The Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is the largest and most formidable subspecies of the African buffalo and a powerful symbol of Africa’s wild savannas. Belonging to the family Bovidae, the Cape Buffalo is the nominate and most well-known subspecies of Syncerus caffer, which also includes the forest buffalo and other regional forms across sub-Saharan Africa. Known for its unpredictable nature, herd cohesion, and raw strength, the Cape Buffalo is one of the famed “Big Five” game animals and a keystone species in Africa’s grassland ecosystems.
Cape Buffaloes are massive, muscular bovines that inhabit grasslands, floodplains, savannas, and lightly wooded areas, particularly in East and Southern Africa. They are social animals, often forming herds that range from a few dozen to several hundred individuals. In prime habitats and during migration, these herds can swell into the thousands, offering one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the animal kingdom.
Adult bulls can weigh over 2,000 pounds and stand more than 5.6 feet at the shoulder, making them nearly as large as domestic bulls but significantly more dangerous. Both males and females possess thick, curved horns, with the males’ forming the distinctive “boss”—a fused helmet of horn at the base, used in head-on clashes during mating rivalries and for defense against predators.
Cape Buffaloes are exclusively herbivorous, feeding mostly on grasses but capable of shifting to shrubs and herbs during dry seasons. Their reliance on water limits their range, as they must drink daily. Despite their docile appearance when grazing, they are infamously unpredictable and aggressive when threatened, making them one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Although widespread and numerous, Cape Buffalo populations are increasingly affected by disease outbreaks, poaching, and habitat encroachment, requiring ongoing management even within protected areas.
Picture of a small herd of “Black Death” sent to us by a fellow Safari Hunter
