Best Buffalo Viewing Areas in East Africa

The Cape buffalo, one of the formidable “Big Five,” is a cornerstone of the East African ecosystem. Known for their powerful build and unpredictable temperament, they are a thrilling sight on any safari. While they are a common species, some areas are particularly renowned for their large herds, offering spectacular viewing opportunities. Here are some of the best buffalo viewing areas in East Africa.

Tanzania

1. Katavi National Park:

Katavi is arguably the best place in all of Africa to see massive herds of buffalo. This remote and wild park in western Tanzania sees a spectacular concentration of wildlife, particularly during the dry season. As water sources dwindle, thousands of buffalo congregate around the remaining rivers and waterholes, creating a truly epic spectacle. It is not uncommon to see herds numbering in the thousands, a sight that is both humbling and awe-inspiring. Due to its remoteness, Katavi offers an authentic, uncrowded safari experience.

2. Ruaha National Park:

Another one of Tanzania’s southern gems, Ruaha National Park is home to a very large and healthy buffalo population. The herds are often found near the Great Ruaha River and its tributaries, especially during the dry season. The park’s rugged landscape and diverse habitats make for excellent game drives, and sightings of buffalo herds are a frequent occurrence, often with lions or wild dogs following closely behind.

3. Tarangire National Park:

Famous for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire is also an excellent place to see buffalo. The park’s swampy areas and river systems attract huge numbers of animals, and you can often find buffalo herds grazing in the open plains. Their sheer numbers and the park’s accessibility make it a top choice for a safari centered on buffalo viewing.

Kenya

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve:

The Maasai Mara is world-famous for the Great Migration, but it also has a significant resident population of buffalo. They are a common sight across the reserve’s rolling savannahs, often found in large herds near water sources. During the migration season, the sheer volume of animals in the Mara makes for incredible viewing opportunities, and buffalo are a key part of the landscape.

2. Amboseli National Park:

Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is a photographer’s dream. The park’s marshes, fed by underground springs from the mountain, are a magnet for wildlife. Large buffalo herds frequent these areas, and the sight of them grazing with the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro in the background is iconic. The open plains also make it easy to spot and photograph these majestic animals.

3. Tsavo East and West National Parks:

The immense Tsavo parks are home to a large buffalo population. The herds in Tsavo are known for being particularly wary, but they are a consistent presence. The park’s landscape, ranging from open plains to dense bush, provides varied opportunities to spot them.

Uganda

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park:

One of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a healthy and widespread population of buffalo. They are a common sight throughout the park’s savannah plains and near its numerous crater lakes. The best viewing can be found during a game drive through the Kasenyi plains or on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where herds often come to drink and cool off.

2. Murchison Falls National Park:

Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls, is home to a large number of buffalo. The animals are often seen on the game drives on the northern bank of the Nile River, particularly in the open plains where they graze. A boat trip to the base of the falls is another excellent way to see them, as they congregate along the riverbanks.