Waterbuck

Lake Manyara National Park is the most reliable location because the permanent springs along the western shore create ideal habitat. Tarangire's river system holds strong numbers, especially during the dry season. The Serengeti has waterbuck along its larger rivers but they are less commonly encountered there.

Waterbuck drink frequently and need permanent water access. They also feed on the lush medium grasses that grow along rivers and floodplains. Their entire ecology is built around water, from their oily waterproof coat to their preference for crossing rivers when chased by predators. They are rarely found more than a few hundred metres from water.

It is a bold white marking on the rump that functions as a follow signal, helping herd members stay together in tall grass and low light. The common waterbuck has a ring shape while the defassa subspecies found in Tanzania has a solid white patch. It is visible at long range and is the easiest way to identify the species.

Waterbuck produce an oily, musky secretion in their coat that gives them a strong smell and may make them less palatable to some predators. Lions will take waterbuck but often prefer other prey when it is available. Waterbuck also flee into water when chased, which deters most land predators.

A mature male waterbuck stands around 1.3 metres at the shoulder and can weigh up to 270 kilograms. They are among the largest antelopes you will see on the northern circuit. Males carry long backward sweeping horns up to 70 centimetres or more. Females are hornless and slightly smaller.

They are reliably seen if your itinerary includes Lake Manyara or the Tarangire River area. They are less common in the open Serengeti plains because there is less permanent water. Your Legend Expeditions guide knows the best water sources where waterbuck are consistently found.