Cape Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer) are very large,
and bulky mammals.


They tend to travel in large herds from watering places to grazing places and back again. They are belligerent, dangerous animals, especially the old males who are usually exorcised from the herd. They form small “old bachelor” groups that are very dangerous. They form together purely for survival purposes. They can live over 20 years and can weigh up to a ton. They travel fast when moving from one location to another. Lions prey on them, but the battles are fierce. Enjoy, and if you have questions-
write to me-the ghostbear.

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
         
            Click any image for more photos
                 
             
           
           
       
Old Bachelors
The Challenge
   
           
             
           
           
           
       
Honing their Skills
Old Warriors    
           
           
             
             
             
             
          Don't tread on me! Knowing who's Boss!    
             
   


Two experiences marked my journey.

O ne day, as Omari (my guide)and I were returning to the lodge, it was dusk, Omari stopped suddenly and backed up. He backed the Land Rover behind a large tree and told me to “listen and watch.” Just as darkness was beginning to cross the plains suddenly a thunderous herd of around 600 Cape Buffalo came charging through the bush, along the trail and passed in front of us. They were on their way to their nighttime resting place. It was astounding to see and hear.

A second experience happened one morning in the Taranguire. I was traveling along a narrow trail with Omari, looking for Mr. Leopard when we spotted a freshly killed, large Cape Buffalo. It was still in tact except its tail had been bitten off, and its entrails were ripped out. There was blood everywhere. Brush and bush were knocked down, it had been the seen of a tremendous battle. We found two young male Lions hiding in the bush. Each looked very beaten up and one was, we believed, fatally injured. They had taken the Buffalo on by themselves and while they killed it, they paid a heavy price-the cost of being a young, starving male Lion driven from the pride.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
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