Buffaloes can be seen in mixed breeding herds or in small all-male groups of old bulls or sometimes alone. They are entirely grazers, but generally avoid the open grass plains, preferring the bush country for shade during the day, and are especially fond of wallowing. They are rarely found far from water, as they also need to drink regularly. Buffaloes weigh up to 800 kgs and carry massive, heavily bossed horns.

If lions are bold enough to approach a herd, the bulls form a ring with the cows and calves in the centre and usually drive the lions away. Their sense of smell is very good, while hearing and sight are moderate.