Where to see Buffalo in South Africa
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 |
Whilst South Africa’s Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) populations declined drastically in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to rinderpest disease and overhunting, conservation efforts have since helped their numbers recover significantly.
South Africa now has a robust population of around 70,000 of the African buffalo subspecies, found across national parks and private reserves, with one of the highest densities found within the Addo Elephant National Park, in the Cape.
Highly social, they are known to exhibit complex courtship and mating rituals, involving sparring between males, and can spend up to 19 hours a day feeding on grasses, herbs and shrubs, preferring open woodland savannas and grasslands with adequate water sources.
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 South Africa
Based on 25 reports by our travellers since Jun 2018, visitors at these camps in South Africa have the best chances of sighting buffalo.
Best chances to see
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Optimise your buffalo sightings in South Africa
Home to the 'Big Five', South Africa harbours a healthy buffalo population with numerous hotspots found across the Eastern Cape. Here are our top tips for excellent buffalo sightings during safari in South Africa.
Where to see buffalo in South Africa
South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers excellent buffalo viewing opportunities. Addo Elephant National Park hosts a significant population of around 800 individuals that might be seen from Elephant House, Gorah Elephant and Addo Main camps, where skilled guides can improve sightings by tracking specific herds.
Also within the Eastern Cape, Kwandwe, Shamwari and even Samara Karoo game reserves operate impressive species reintroduction and conservation initiatives that have helped bolster their ‘Big Five’ status and buffalo numbers. Here, the early mornings and late afternoons provide optimal viewing times, as buffaloes often gather around waterholes, whilst during the dry season (May to October), sightings become more predictable as animals concentrate near permanent water sources.
Our best South Africa holidays for buffalo sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for South Africa 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
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
Kwandwe Self-drive Safari
3 days • 1 locations
PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
An elegantly stylish lodge that is well suited to families, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" during exploration of the Eastern Cape.
US$3,080 - US$4,360 per person
Travel here to see buffalo in the wild
Click here for detailed information about buffalo in other countries, including the places for sighting buffalo.
