Where to see Buffalo in Zambia
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 |
Zambia is home to a significant population of the African buffalo subspecies, Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer), with estimates ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 individuals. Here, Liuwa Plain National Park is renowned for its massive buffalo migration, second only to the Serengeti’s wildebeest migration, where up to 30,000 buffalo move into the park during the rainy season.
There are also high buffalo densities in the Lower Zambezi (around 4,800 buffalo over 2500 km
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 Zambia
Based on 787 reports by our travellers since Mar 2018, visitors at these camps in Zambia have the best chances of sighting buffalo.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Top tips for seeing buffalo in Zambia
From enjoying comparable exclusivity in the lesser visited North Luangwa to witnessing Liuwa's notable migration, here are our recommendations for optimal buffalo sightings in Zambia.
Best locations for buffalo in Zambia
For optimal buffalo viewing in Zambia, head to South Luangwa National Park, where sizeable herds of 500-1,000 animals are common, especially during the country’s dry season (May to mid-November). Lower Zambezi National Park is another prime location, where buffalo are often seen along the riverbanks during the early mornings and late afternoons.
In Kafue National Park, the Busanga Plains provides excellent viewing opportunities whilst North Luangwa National Park can offer more exclusive sightings, home to smaller herds and receiving fewer visitors.
For an experience with an impressive conservation back-story, visit Liuwa Plain National Park where a successful buffalo reintroduction programme has seen the population grow from 0 in 2005 to over 120 by 2020.
Our best Zambia holidays for buffalo sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zambia safaris are likely to give the best buffalo sightings
Duiker Safari
10 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.
US$10,960 - US$14,470 per person
Crawshay's Zebra Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.
US$10,460 - US$13,820 per person
Civet Safari
9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.
US$8,490 - US$9,970 per person
Defassa Waterbuck Safari
9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.
US$9,350 - US$9,360 per person
Robin Pope Walking Safari
7 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The definitive, original mobile walking safari; explore the remote north of the South Luangwa on foot while staying in a simple mobile camp that moves with the group.
US$7,370 - US$8,500 per person
Vervet Monkey Safari
7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the world-class wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks in considerable luxury, guided by experts from two sister camps renowned for their excellent level of care.
US$8,780 - US$10,990 per person
Slender Mongoose Safari
5 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
A detailed exploration of Lower Zambezi from two top-notch sister camps, each in a prime location in the national park. Expect a high level of care, first-class guiding and superb wildlife.
US$6,580 - US$8,400 per person
Perekani Walking Trail
10 days • 5 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.
US$9,590 - US$12,210 per person
Boehm's Zebra Safari
7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This safari combines two high-quality owner-run camps in a very productive region of the South Luangwa. The guiding is excellent and with its hides this safari is perfect for serious photographers.
US$7,490 - US$9,410 per person
Buffaloes can also be found in these countries
Click here for detailed information about buffalo in other countries, including the places for sighting buffalo.
