Cape Buffalo

One of the Big Five, the Cape Buffalo are susceptible to trophy hunting and are occasionally also hunted for their meat. Buffalo’s territory is somewhat threatened by habitat fragmentation thanks to human encroachment and planned road constructions. Cape buffalo are listed as Least Concern due to the large, widespread populations still remaining across southern and eastern Africa.

Where can you see Cape Buffalo?

Found across Southern and Eastern Africa, in many of the main national parks and game reserves, the Cape Buffalo is known to live in a diverse range of habitats from grasslands and forests to swamps and floodplains. The largest herds of buffalos can be Tanzania's Katavi National Park. Botswana is one of the best places to see buffalo by boat or canoe, notably along the riverbanks of Chobe River, in the north of the country, usually in small herds of lone bull males.

The buffalo migrate between water sources as they need water daily. This determines the reproductive cycle of buffalo ensuring the young are born during the rainy season. The largest herds of buffalos can be Tanzania's Katavi National Park. Botswana is one of the best places to see buffalo by boat or canoe, notably along the riverbanks of Chobe River, in the north of the country, usually in small herds of lone bull males. The males eat the soft grasses along the river banks due to their worn teeth.

The Cape Buffalo

CONSERVATION STATUS: Cape buffalo are listed as Least Concern due to the large, widespread populations still remaining across southern and eastern Africa.

ATTACKS: Buffalo are sometimes referred to as the “widowmaker” as they are known to kill over 200 people every year.

TERRITORY: Buffalo’s territory is somewhat threatened by habitat fragmentation thanks to human encroachment and planned road constructions.