Where to see Buffalo in Tanzania
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 |
Tanzania is home to a substantial population of the Cape subspecies of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer), with research by the IUCN suggesting nearly 200,000 individuals across the country, about half of the continent’s total population.
These animals, members of the ‘Big Five’, play a crucial role in Tanzania's ecosystems as bulk grazers and are particularly abundant in the Serengeti ecosystem where their annual migration forms part of the world-renowned ‘Great Migration’.
Known for their protective behaviour towards herd members, their predation by lions and other large carnivores can prompt interesting herd dynamics – with the herd usually mounting a coordinated defense against any attack.
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 Tanzania
Based on 538 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Tanzania have the best chances of sighting buffalo.
Best chances to see
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Our insights for buffalo sightings in Tanzania
Whilst buffalo populations are good throughout Tanzania, certain parks and protected areas are likely provide unique and unforgettable sightings. See here for our recommended destinations.
Where to enjoy the best buffalo sightings in Tanzania
To enjoy impressive buffalo sightings in Tanzania, focus on the country’s vast national parks including the Serengeti, Nyerere (formerly Selous), and Ruaha National Park, where population sizes range from around 53,000 in the Serengeti to 120,000 in Nyerere.
In the Serengeti, buffaloes migrate annually alongside millions of animals including wildebeest, zebra and gazelles, when the world-famous river crossings are attempted between July and October.
Peak viewing opportunities in Nyerere National Park fall during the dry months of July to November whilst early morning game drives by Ruaha’s river can be fruitful. Whilst smaller in size, Lake Manyara National Park also offers reliable buffalo encounters, especially in the park’s groundwater forest. Head to the remote Katavi National Park to witness thousands of buffalo congregating around the shrinking water sources during the dry season.
Our best Tanzania holidays for buffalo sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Tanzania safaris are likely to give the best buffalo sightings
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.
US$19,000 - US$25,560 per person
Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.
US$10,570 - US$16,370 per person
Dik Dik Safari
12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.
US$9,920 - US$15,130 per person
Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.
US$6,190 - US$6,830 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
Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.
US$8,840 - US$10,760 per person
Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
US$11,820 - US$17,740 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
Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities on this luxury fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.
US$10,150 - US$12,080 per person
Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari
8 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combining two of the remotest parks in Tanzania, this safari can deliver extraordinary wildlife viewing in Katavi, and East Africa's best chimp treks, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
US$13,190 - US$16,530 per person
Where else to safari with buffaloes
Click here for detailed information about buffalo in other countries, including the places for sighting buffalo.
