While buffaloes are a member of the bovine family which includes cattle, they are only distantly related to cows. They have 4 times the strength of their domestic relatives and ten times the attitude.
When we think of African buffalo, it’s the Cape Buffalo which comes to mind. Other species of African buffalo include forest buffalo, Sudanese buffalo, Nile buffalo and Virunga buffalo.
Of all the animals that belong to the Big Five, the Cape buffalo has a reputation for a generally bad disposition. A wounded buffalo is the incarnation of cold-blooded fury, hence their place on the list of Africa’s most dangerous animals to hunt.
Family Ties
They will take on a lion without hesitation, often ganging up to defend a herd member against these feared predators. Buffalo are known to kill lion cubs on sight without provocation and this reciprocal aggression between lions and buffalo is a well-known and longstanding phenomenon.
Lions are the only predator that will dare tackle a fully-grown buffalo and they will never attempt this without the backup of their pride.
The buffalo is built for battle with 2 tons of weight behind them, tough 2-inch thick skins and large sharp horns leading the charge. The front of the male’s horns grow together and fuse into a type of helmet, called a ‘boss’, which protects the brain during battering-ram like clashes. Usually, the bigger the horns, the higher ranking the buffalo ends up in the herd hierarchy.
Despite its fearsome reputation, buffalo are usually docile and disinterested in human onlookers, as long as you treat them with respect. This makes buffalo sightings an exciting occurrence, tinged with a little apprehension and plenty of amazement.
There are several places to see buffalo in Africa, but if it’s a massive gathering you’re looking for, head to Zambia’s South Luangwa or Kafue National Parks. In South Africa, you can see substantial herds in the Kruger National Park and its surrounding reserves, while smaller populations are spread across the country’s Big Five reserves.
Survival Skills of the Cape Buffalo
Cape buffalo are one of the most successful herbivores on earth and have continued to thrive despite the advance of civilization and all that comes with it. This is partly due to team work on their part and an indomitable will to survive.
Buffalo calves are born ready. They can stand, walk and run within minutes. Female buffaloes will adopt and care for abandoned or orphaned calves as their own and if you mess with one buffalo, you’ll feel the wrath of all their kin.
If you’d like to get to know more about these amazing animals see them up close without risking your neck, book a fully inclusive luxury safari with Always Africa. We have access to all the best Big-Five safaris in Southern Africa.
