The African, or Cape, buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is one of the Big Five: a massive, unpredictable grazer standing up to 1.5 m tall and weighing around 750 kg. It lives in large herds, defends its own fiercely against lions, and a wounded bull is considered among the most dangerous animals to face in the bush.
The African Buffalo is one of Africa’s largest animals on ground reaching up to 1.5m in height and weight around 750kg.
Male horns are very similar although the horns are more upward and curved shaped then the female horns.
These bulk grazer animals have a huge ecological impact on the veld. Their feeding habits give them the ability to change long grasslands into short grassy fields.
Buffalo’s only mate between March and May and the expecting period for a single calf is in a period of 330 days until the birth months of January and April. Buffalo’s travel in big herds but separate into smaller herds in times of drought. Cape Buffaloes are one of he many animals seen during Kruger Park Safaris.
Luckily these Buffalo species are very protective of one another regardless if lions attack a herd member. If a Buffalo bull is wounded it is said to be the most dangerous by hunters. This is one of the reasons they are part of the Big 5 in the Kruger.
Buffalos are to be spotted in the Kruger National Park in South Africa, inhabitant of Woodland Savannas and small herds in Zululand and Eastern Cape. This makes this animal a stapel during Kruger National Park Safaris
Some field notes for if you ever see a buffalo in the bush, they will give you a deep stare in your eyes as if you are their next meal.
Some disease-free buffalos are also being bred in certain areas in South Africa. Reason to be they are inherent carriers of viruses fatal to domestic stock.
They have gotten the name Widow Maker
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the buffalo one of the Big Five?
The term Big Five was coined by hunters for the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, and buffalo earned their place through sheer strength and temperament. A wounded or cornered bull is famously unpredictable and will charge, which is why buffalo are so respected and are nicknamed the 'Widow Maker'.
What do buffalo eat, and how do they affect the bush?
Cape buffalo are bulk grazers that eat large quantities of grass. Their heavy feeding has a big ecological impact, cropping tall grassland into shorter fields and opening it up for other grazers. This makes them an important shaper of the Kruger's savannah landscape.
Where can you see buffalo in the Kruger?
Buffalo are common in the Kruger and favour woodland savannah, typically near water since they must drink regularly. They gather in large herds that can number many hundreds, though these split into smaller groups in times of drought. Herds are often seen grazing or resting near rivers and waterholes.
Are buffalo dangerous to humans?
Yes, Cape buffalo are among Africa's most dangerous animals. They are protective of the herd and will mob a predator, and a lone wounded bull may charge without warning. On a guided game drive you stay a safe distance in the vehicle, but buffalo should never be approached on foot.
