Wildlife of Africa: The Big Five

The Cape Buffalo

Image © Dave Hutchinson

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When you spot the Cape Buffalo while on safari in Africa, you usually don't spot them alone. They tend to appear in very large (and intimidating) herds. Even when looking at them through binoculars from a distance, the males always seem to be staring right at you with intense dislike. Weighing in at over 700 kg's (1540 lb's) even lions don't dare take a chunk out of this beast. Cape Buffalo are said to have killed more big game hunters than any other animal in Africa. Hence they have earned their place in the Big 5.

For further information about the Cape Buffalo, its behavior, habitat and characteristics see the African Wildlife Foundation.

Where to see Cape Buffalo

• Botswana at Chobe National Park
• South Africa at the Kruger National Park
• Namibia at Etosha National Park
• Zimbabwe at Hwange National Park
• Kenya at Amboseli National Park
• Tanzania at the Serengeti National Park