The Boss of the Bushveld

Heavy, horned, and always on alert—the Cape Buffalo is Africa’s undisputed heavyweight when it comes to power and presence. With males tipping the scales at 800 kg and that bossed helmet of horns, these animals don’t back down from a fight—even lions think twice.

Buffalo herds can number in the hundreds, led by wise old pathfinders who decide when to move and where to graze. When threatened, they form a living fortress—calves tucked in the middle, horns out. It’s no wonder they’ve earned their place on the Big Five list.

Known for their mud-caked hides and sharp instincts, these bulk grazers are constantly on the move, drinking water twice a day and devouring grass like it’s going out of style. And don’t underestimate the old guys—solitary bulls, known as “Dagga Boys,” are often cranky, caked in mud, and dangerously unpredictable.

Cape Buffalo are tough, social, and smarter than they look. You’ll find them in savannas and woodlands, always close to water, always ready to charge.