The pugnacious African buffalo, Africa’s only extant species of wild cattle, is a worthy member of the elite “Big-5” group of animals. Though they can appear very docile, buffalo are extremely dangerous, especially when threatened or wounded; they’ve even been known to circle back around hunters tracking them to launch unexpected attacks on their persecutors from behind.
You wouldn’t want to find yourself on foot in thick vegetation like this when buffalo are around…
These bulky animals weigh in between 500 and 900kg, with adult bulls being much larger than the cows.
Buffalo cow
Buffalo bull
African Buffalo
African Buffalo
Buffaloes always look ready for a fight!
Buffaloes always look ready for a fight!
One angry African Buffalo bull
African Buffalo
African Buffalo
African Buffalo
African Buffalo
African Buffalo
African Buffalo
Old buffalo bull
Buffalo, seemingly not enjoying the grass…
Buffalo bull
Buffalo
Buffalo horn
Buffalo with an itch
Buffalo
Buffalo cow
African buffalo (photo by Joubert)
Cantankerous Buffalo bull
African buffalo inhabit a wide range of habitats, ranging from open grassy plains to dense rainforest, their most important requirements being an ample supply of fresh grazing, regular access to drinking water, and cover in which to evade (or ambush) predators.
Buffalo Bull (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo bull in typical habitat
Powerful Buffalo Bulls
Buffalo herd on the plains north of the Sabie
Muddy Buffalo Cow (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo fight! (photo by Joubert)
Buffaloes drinking at Nsemani Dam
Buffaloes at a waterhole
Big herd of Buffalo at Nsemani Dam
Cantankerous old buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Two very intimidating Buffalo bulls
Buffalo bull
Buffalo cow
Big old buffalo
Buffalo road block
African buffalo
Buffalo bull (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo bull (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo bull in Marakele National Park
Buffalo bull (photo by Joubert)
Buffaloes on the move
Portrait of a buffalo cow.
Resting buffaloes
Thirsty buffalo calf
This buffalo bull watched us walking nervously between our vehicle and the Island View hide
Buffalo calf
Buffalo family
Buffalo calf
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Buffalo cows and calf
Buffalo cow
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Buffalo are gregarious animals, congregating in herds that may number into the thousands. Encountering one of these huge herds is among Africa’s most memorable experiences.
Buffalo herd
Buffalo calf
Buffalo herd
Buffalo herd
Buffalo herd
Buffalo herd
Buffalo herd
Herd enjoying a mud spa
Coming to water along the Tsendze
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffaloes
Buffalo cow without her horns
Sleepy buffalo and red-billed oxpecker
Buffalo Quartet
African buffalo
Buffalo bull
Buffalo cow
Buffaloes next to the Sabie River
Buffalo
African buffalo
African buffalo
A herd of African Buffaloes coming to drink
African Buffalo
Buffalo Bull
Buffalo Bull
Old bulls that cannot keep up with the breeding herds become loners or join “bachelor” groups. It is these old “dagga boys” that have the worse reputation of being overly aggressive and extremely dangerous, probably due to being easier targets for hunters and predators than members of the well-protected herds where there’s safety in numbers.
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Marching buffalo bulls
Buffalo facing the rising sun
Buffalo crossing the H4-1
Buffalo bull
Buffalo looking for fresh grass on the side of the road
Buffalo
Buffalo bull
Buffalo with malformed horns
Buffalo
Buffalo
What a buffalo looks like just before he charges!
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Bull
Mad old buffalo bull
Big old buffalo bull
Buffalo calf on the run (Photo by Joubert)
Buffalo cow (Photo by Joubert)
Calves are normally born during the rainy season, and can keep up with their maternal herds within hours of birth. Buffalo of all ages are a favourite prey of lions, and large herds are often followed by prides of lion that specialise in taking down these powerful animals, despite the good chance that they’ll pay with their lives for their boldness. Buffalo are also susceptible to a wide range of diseases and parasites, and have a natural life expectancy of between 15 and 30 years.
Young buffalo bull
Buffalo cow
Young buffalo bull
Young buffalo bull
Buffalo calf
Buffalo
Enjoying the first rays of sun on a cold morning
Irritated young buffalo
Trio of buffalo bulls
Buffalo roadblock
Buffalo roadblock
Buffalo in the rain
Buffalo near Mopani
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
Buffalo Wallow at Dries se Gat, Mokala National Park
I am so grateful you sent me these links, I am very behind and this is a great read not to mention the photos. I have read that they will launch a counter attack! Can you imagine it? What a beautiful , insightful post!
They’re extremely dangerous and vindictive Kathryn, you’d certainly not want to tangle with a buffalo! So glad to know that you enjoyed our post about them!
“Magtige” dier. Is maar skrikerig om te naby te kom. Van jongs af is dit vir ons vertel hoe onbetroubaar n buffel is. Dink maar aan jagverhale waar gewonde een op sy spore terug loop en dan van agter af kom.
Great post. I am very fortunate to see buffalo almost every day where I stay. They love to spend time along the Crocodile River on the southern border of the Kruger National Park. I have heard people referring to “dagga boys” but never understood what they meant by it. I have a great respect for them. I was once stuck in the Kruger until after closing time, due to a massive heard congregating around our vehicle.
I’m sure you will never forget that experience Vince!
The area between Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie is renowned for some very big herds – good grazing and two large rivers within easy reach makes it an ideal area for them.
Thank you Sreejith, always nice to have you visit with us!
I’m so glad to hear about your daughter’s love for wildlife. Perhaps if we raise our youngsters to appreciate and value the natural world, they’ll one day be able to pass a healthier planet onto their descendants than the one we’re living on at present.
They are very interesting animals Linda, and an integral part of the ecosystem. And while they are lazily grazing around, they really do appear deceptively placid!
Indeed, the African buffalo is related to Asia’s “water buffalo”, which has been domesticated by man for thousands of years. Thus far, our African wild cattle has not been domesticated, due to their aggressive nature.
Even the domesticated ones have bad tempers, especially young males. It is terrifying to see them fight when they get loose.
They are still around as important and dependable animals in farming. But the increased mechanization has limited their time in the fields.
Thank you for the visit and the follow. I always like to see wild animals. 😀
Buffaloes are very powerful animals and I’m sure they’re still immensely valuable to their owners, even in today’s technological world, hey Belsbror? Apart from being beasts-of-burden, don’t they also use them for milk production?
Seldom. But there’s a breeding facility up in the north of the country where some are milked. I am not really sure if it’s still in operation.
By the way, the carabao, as we call them, was formerly our national animal. It was replaced by the nearly extinct Philippine monkey-eating eagle that some say are bigger than the American eagle.
I think it is very fitting that your national animal should be something that is unique to the Philipines, like the monkey-eating eagle – it is a beautiful bird and it is sad to learn that it is so rare!
I agree. It is protected now but poachers will not stop. But we are trying our best to protect their habitats. They will flourish if we do not destroy their homes.
This poaching problem is a scourge of epic proportions Belsbror, here in South Africa we know all too much about it. Why do poachers go after this beautiful Philipine eagle, is it also for “traditional medicine”?
Sorry for the late reply. Long power outage yesterday. 😦
Poaching brings in the money. When there are buyers, there will always be bold individuals who would try to cash in. Talking birds, sea turtles, ant eaters, you name it. Everything could be poached and sold. It’s really very sad.
Wonderful creatures – how I admire their ability to refuse to become extinct ! But I wish all your animals of fable had the same ability as these cattle …
Great to be back being informed on such a wonderful topic. 🙂
Once again you have educated me about an animal I knew nothing about, expect maybe hearing a name at some point. I love the first picture, especially, and the descriptor “pugnacious.” Any animal that will occasionally circle back around and track the hunters who are hunting is get my applause! Cool photos throughout, as usual. Thanks for sharing!
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I am so grateful you sent me these links, I am very behind and this is a great read not to mention the photos. I have read that they will launch a counter attack! Can you imagine it? What a beautiful , insightful post!
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They’re extremely dangerous and vindictive Kathryn, you’d certainly not want to tangle with a buffalo! So glad to know that you enjoyed our post about them!
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I sure did and promise to stay in the car if I ever have the luck to visit!
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Not only did you teach me a bit more about the African Buffalo… you taught me a new word as well!! 😉
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Glad we could be of service AJ Vosse, and nice to see you around here again!
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Awesome captures! Thank you for the background information, Dries. I missed your posts from my reader lately 😕
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Hi Amy!
I’ve no idea how our posts got omitted from your reader, but I sure am glad that you’re visiting with us again!
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Very impressive. Great last shot. 🙂
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Thanks a lot Maralee!
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“Magtige” dier. Is maar skrikerig om te naby te kom. Van jongs af is dit vir ons vertel hoe onbetroubaar n buffel is. Dink maar aan jagverhale waar gewonde een op sy spore terug loop en dan van agter af kom.
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Ja-nee Ineke,met n buffel mors jy net as jou testament agtermekaar is!
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😀 Sal nogal graag saam met julle wil toer. Dis so lekker as mens n gids het wat weet waaroor dit gan
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Dankie Ineke! Ons wens gereeld dat ons kon toere aanbied vir n lewe, en miskien loop ons paadjie nog een dag in daardie rigting (ons hou duime vas!)
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Sal my duime ook vashou! Dan kom ek spesiaal oor om saam te toer!
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Baie dankie vir die ondersteuning Ineke!
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Great post. I am very fortunate to see buffalo almost every day where I stay. They love to spend time along the Crocodile River on the southern border of the Kruger National Park. I have heard people referring to “dagga boys” but never understood what they meant by it. I have a great respect for them. I was once stuck in the Kruger until after closing time, due to a massive heard congregating around our vehicle.
LikeLike
Must have been an experience you won’t easily forget!
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I’m sure you will never forget that experience Vince!
The area between Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie is renowned for some very big herds – good grazing and two large rivers within easy reach makes it an ideal area for them.
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Such an impressive animal… 🙂
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They genuinely are Drake
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Great shots of this mighty beast…
Let me tell you one thing, you have got an ardent follower who doesn’t have a wordpress account here, my daughter 🙂
Thanks a lot for sharing…
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Thank you Sreejith, always nice to have you visit with us!
I’m so glad to hear about your daughter’s love for wildlife. Perhaps if we raise our youngsters to appreciate and value the natural world, they’ll one day be able to pass a healthier planet onto their descendants than the one we’re living on at present.
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You are absolutely right, Dries.
The previous generations had lost that connection with the nature and the result is obvious.
Let’s at least try to teach our kids the importance of peaceful co existence, and hope for a better tomorrow 🙂
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Okay, I’m definitely very afraid! They don’t look docile to me! But they are amazing creatures!
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They are very interesting animals Linda, and an integral part of the ecosystem. And while they are lazily grazing around, they really do appear deceptively placid!
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‘though they can appear very docile….’ There is no way I would mess with them. Beautiful, beautiful pictures.
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When you see a herd of buffalo grazing peacefully in the grasslands it’s easy to forget what quick tempers they have Lois 😉
Thank you for complimenting our photograps, we really appreciate it!
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We have the short horned domesticated variety.
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Welcome here at de Wets Wild, Belsbror!
Indeed, the African buffalo is related to Asia’s “water buffalo”, which has been domesticated by man for thousands of years. Thus far, our African wild cattle has not been domesticated, due to their aggressive nature.
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Even the domesticated ones have bad tempers, especially young males. It is terrifying to see them fight when they get loose.
They are still around as important and dependable animals in farming. But the increased mechanization has limited their time in the fields.
Thank you for the visit and the follow. I always like to see wild animals. 😀
LikeLike
Buffaloes are very powerful animals and I’m sure they’re still immensely valuable to their owners, even in today’s technological world, hey Belsbror? Apart from being beasts-of-burden, don’t they also use them for milk production?
LikeLike
Seldom. But there’s a breeding facility up in the north of the country where some are milked. I am not really sure if it’s still in operation.
By the way, the carabao, as we call them, was formerly our national animal. It was replaced by the nearly extinct Philippine monkey-eating eagle that some say are bigger than the American eagle.
LikeLike
I think it is very fitting that your national animal should be something that is unique to the Philipines, like the monkey-eating eagle – it is a beautiful bird and it is sad to learn that it is so rare!
LikeLike
I agree. It is protected now but poachers will not stop. But we are trying our best to protect their habitats. They will flourish if we do not destroy their homes.
LikeLike
This poaching problem is a scourge of epic proportions Belsbror, here in South Africa we know all too much about it. Why do poachers go after this beautiful Philipine eagle, is it also for “traditional medicine”?
LikeLike
Sorry for the late reply. Long power outage yesterday. 😦
Poaching brings in the money. When there are buyers, there will always be bold individuals who would try to cash in. Talking birds, sea turtles, ant eaters, you name it. Everything could be poached and sold. It’s really very sad.
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It’s a sin Belsbror, it’s a terrible sin.
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I agree.
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Wonderful creatures – how I admire their ability to refuse to become extinct ! But I wish all your animals of fable had the same ability as these cattle …
Great to be back being informed on such a wonderful topic. 🙂
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Great to have you visit with us again Margaret-Rose!
Yes, sadly, not all our animals are as tenacious as the buffalo…
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Once again you have educated me about an animal I knew nothing about, expect maybe hearing a name at some point. I love the first picture, especially, and the descriptor “pugnacious.” Any animal that will occasionally circle back around and track the hunters who are hunting is get my applause! Cool photos throughout, as usual. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you for once again spending some of your time with us Patti!
Yes, these animals are belligerent and you certainly don’t want to mess with them!
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