The cape buffalo is the only native African member of the bovid family that includes domestic cattle and american bison.  At up to 1.7 meters high, 3.4 meters long and 900 kg in weight, and with herds sometimes numbering hundreds, the buffalo truely gives the visitor a sense of the power of african wildlife.

A basic herds consist of related females, and their offspring, with each individual having it's place in a dominance hierarchy. The basic herds are surrounded by sub-herds of bachelor males, high-ranking males and females, and old or invalid animals.

While buffalos are one of the most feared animals in Africa, their instinctive response when is groups is typically to flee.  However, a female with a calf will do everything to protect her offspring.