park fees and guide. Reference booking widget below for current availability.

Kribi Beach and Lobé Falls Excursions

Ocean temperatures reach perfect 26°C (79°F) while coastal humidity stays manageable with Atlantic breezes. Lobé Falls crashes directly into ocean at maximum volume. Morning beach activities avoid afternoon storms that typically last 45-60 minutes.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Douala cost 25,000-40,000 CFA francs via shared transport. Book accommodations 10 days ahead as Easter holidays create brief peak demand. See current tour options in booking section below.

Dja Biosphere Reserve Jungle Trekking

Primate activity peaks as dry season fruiting attracts gorillas and chimpanzees to predictable locations. Forest trails remain passable before May rains create muddy conditions. Birdwatching reaches annual peak with 320+ species active.

Booking Tip: Require guides with Wildlife Conservation Society certification. Multi-day treks cost 60,000-85,000 CFA francs including camping gear and meals. Book through eco-lodges 2-3 weeks ahead for best guide availability.

Bamenda Highlands Cultural Villages

Perfect hiking weather at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation with cool mornings 18°C (64°F) and pleasant afternoons before brief showers. Traditional festivals occur in Kom and Oku villages as communities prepare for planting season.

Booking Tip: Arrange village visits through regional tourism offices 1-2 weeks ahead. Homestays cost 8,000-15,000 CFA francs per night including meals. Transport from Bamenda requires 4WD during afternoon rains.

Limbe Botanic Garden and Black Sand Beaches

Peak flowering season creates spectacular displays while morning mists from Mount Cameroon create mystical photography conditions. Beach temperatures perfect for swimming before afternoon thunderstorms arrive predictably around 4pm.

Booking Tip: Garden entry costs 2,000 CFA francs with guided tours available for additional 5,000 CFA francs. Combine with wildlife center visits. Book beachfront accommodations early as Douala residents weekend here during dry weather.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Nguon Festival in Bamenda Highlands

Traditional celebration marking transition from dry to rainy season with traditional dances, masked performances, and blessing ceremonies for upcoming harvests in Kom villages

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - afternoon humidity reaches 85% and synthetic materials become unbearably sticky

Waterproof daypack cover - sudden thunderstorms drench everything in minutes with 180mm (7.1 inches) monthly rainfall

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index peaks at 9 with equatorial sun strength and clear post-harmattan skies

Lightweight rain poncho - umbrella useless in 40km/h (25mph) thunderstorm winds common in mountains

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - mosquito populations surge with increasing rainfall and humidity

Merino wool base layers for Mount Cameroon - summit temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) with wind chill

Waterproof hiking boots - morning dew saturates grass paths and afternoon storms create slippery conditions

Portable battery pack - power outages increase with thunderstorms and humid conditions affecting electrical systems

Anti-malaria medication - start prophylaxis before arrival as April marks peak transmission risk

Cotton sleepwear only - synthetic materials become uncomfortable in 75% overnight humidity

Insider Knowledge

Start all outdoor activities by 6am - locals know afternoon storms arrive like clockwork at 3-4pm and last exactly 45-90 minutes before clearing

Bush taxis and motorcycle taxis refuse mountain routes after 2pm during April rains - book morning departures or arrange private 4WD transport

Markets in Foumban and Bafoussam offer best prices on traditional textiles in April as artisans clear inventory before rainy season storage

Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to December-February peak season, but book midweek as Cameroonian professionals take short breaks during pleasant April weather

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - thunderstorms arrive suddenly with dangerous lightning and 40km/h (25mph) winds making shelter essential

Underestimating mosquito protection - travelers assume dry season continues but malaria risk triples with April rainfall increases

Packing only lightweight clothing - mountain regions and air-conditioned spaces require warm layers as temperature swings reach 15°C (27°F) daily