Where to see Buffalo in Zimbabwe
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 |
Zimbabwe is home to a significant population of the African buffalo subspecies, Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer), with recent surveys suggesting around 38,000 individuals across the country’s national parks and reserves.
Across Zimbabwe, these buffalo exhibit remarkable adaptability and are able to thrive in diverse habitats, from savannas to woodlands, where they thrive with access to water sources like rivers, lakes and waterholes.
Highly sociable animals, most buffalo live in large hierarchical breeding herds, normally led by an older female, although older, non-breeding males form small groups for mutual protection separate from the breeding herd. The latter have a reputation of being unpredictable and aggressive: you wouldn’t want to surprise them at close quarters on a walking safari.
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 Zimbabwe
Based on 196 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Zimbabwe have the best chances of sighting buffalo.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Where and when to see buffalo in Zimbabwe
There are few things more atmospheric than watching vast herds of buffalo move through the dust and light of Africa's savanna and grasslands. Here are our top suggestions for enjoying memorable sightings in Zimbabwe.
Best locations for seeing buffalo in Zimbabwe
For the best buffalo sightings in Zimbabwe, head to Hwange National Park which is believed to host a population of around 10,000 individuals. Here, the park's waterholes attract large herds, with some groups exceeding 1,000 individuals, especially during the dry season (August to October).
Along the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park also offers excellent viewing opportunities, particularly during morning and late afternoon game drives, whilst in the Lower Zambezi Valley, Matusadona National Park provides an interesting setting to observe buffalo interact with other wildlife such as elephant, waterbuck, greater kudu, and warthog on the Lake Kariba floodplain.
To the south of these main populations, most of Zimbabwe’s remaining buffalo are concentrated in Gonarezhou National Park, Bubye Valley Conservancy and Save Valley Conservancy.
Our best Zimbabwe holidays for buffalo sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zimbabwe 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$16,220 - US$19,620 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$13,390 - US$17,950 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$10,350 - US$17,400 per person
Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls
US$12,060 - US$16,260 per person
Grysbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
Discover three of Zimbabwe’s iconic destinations in style, flying between Hwange, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba on this varied safari adventure staying at authentic yet luxurious camps.
US$11,070 - US$16,110 per person
Buffalo Safari
9 days • 3 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.
US$8,840 - US$11,910 per person
Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.
US$8,470 - US$11,860 per person
Bat Hawk Safari
7 days • 2 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT
Explore two areas revered by safari enthusiasts with some of Africa’s best walking and some superb guiding – even by Zimbabwe’s high standards – for a varied and wonderfully immersive wilderness experience.
US$8,670 - US$9,130 per person
Lion Safari
7 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
The classic Expert Africa Zimbabwe safari. Combining two of our favourite independent camps, each run by celebrated guides, exciting game drives, world-class walks and canoeing in premier wildlife watching destinations.
US$7,370 - US$9,830 per person
Where else to find buffalo in the wild
Click here for detailed information about buffalo in other countries, including the places for sighting buffalo.
