Buffalo, Kruger Africa

Less than a mile further from the elephant sighting was a gang (herd) of about 30 buffaloes grazing to the right of the road. I couldn’t see them clearly without binoculars, so after a brief stay, I moved on and I wasn’t disappointed. Going off-road, I came across an even bigger herd, at least 100 of them, dotting the landscape. Some stopped grazing, some just stared, seemingly not bothered by my presence.

This great hulk of a beast is not to be trifled with though as it is known to be temperamental. One of the reasons it couldn’t be domesticated. When a buffalo gets aggressive, it can charge its pursuer at speeds of up to 35mph (57km/h). Those on walking safaris have occasionally found themselves climbing trees to escape charging buffaloes. 

They have few predators due to their mass, a thick hide and sharp curved horns. They’ve been known to fling lions in the air or chase them up a tree when protecting their herd and just like the elephants, they have excellent memory and definitely hold a grudge. They’ve been known to ambush hunters years after the buffaloes were injured by them. They are fiercely protective of their calves, often forming a circle around them and if in danger will engage in mobbing behaviour to fight off the predators. 

A story is told of a pride of seven lions lying on a dam wall watching a herd head in their direction. The lead buffalo, followed by another with a calf in tow, followed by the herd seemed unaware of the lions ahead. The lions sensing an opportunity shifted and laid in wait. As the buffaloes approached, the lions swiftly pounced, scattering the herd. The calf, unable to keep up, was jumped on by the lions with such force that they tumbled into the dam. As the lions attempted to drag the calf onto dry land, two crocodiles appeared grabbing a hold of the calf’s leg. A tug of war ensued between the predators until the lions successfully dragged the calf up on the banks and the crocodiles let go. By now the buffaloes regrouped and returned to confront the lions. Picking them off one by one, the still-alive calf eventually broke free of the lions and was safely tucked back into the herd. With a final buffalo charge, the remaining lions dispersed.