Uganda Buffalo/Cape Buffalo
Uganda Buffalo/Cape Buffalo: There is only one species of buffalo in Africa. However four distinct subspecies exist: forest buffalo, West African savanna buffalo, Central African buffalo and the Cape buffalo
African buffalo are huge, even-toed ungulates, characterized by their stocky build and heavy horns. Horns are present on both sexes, and they are not ridged. The buffalo is easily distinguished from other animals because of its dark black color. In addition, its characteristic horns smaller and lighter, curving outward, backward, and upwards. Ears are large fringed with hair and hang below massive horns.
The Uganda Buffalo/Cape Buffalo
In Uganda there are two subspecies of buffalo that exist namely; the larger savannah buffalo and the smaller forest buffalo. They live in two types of groups -family herds. These contain mainly females, calves and bachelor herds.
These Buffaloes are found in most of Uganda’s national parks. More so, they stay in open grasslands but they also prefer swampy areas more especially during hot temperatures. Moreover to cool off and also drink some water. A fully grown buffalo is normally black and dark brown . However, as it ages and weighs about 500-910kg. But with males being slightly larger than females. Calves are known to have reddish hairs which later turns black as they grow.
Being commonly seen during game-drives it is one of those animals we can pretty much promise you to see while on safari in Uganda. During daytime they are usually seen resting in water or mud to help regulating the body temperature. But don’t be fooled by the docile look of buffaloes resting, Cape buffalo is actually one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. With their defensive nature and therefore, they deserve to be treated with respect. Although they are herbivores, feeding almost exclusively on grass, buffalos are known to be one of the most dangerous species in Uganda.
Facts about Uganda Buffalo/Cape Buffalo Cape Buffalo
They are often pictured covered in mud with a bird on their back. The mud helps buffalo get rid of ticks and parasites that latch onto their skin. Birds such as oxpeckers, for example, ride on the back of the buffalo and eat lice, fleas, and other parasites while getting a lift.
These Buffalo are considered one of the “big five,” a term grouping them with leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and lions as the most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa. Hunting websites refer to the buffalo as “black death” for its dangerous personality. They’re known to be grumpy and unpredictable. And they can run up to 37 miles per hour. Because of this, they’re considered prize trophies by big game hunters.
The curved horns
The Cape buffalo’s curved horns add to the stature of an already imposing animal, which can reach seven feet from tip to tail. Horns can help distinguish age and sex. In large adult males, the horns meet in the middle of their heads and are joined by a hard shield called a “boss.” This creates a helmet-esque formation. The horns are used for defense and to determine dominance for mating. Females also have horns that are narrower and smaller.
More so, Cape Buffaloes have poor eyesight but they have exceptional hearing and smell senses
Furthermore, as elephants are known for not forgetting but Buffaloes are said to be unforgiving. Many stories have been told of previously wounded buffaloes setting an ambush for hunters who follow or who have had attacked them previously regardless of the years. They would circle back on their tracks, stand and wait for hunters that track. This is one of the reasons why they are regarded and described as “BLACK DEATH”
Giving Birth
Buffaloes take 11 months and a half when giving birth and the new calf stay with their mothers for atleast one year before becoming independent within the herds. Buffaloes give birth only during wet season
Feeding
Cape Buffaloes are herbivores that are not so picky with their habitat for as long as there is grass and water around and the place can definitely become their home.
Places to see buffaloes on your visit in Uganda.
If the Uganda Buffalo/Cape Buffalo is high on your wish list for sightings during the safari you are lucky since they are easy to tick off. In Uganda the Cape buffalo or African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is found in all the national parks with savanna like Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison Falls national park and Kidepo Valley national park. The Cape buffalo qualifies as one of the famous “big 5” together with lion, elephant, leopard, and rhinoceros.
During your safari the best view is got during the morning or evening game drive in the above-mentioned Uganda national parks. For the experienced tour operators like Umarella Voyage Safaris, we prepare for an evening boat-cruise on Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth national park or on the Nile in Murchison Falls national park you where you will see Cape buffaloes wallowing in the shallow waters.
For the best Experience of Buffaloes in Uganda you can email us at info@umarellavoyagrsafaris.com for the following Buffalo safari Tours
3-day Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
8-days Kidepo Valley & Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari
15-Day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari