Buffalo

(Sencerus caffer)

lion

Buffaloes occur in habitats that provide them with enough water, grass and cover. Herds are very often found along large rivers. They are bulk feeders that graze in dense stands of grass and their herds often number 300 or more; although  I have seen herds of over 1 000 in the past! Old buffalo bulls sometimes walk alone and are known as "dagga bulls". They have a reputation for being extremely dangerous.

Male
Female
buffalo male buffalo female

Shoulder height:

135-170cm / 53-67in

Shoulder height:

135-170cm / 53-67in

Weight:

±680kg / ±1 500lbs

 Weight:

±680kg / ±1 500lbs

Features:

Males are larger than females and have larger, more solid horns with a very prominent shield (also known as a boss).


More buffalo facts:

Habitat:

Buffaloes are water-dependent animals that have to drink very often. They are usually found in the vicinity of rivers, dams and waterholes, especially the larger rivers of the Kruger National Park. Because they are bulk grazers, they are often seen in big herds moving through large open areas with tall grass.

Active:

Buffaloes are active at night and during the day, and eat and rest for about the same amount of time before dark as after dark

Food:

Buffaloes are bulk grazing ruminants that feed mainly on tall grasses

Gestation:

11 and a half months

Calves:

One

Weaned:

Approximately 15 months

Herds:

Buffaloes gather in large, non-territorial herds with a male dominance hierarchy. These herds may cover wide distances in search of food. Old bulls often form small groups of 3-10, using a much smaller area

In Kruger:

To learn more about how to find buffaloes in Kruger, check out the right-hand sidebar.



Back to main mammals page

How to find buffalo in the Kruger National Park:

leopard

Stay at these camps:
Lower Sabie
Shingwedzi
Letaba

Drive these roads:
H9 tar road
S28 Nhlowa road
H6 tar road
S52 Red Rocks Loop
H4-1 tar road

Top tips:
Search for buffaloes along large rivers; they particularly love the Shingwedzi and Sabie Rivers.

Look for old buffalo bulls on the western tip of the S100 near Satara.

Scan the horizon from lookout points, because you can often see buffaloes in the distance.

Check out our Kruger buffalo gallery:buffalo gallery



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