# Cape Buffalo > Don't let the bovine appearance fool you — the Cape buffalo is considered the most dangerous of the Big Five. Unpredictable, fiercely protective, and found in massive herds, they are a thrilling and humbling safari encounter. - **Type:** animal - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//wildlife/cape-buffalo - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Scientific Name:** Syncerus caffer - **Category:** Big Five - **Habitat:** Savannas, swamps, floodplains, mopane grasslands, forests - **Diet:** Herbivore (grazer) — coarse grasses, reeds, herbs - **Conservation Status:** Near Threatened - **Sighting Chance:** High - **Best Time To See:** Year-round; dry season for large herd aggregations near water - **Fun Facts:** Buffalo herds use 'democratic voting' to decide which direction to travel — females stand and face their preferred route., A buffalo's horn boss is so thick it can stop a rifle bullet., Old solitary bulls are called 'dagga boys' (after the mud they wallow in) and are considered the most dangerous., Buffalo have been documented seeking revenge — they will stalk and ambush lions that attacked their herd., They have excellent memory and have been known to attack people who harmed them years earlier. ## Details ## The Most Dangerous of the Big Five The Cape buffalo (also called the African buffalo) is often considered the most dangerous member of the Big Five. Responsible for more hunter fatalities than any other African large animal, they are unpredictable, highly intelligent, and known to ambush and stalk threats — earning them the nickname "Black Death" among old-time safari hunters. ## Herd Dynamics Buffalo are highly social and live in large herds that can number over 1,000 individuals. Herds are democratic — when it's time to move, adult females "vote" by standing and facing their preferred direction. The majority rules. This complex social structure helps protect against predators. ## Built Like a Tank An adult bull can weigh up to 900 kg and stands about 1.7 metres at the shoulder. Their fused horn bases, called a "boss", form a shield of bone nearly 2 cm thick that can stop a rifle bullet. Buffalo have been known to kill lions, flip safari vehicles, and gore crocodiles. ## Ecological Importance Buffalo are bulk grazers that maintain grassland ecosystems. By consuming large quantities of tall, coarse grasses, they allow shorter grasses to grow — creating habitat diversity that benefits many other herbivore species. ## Where to See Buffalo Large herds are found in the [Masai Mara](/kenya/masai-mara-national-reserve), Serengeti, Chobe (Botswana), Kruger, Hwange (Zimbabwe), and Katavi (Tanzania). The Ngorongoro Crater has a resident population within its walls. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many Cape Buffaloes are left in the wild? There are approximately 850,000 to 1,000,000 Cape Buffaloes remaining across Africa ### Why is the Cape Buffalo considered dangerous? Cape Buffaloes are highly protective, powerful, and capable of defending themselves aggressively when threatened. ### Where can I see Cape Buffaloes in Africa? They can be seen in Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kruger National Park, and many other protected areas. ### What do Cape Buffaloes eat? They are herbivores that primarily graze on grasses and other vegetation. ### Are Cape Buffaloes part of the Big Five? Yes. The Cape Buffalo is one of Africa's legendary Big Five safari animals. ### Why is the Cape buffalo considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals? Cape buffalo are large, strong, unpredictable and highly defensive when wounded, cornered or protecting calves. Old bulls can be especially dangerous because they may stand their ground or charge with little warning. ### Where can I see Cape buffalo on safari in East Africa? Reliable East African viewing areas include Kenya’s Masai Mara and Amboseli, Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Nyerere and Katavi, plus Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. ### Are Cape buffalo part of the Big Five? Yes. The Cape buffalo is one of the Big Five, alongside lion, leopard, elephant and rhinoceros. The term originally referred to the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot, but is now widely used for safari viewing. ### What is the best time of year to see Cape buffalo? Cape buffalo can be seen year-round in many parks because they are not long-distance migrants in the same way as wildebeest. In the 2026 dry season from June to October, herds are often easier to find near permanent water and grazing areas. ### What do Cape buffalo eat? Cape buffalo are bulk grazers that feed mainly on grasses, including tall, coarse growth many antelope avoid. Their grazing helps open up grasslands and encourages fresh shoots used by other herbivores. ### Do lions hunt Cape buffalo? Yes. Lions are the main natural predator of Cape buffalo, usually targeting calves, older bulls or weakened individuals. Large herds often defend themselves aggressively, and buffalo can injure or kill lions. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.