Wildlife Guides
The Big Five Safari Guide: See All Five in One Trip
Where and how to see all Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) on a single African safari.
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Near Threatened
Cape Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
About the Cape Buffalo
The Cape buffalo completes Africa's "Big Five" and is considered the most dangerous of the group by many experienced hunters and guides. Large herds of several hundred roam the savannas, while old bulls — known as "dagga boys" — are solitary and notoriously unpredictable.
HabitatSavanna, swamps, floodplains
Found InAfrica
Best SeasonMay - October
ConservationNear Threatened
Biology & Stats
DietTall, coarse grasses and sedges. Need to drink daily.
Daily IntakeUp to 35 kg of grass per day
Weight (Male)590-900 kg
Weight (Female)400-550 kg
Lifespan (Wild)18-25 years
Lifespan (Captivity)25-30 years
Wild Population~900,000 (stable)
Social BehaviourHighly social herds of 50-500+. "Vote" on travel direction by standing and facing.
Migration: Non-migratory. Seasonal movements following green grass.
Best time of day: Active morning and evening. Rest and ruminate midday.
Typical viewing distance: 20-50 metres from vehicle
Camera settings: 1/500s, f/5.6-f/8, ISO 200-800, 70-200mm for herds, 200-400mm for portraits
Fun Facts
- Cape buffalo have been known to ambush and kill lions in retaliation for attacks on their herd.
- They have an excellent memory and have been known to attack people who harmed them years earlier.
- A large herd can drink an entire waterhole dry in a single visit.
In the Wild
Where to See Cape Buffalo in the Wild
Kruger National Park
South AfricaMassive herds are a common sight.
Serengeti National Park
TanzaniaLarge herds roam the open plains.
Plan a Visit
Featured Destinations to See Cape Buffalo
Compare practical destination guides with seasonal timing, travel logistics, other wildlife, tours, and places to stay.
Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is synonymous with African safari. Spanning 14,750 km2 of savanna, it hosts the Great Migration — the largest overland animal movem...
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South Africa
Kruger National Park
Kruger is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering nearly 20,000 km2. It offers an accessible, affordable safari experience with exce...
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Botswana
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the world's largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Okavango River fans out across the Kal...
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Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera and one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife destinations. This natural a...
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Botswana
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in Africa, with an estimated 120,000 elephants moving through...
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Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest and oldest national park, covering 14,651 km2 of semi-arid bushveld, grassland, and teak woodland. The...
Plan your visit →Country Guides
Explore Cape Buffalo by Country
Country guides connect the species with other wildlife, featured places, planning context, and responsible-viewing advice.
Habitat Guides
Habitats Used by Cape Buffalo
Species may rely on several ecosystems across their range. Explore how conditions and conservation pressures differ.
How to See This Species
Responsible Cape Buffalo Experiences
Compare activity formats, physical conditions, operator questions, animal-welfare risks, and relevant destinations before choosing a tour.
Safari
Safari Game Drives
A game drive uses a vehicle to explore protected landscapes with a guide or, where rules allow, as a self-drive visitor. It is the most accessible…
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Safari
Walking Safaris
A walking safari shifts attention from covering distance to reading an ecosystem at ground level. Tracks, dung, plants, insects, alarm calls, wind,…
Plan the experience →At the Zoo
Where to See Cape Buffalo at Zoos
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego, USA
Relevant Tour Listings
Browse Cape Buffalo Tours & Experiences
Current Viator listings matched to this species. Confirm where the activity operates, its wildlife policy, recent reviews, availability, and cancellation terms before booking.
Free cancellation
Big Five Safari and Breede River Valley Guided Day Trip
10 hoursFrom$180.29per person
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Aquila Big Five Game Reserve Safari with options from Cape Town
9 hoursFrom$235.93per person
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Free cancellation
Big Five Safari Experience Near Cape Town ,South Africa
8 hoursFrom$136.77per person
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Free cancellation
Aquila Safari Full Day Tour Spot the Big Five from Cape Town
10 hoursFrom$181.53per person
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Free cancellation
Big Five Safari at Schotia Private Game Reserve in Port Elizabeth
4 hoursFrom$167.86per person
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Free cancellationPrivate
Big5 Wildlife Game Reserve Safari with wine tasting Transport
8 hoursFrom$180.23per person
View on Viator →Safari.com
Safari Packages to See Cape Buffalo
Safari.com itinerary examples that may include cape buffalo habitat. Request a current quote and confirm the operator, exact route, wildlife policy, recent reviews, and cancellation terms before booking.
3 Day Unrivaled Views of the Kruger & Sabie River Safari
Experience the Kruger National Park, suspended over the Sabie River.
- 2 nights aboard Kruger Shalati, a luxury train stationed on a bridge over the Sabie River
- Twice-daily game drives in southern Kruger in search of the Big Five
- Swim in the overhanging pool above crocodiles, hippos and elephants
Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.
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4 Day All-Inclusive Kruger Safari with Hoyo Hoyo
Enjoy an All-inclusive 4-day Kruger National Park safari! Round-trip flights from Johannesburg, airport transfers, luxury accommodation, mea...
- 3 nights at 5-star Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park
- Twice-daily Big Five game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with ranger and tracker
- Three-course dinner under the stars
Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.
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7-Day Kruger Park and Vic Falls Combo
Experience the ultimate safari adventure with a 7-day journey through Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls.
- 3 nights aboard Kruger Shalati, the train on the bridge over the Sabie River
- Twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers across Kruger National Park
- 3 nights at The Wallow Lodge in Victoria Falls
Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.
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7-Day Fly-In Cape Town to Kruger Luxury Safari
Embark on a luxury safari from the stunning Cape Town Waterfront Village to the deep wilderness of Simbavati Waterside Klaserie Nature Reser...
- 3 nights at Waterfront Village on Cape Town's V&A Marina
- Walking distance to Two Oceans Aquarium, Watershed and Food Market
- Fly to Hoedspruit for 3 nights at Simbavati Waterside Lodge
Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.
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7-Day Hidden Gem Safari: Cape Town to Pafuri
Embark on an unforgettable journey to uncover the hidden gems of South Africa. Begin your adventure with a stay at the charming Romney Park ...
- 3 nights at Romney Park in Green Point near the V&A Waterfront
- 14-course traditional African dinner at GOLD Restaurant
- Cape Town sightseeing including Table Mountain, Cape Point and Boulders Beach
Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.
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5 Day Luxury Kruger Park & Sabi Sand Safari
Book a combination of two nights in the Kruger Park and two nights in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and discover an excellent mix of ga...
- 2 nights at Lukimbi Safari Lodge in southern Kruger National Park
- 2 nights at Idube Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve
- Twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers with optional walking safaris
Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.
View on Safari.com →Photography Tips for Cape Buffalo
Large herds at waterholes create dramatic scenes. Capture the oxpecker birds that often sit on their backs for interesting compositions.
Safety Guide
Lone buffalo bulls are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Never approach on foot. They are responsible for killing an estimated 200 people per year in Africa.
Expert Planning Guides
Plan a Trip to See Cape Buffalo
Use these in-depth guides to compare destinations, timing, costs, photography, and responsible wildlife-viewing choices.
Safari Planning
Walking Safaris in Africa: On Foot with the Big Five
Everything about walking safaris: best destinations, what to expect, fitness requirements, and safety.
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Where to See
Best African Safari Destinations: Big Five and Beyond
Compare the top safari destinations across Africa — Serengeti, Masai Mara, Kruger, Okavango Delta, and more. Find the perfect safari for your budget and style.
Read guide →Related Species
