Cape Buffalo
The legendary "Black Death" of Africa
The Cape buffalo is considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa and a member of the legendary Big Five. Known for their unpredictable nature and tendency to charge when wounded, they represent the ultimate test of nerve, skill, and patience in dangerous game hunting.
Dangerous Game
Cape buffalo are among Africa's most dangerous animals. They're unpredictable, aggressive when threatened, and known to ambush hunters. Always hunt with an experienced professional hunter (PH) and backup rifle.
Shot Placement Critical
"If you mess up your first shot, the next dozen will serve no purpose other than to make the buffalo even angrier." Place shots with care—heart/lung shots preferred. Front-facing brain shots are for emergencies only.
Member of the Big Five
Along with lion, leopard, elephant, and rhinoceros, Cape buffalo are one of Africa's legendary Big Five. Many hunters consider buffalo the most achievable and most compelling of all dangerous game to pursue.
About Cape Buffalo Hunting
Species Profile
The Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is the largest of the African bovids. These massive, dark brown to black animals are known for their strength, intelligence, and unpredictable nature. They're considered one of the most dangerous animals on the continent.
Old bulls, called "dagga boys" (named for the mud they wallow in), often leave the herd and become increasingly wary and tough. These solitary bulls are prized trophies but are particularly dangerous when approached.
Physical Characteristics
- Weight: 900-2,000 lbs (bulls heavier than cows)
- Height: 4.3-5.6 feet at shoulder
- Length: Up to 7 feet from tip to tail
- Horns: Curved, forming a "boss" in mature bulls
- Trophy Spread: 40"+ (exceptional bulls 50"+)
- Color: Dark brown to black, thinning with age
Distribution
Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa in savannas, grasslands, and woodlands. Major hunting destinations include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Tanzania. Populations are healthy in protected areas and game ranches.
Behavior
Herd animals that can form groups of hundreds. Old bulls become solitary "dagga boys." Known to ambush hunters by circling back on their tracks. Will charge with intent to kill when wounded or threatened.
Horn Development
Horns help distinguish age. Mature bulls develop a thick "boss"—a fused shield of horn across the forehead. The curved horns sweep down then up. Trophy quality measured by spread and boss hardness.
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