Buffalo (Cape)

Mammal

Where to See Cape Buffalo in Addo Elephant National Park

Syncerus caffer

Near ThreatenedPrey speciesSeen on most drives

Planning a trip to Addo Elephant National Park? Download opspoor to see recent sightings in the park and log your own.

Your chances of seeing Cape Buffalo in Addo Elephant National Park

Seen on most drives. Most visitors see Cape Buffalo within a day or two in Addo Elephant National Park.

When to see Cape Buffalo in Addo Elephant National Park

Cape Buffalo are most active early morning (05:00 to 09:00), during the day (05:00 to 19:00) and late afternoon into dusk (16:00 to 20:00). In the heat of the day (11:00 to 16:00) Cape Buffalo usually rest in shade, so scan under trees and in thickets.

This is Cape Buffalo's general behavior. Once enough sightings are logged in Addo Elephant National Park, this page also shows when they're actually seen here.

Where to look for Cape Buffalo in Addo Elephant National Park: waterholes

Wait at water

Cape Buffalo are drawn to water, so waiting at a waterhole is one of the best ways to see them.

Recent Cape Buffalo sightings in Addo Elephant National Park

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How to spot Buffalo (Cape) in Addo Elephant National Park

About the Buffalo (Cape)

The Cape buffalo is a massive African bovine recognised by its heavy body, dark coat, large ears and distinctive horns that form a broad boss across the forehead. It is strongly associated with grassland, woodland and areas with reliable water and grazing. Cape buffalo are primarily grazers and usually live in herds, sometimes numbering several hundred animals. They are highly social and can be formidable when threatened, particularly when defending calves or responding to predators.

How to identify the Buffalo (Cape)

Very large, heavily built bovine with a dark brown to black coat, massive shoulders, large curved horns and a distinctive boss where the horns meet across the forehead. Older bulls often have a broad, heavily developed horn boss.

Other species to look for in Addo Elephant National Park

Other parks where you can see Cape Buffalo

Easiest first.

Heading to Addo Elephant National Park? opspoor shows where Cape Buffalo have been logged recently and lets you log your own, even with no signal.