Syncerus caffer Shoulder height 140cm. Weight 700kg.
Frequently and erroneously referred to as a water buffalo (which is actually an Asian species), the Cape, or African, buffalo is a distinctive, highly social, ox-like animal that lives as part of a herd. It prefers well-watered savannah, though also occurs in forested areas. Buffalo are primarily grazers and need regular access to water, where they swim readily. Lion often follow herds of buffalo, their favourite prey.

Huge herds are generally fairly peaceful, and experienced guides will often walk straight through them on walking safaris. However, small bachelor herds, and especially single old bulls, can be very nervous and aggressive. They have a reputation for charging at the slightest provocation, often in the midst of thick bush, and are exceedingly dangerous when wounded.

Buffalo smell and hear well, but it's often claimed that they have poor eyesight. This isn't true, though when encountered during a walking safari, if you keep still and the wind is right they won't be able to discern your presence.

Common and widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, in Botswana the buffalo is limited to the north of the country, largely by the absence of sufficient water in the rest of the country. Their annual movements mirror those of elephants in general terms. During the rains, from December onwards, they disperse into the mopane forests and into the drier areas of the northern Kalahari, splitting up into smaller groups and spreading out.

However, as the dry season progresses, they gather together into larger herds, and congregate near permanent sources of water: along the Chobe, Kwando and Linyanti rivers – and throughout the Okavango Delta. Then you'll see them in most reserves with water, though the open plains of NG23 (Duba Plains) seem to have particularly high concentrations of buffalo.