African Buffalo Species Profile: Herds, Horns and Where to See Them

Buffalo are among the most common large animals in East African parks, yet they are easy to overlook while hunting for cats. Their sheer numbers feed lions, and their temper commands respect from guides.

This profile explains how to identify them, how herds behave and where they are best seen.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Identification

Buffalo are bulky, dark animals with a broad muzzle and heavy, curving horns. In bulls the horns join across the forehead in a thick shield called a boss. Cows have smaller horns without the full boss. Calves are reddish-brown. Old bulls often sit alone or in small bachelor groups and are known for their bad temper, which is one reason the species has a fearsome reputation.

Habitat

Buffalo need grass and daily water, so they cluster near rivers, swamps and floodplains. They live in open savannah, in woodland and at forest edges, from lowlands to moderately high ground. Herds in Queen Elizabeth gather along the Kazinga Channel, and Murchison Falls has big herds on the northern plains. See African buffalo facts for more detail.

Herd Life

Herds can number from a few dozen to hundreds, with cows, calves and bulls moving together. They graze through the cool hours and rest or ruminate during midday. If a predator threatens a calf, adults may close ranks and charge. Lions have been seen retreating from a determined herd, though lions also hunt buffalo successfully, particularly sick or isolated animals.

Diet and Ecology

Buffalo graze mostly on coarser grasses, which helps make shorter, tender growth for other herbivores. Oxpeckers ride on their backs and eat ticks, though they also pick at wounds. Mud wallows help control parasites and heat. Droughts and disease, including bovine tuberculosis, affect some populations.

Safety and Behaviour

A lone bull is more unpredictable than a herd, and wounded buffalo are among the most dangerous animals in Africa. Stay inside the vehicle, do not approach on foot and avoid walking near thick vegetation unless with armed rangers. See night drives and walking safaris for safe approaches.

Where to See Buffalo

You will see buffalo in most savannah parks. Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and the Serengeti are reliable choices. Check Big Five and Big Seven for the full group.

Photography and Related Species

Frame the heavy horns and the dark gaze, and use dust or mist for mood. Read safari photography tips. Compare with the elephant and the wildebeest, which also form great herds.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team