Very dangerous animals, though they might not appear so when grazing, African buffalos are certainly to be respected. Big game hunters are all too keen on the risk associated with getting up close and personal with a buffalo in Africa, and since African buffalos are sometimes on the menu of humans and big cats, it makes sense that they be so defensive and feisty. The African buffalo is also known as the Cape buffalo, and though there is just one species on the continent, there are two separate subspecies. African buffalos are members of the "elite" group known as the "Big Five", which is a term created by big game hunters to identify the most dangerous or difficult animals. They are found in greatest number in East Africa and can do quite well in different habitats, as long as there are fresh greens to munch on. An interesting and largely mysterious creature, the African buffalo is just one reason why African safaris are so intriguing.

African buffalos come in the larger savannah variety and in the smaller forest-dwelling counterpart. The savannah buffalos are akin to cows, and they generally weigh anywhere from 1,100-1,980 lbs. The males are larger than the females, and only they reach the upper weight levels. To get an idea how big the forest-dwelling African buffalos are, you can basically cut those numbers in half. Extremely prolific grazers, African buffalos are also wanderers of sorts, moving on when there is little to nothing left to eat. Thanks to their eating technique and wide incisor rows, they can make quick work of grasslands, leaving some left for later grazers. There aren't too many predators that buffalo in Africa have to worry about. Nile Crocodiles are known to single out the old, injured, or young, and besides an armed man, only lions are really able to bring a healthy adult down. Most often, lions that are successful in bringing down a buffalo in Africa have done so as part of a group. On occasion, a large male lion can complete the task on his own, but it is certainly never easy. Helping African buffalos to fend off threats are impressive horns that grow outward over the heads and curl upward near the ends.

Since the favorite habitat for a buffalo in Africa involves having water nearby, a safari water buffalo adventure is surely something that you can arrange in Africa. It may be of significance to note that although African buffalos like to be close to water, they are not closely related to the wild Asian water buffalo. Giving testament to the fact that African buffalos have a temper is the concept that they have never been domesticated like the Asian water buffalos have. A buffalo safari in Africa can be enjoyed in a number of countries, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya among them. One great thing about a buffalo safari is that you will also spot other interesting animals as you go. Crocodiles, zebras, lions, and giraffes are just some of the awesome African animals that many a safari includes. Hundreds of bird species can also be found at many of the top African game reserves, so bringing a good pair of binoculars with you is highly advised.

Kenya Map

A buffalo safari in Africa can span just the better part of a day, or extend over a range of days. You can choose to stay in one country, or include a few if you please. Extended safaris usually include stays at campsites or lodges. Meals are provided along the way, and they are often quite delicious. Rhinoceros safaris, lion safaris, and leopard safaris are other popular African safari ideas, but since so many game reserves boast so many different animals, a general safari is usually a combination of all the above, and then some.