Cape Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
Africa's Most Dangerous Bovine
Habitat
Savanna, floodplains, and mixed woodland near water
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
15–25 years
Weight
500–900 kg
The Cape buffalo is considered the most dangerous of the Big Five by professional hunters and rangers. Nicknamed "Black Death" and "The Widow Maker," these massive bovines are unpredictable, fiercely protective of their herd, and capable of charging at 55 km/h. Old solitary bulls, known as "dagga boys" (named for the mud that cakes their bodies), are particularly aggressive.
Despite their fearsome reputation, buffalo are fascinating herd animals. They make collective decisions about where to graze and when to move by a "voting" system — adult females stand and face the direction they want to travel, and the herd moves in the direction most cows face.
Habitat & Diet
Habitat
Savanna, floodplains, and mixed woodland near water
Diet
Herbivore — tall coarse grasses, requiring water daily
Lifespan
15–25 years
Weight
500–900 kg
Best Viewing Locations
- Kruger National Park
- Sabi Sands
- Pilanesberg
- Addo
Fascinating Facts
Buffalo have killed more hunters in Africa than any other animal
Their horns form a thick shield called a "boss" that can stop a rifle bullet
Herds can number over 1,000 individuals during the dry season
Oxpeckers that ride on buffalo actually drink their blood as well as eating ticks
