Where to see Buffalo in Botswana
One of the celebrated so-called Big Five, the buffalo’s fearsome reputation derives largely from hunters’ tales. Visitors will usually find this big, sociable bovid to be a largely placid animal – although courageous in defence against predators.
Quick facts about Buffalo
| Scientific name: | Syncerus caffer | Habitat: | Floodplains, mixed bush & moist grasslands |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Near-threatened | Adult weight: | 500–950kg |
Botswana’s population of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) belongs to the subspecies, Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer). It has historically fluctuated but is now thought to be relatively stable with significant numbers of up to 100,000.
These formidable bovines are free-roaming and flourish across much of Botswana’s vast, unfenced wilderness – although their need to drink does restrict their distribution: they’re not usually found in the Central Kalahari or Kgalagadi Transfrontier parks.
They can often be found wallowing in the mud to cool off and deter parasites, or following natural migration patterns through the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari’s seasonal pans, and Chobe National Park – typically in large herds that can sometimes number up to 500 individuals.
1.7m
Max. shoulder height (male)
164cm
Record horn span (tip to tip)
±400,000
Today’s population
11 months
gestation period
The top camps for seeing buffalo in Botswana
Based on 676 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Botswana have the best chances of sighting buffalo.
Best chances to see
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Top tips to sight the iconic buffalo in Botswana
Large, horned, and with a formidable reputation, seeing vast herds of buffalo in the wild is a sight to behold. Here are our recommendations for a memorable sighting of this member of the 'Big Five'.
Recommended locations for buffalo in Botswana
Cape buffaloes thrive in open grasslands, savannas, and floodplains near water sources, preferring a mixture of short and tall grasses for grazing and shelter.
During the green season, when there are many small pools in the bush, sightings are hard as small groups of buffalo spread out into the vast interior of the Kalahari. As the dry season progresses (from April to October), sightings improve as herds congregate in larger numbers, needing to be closer to water. Then the seasonal floodplains around the Chobe River, in the Okavango Delta, and the Kwando-Linyanti regions provide excellent habitat for large herds.
Boat and mokoro safaris within the Delta and on the Chobe River can offer an amazing perspective, especially for photographers, when the animals come to the water to drink in large numbers.
Our best Botswana holidays for buffalo sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Botswana safaris are likely to give the best buffalo sightings
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$16,210 - US$19,610 per person
Wild Dog Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.
US$13,450 - US$21,930 per person
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.
US$13,370 - US$17,930 per person
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.
US$10,340 - US$17,390 per person
Porcupine Safari
11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.
US$11,780 - US$16,860 per person
Steenbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.
US$7,990 - US$13,480 per person
Large-spotted Genet Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.
US$12,020 - US$23,640 per person
Spring Hare Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.
US$8,020 - US$13,320 per person
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.
US$13,300 - US$28,240 per person
You can also find buffalo in these countries
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