Buffalo vs Kikuyu Grass: Which Is Best for Your Australian Lawn?

When it comes to choosing the right turf for your lawn, two of the most popular warm-season options in Australia are Buffalo and Kikuyu. Both offer lush, green coverage and excellent resilience, but they’re suited to different conditions and uses. Rather than asking which one is better, a more helpful question is: Which one is better for you?

When it comes to choosing the right turf for your lawn, two of the most popular warm-season options in Australia are Buffalo and Kikuyu. Both offer lush, green coverage and excellent resilience, but they’re suited to different conditions and uses. Rather than asking which one is better, a more helpful question is: Which one is better for you?

Difference Between Buffalo and Kikuyu Grass

Buffalo and Kikuyu grasses are both warm-season varieties, meaning they thrive during Australia’s hot summers and go dormant in winter. However, they differ in growth habits, appearance, and performance under certain conditions:

Buffalo is a broad-leaf grass known for its soft feel and shade tolerance. Modern soft-leaf varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified and Kings Pride Buffalo are less invasive than older types and great for families. They offer excellent year-round colour and lower maintenance compared to other options.

Kikuyu has a finer leaf and grows vigorously, making it ideal for full sun and high-wear areas. Varieties such as Kenda Kikuyu (bred for improved drought resistance and colour retention) and Fine Leaf Kikuyu (for a denser, softer finish) offer performance improvements over traditional common Kikuyu, with faster repair and better appearance.

Which Grass is Best for Dry Areas?

Both Kikuyu and Buffalo offer good drought tolerance, but their performance differs:

• Kikuyu has deep roots and a fast growth rate, helping it recover quickly after dry spells. It handles South Australia’s long, dry summers well—provided it’s established with enough water early on.
• Buffalo, particularly modern varieties like Sir Walter and Kings Pride, has moderate drought resistance but holds onto moisture better in shaded spots. It tends to retain colour longer in drought if not under stress.

Winner: For exposed, dry, full-sun areas, Kikuyu has the edge. For part-shade and less extreme heat, Buffalo may perform better with less water.

Appearance & Colour

Buffalo grasses typically have a broad, soft leaf with a rich, dark green colour that looks lush and inviting. Modern soft-leaf varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified and Kings Pride Buffalo are known for their dense coverage and premium aesthetic appeal.

Kikuyu features a fine to medium leaf and vibrant green colour, particularly in the warmer months. Varieties like Kenda Kikuyu and Fine Leaf Kikuyu are bred for improved colour retention, even during the cooler seasons.

Winner: Tie – Both Buffalo and Kikuyu hold their colour extremely well during winter, especially with the improved performance of modern turf varieties. If maintaining a vibrant lawn year-round is important to you, either grass will perform reliably with the right care.

Durability & Wear

• Kikuyu is extremely hardy and recovers rapidly from wear and tear, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like backyards with pets or sports activities.
• Buffalo is tough too but grows slower, meaning it takes longer to recover from damage.

Winner: For high-use lawns, Kikuyu is more resilient. Buffalo suits moderate wear areas where looks matter more than toughness.

Shade & Sun Tolerance

• Buffalo thrives in shaded and part-shaded areas, tolerating as little as 3–4 hours of direct sun per day.
• Kikuyu needs full sun (at least 6–7 hours daily) to stay healthy and dense.

Winner: Buffalo is the clear choice for shade. Kikuyu needs sunlight to thrive.

Maintenance Requirements

• Kikuyu is a fast-growing grass that needs regular mowing and edging to control its spreading habit. Without attention, it can grow into garden beds and pathways.
• Buffalo grows more slowly and requires less mowing but still needs seasonal fertilising and care to stay lush.

Winner: Buffalo is lower maintenance in terms of mowing, while Kikuyu requires active management to prevent overgrowth.

Buffalo vs Kikuyu Compared

Is Buffalo Grass Better than Kikuyu?

Not necessarily—it depends on your priorities.

• Choose Buffalo (like Sir Walter DNA Certified or Kings Pride) if you want a soft lawn that stays green longer, works in shady spots, and doesn’t require constant mowing.
• Choose Kikuyu (like Kenda or Fine Leaf Kikuyu) if you need a tough, fast-repairing lawn for full sun areas that can take a beating from kids, pets, or sports.

Summary: Buffalo vs Kikuyu

Neither grass is universally “better.” The ideal lawn comes down to location, sunlight, usage, and upkeep preferences. Buffalo suits shaded, family-friendly, tidy lawns. Kikuyu suits active, sun-drenched, high-traffic areas. Both grasses perform well in terms of winter colour retention, making them strong choices for year-round appeal. By understanding the strengths and limits of each, you can select the right variety for your home.