Where to see Buffalo in Rwanda
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 |
Rwanda is home to two subspecies of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), both the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer), sometimes referred to regionally as the savanna buffalo, and the rarer, smaller Forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus).
The former appears in more significant numbers within Akagera National Park, where successful reintroduction and conservation efforts have seen their numbers bolstered to around 3,000 since their near extinction around the country’s borders.
Whilst Forest buffalo are well-adapted to the dense forest environments more commonly found across Central and West Africa, they have also found a home in the montane forests of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park. More cautious than their savanna relatives, they rely on thick vegetation cover for protection and foraging.
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 Rwanda
Based on 17 reports by our travellers since Aug 2018, visitors at these camps in Rwanda have the best chances of sighting buffalo.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
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Where to try for buffalo sightings in Rwanda
You are most likely to enjoy Cape buffalo sightings in Rwanda during safari in Akagera National Park, but patient travellers might also be lucky enough to spy the shy Forest buffalo amidst Nyungwe's lush foliage.
Where to see buffalo in Rwanda
Akagera National Park is undoubtedly the prime location for buffalo sightings in Rwanda, although the Forest buffalo subspecies might also be sighted during walking activities within Nyungwe Forest.
In Akagera, the park’s diverse landscape of savanna, woodlands and wetlands provides ideal habitats for the robust Cape buffalo subspecies, with early morning and late afternoon game drives offering the best chance for encounters when the buffalo are most active.
Akagera’s central plains and the areas around Lake Ihema can prove particularly fruitful, whilst boat safaris on Lake Ihema might provide close-up views of the buffaloes coming to drink. Akagera’s buffalo will congregate near water sources during the dry season (June to September) and prefer habitats that offer a mix of shade and grazing opportunities.
Our best Rwanda holidays for buffalo sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Rwanda 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
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
US$14,310 - US$15,540 per person
Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
US$11,120 - US$13,490 per person
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
US$19,360 - US$25,280 per person
Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
US$11,530 - US$14,080 per person
Mountain Gorilla Safari
5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.
US$6,120 - US$6,120 per person
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
US$6,320 - US$6,830 per person
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
US$13,790 - US$19,000 per person
Where else to see buffalo in Africa
Click here for detailed information about buffalo in other countries, including the places for sighting buffalo.
