Best Buffalo Viewing Areas

The Cape Buffalo, one of the “Big Five“, is a formidable and abundant animal in Tanzania’s national parks. Seeing large herds is a common and impressive sight.

Top Buffalo Viewing Areas in Tanzania:

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve):
- Why it’s great: Nyerere boasts an incredibly high population of buffalo, estimated at over 120,000, making it arguably the best place to see massive herds. They are often seen congregating around the Rufiji River and its many channels.
- Tactics: Boat safaris provide excellent opportunities to see large herds coming to drink.
Serengeti National Park:
- Why it’s great: With a population of around 53,000, the Serengeti offers excellent buffalo sightings across its vast plains. They are a crucial part of the ecosystem and a primary prey for lions.
- Tactics: They are widely distributed, so you’re likely to see them throughout the park. Large herds often gather in areas with good grazing and water sources.
Ruaha National Park:
- Why it’s great: Ruaha is home to very large herds of buffalo, particularly along the Great Ruaha River and its tributaries, especially during the dry season when they congregate at water sources.
- Tactics: Early morning game drives along the river are often fruitful.
Tarangire National Park:
- Why it’s great: Tarangire also hosts significant buffalo populations, especially during the dry season when they gather around the Tarangire River.
- Tactics: Look for them near the river and swamps.
Ngorongoro Crater:
- Why it’s great: The confined nature of the crater means you are almost guaranteed to see buffalo herds grazing on the crater floor.

Key Characteristics of Buffalo:

Grazer: Primarily feed on grass.
Water-Dependent: Need to drink daily, so they are always near water sources.
Herd Animals: Live in large, cohesive herds, sometimes numbering in the thousands.
Dangerous: Known for their unpredictable temper and can be aggressive, especially solitary males (known as “dagga boys”). Always keep a safe distance.