This large African bovine is not closely related to the
slightly larger wild Asian water buffalo, and its ancestry remains.
Due in large to its unpredictable nature, which makes it
highly dangerous to humans; the African buffalo has never been domesticated
unlike its Asian counterpart, the Asian buffalo.
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| Kenya Buffalo by Corne Schalkwyk |
The horns of African buffalo are very peculiar. A
characteristic feature of them is the adult bull’s horns have fused bases,
forming a continuous bone shield referred to as a “boss’, which cannot always
be penetrated even by a rifle bullet. From the base, the horns diverge, then
bend down, and then smoothly curve upwards and outwards.
When a herd member is attacked, others will rush to its
defense. Collectively a number of buffalo are more than capable to stave off an
attack by an entire pride of lions. A wounded buffalo bull is regarded as most
dangerous by hunters, and is one of the reasons why this animal is included
into the so-called ‘big five’. This trait is the origin of many hunting
adventures, myths and legends.
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| Buffalo mud bath by Corne Schalkwyk - Queen Elizabeth National park Uganda |
I have always had a fascination with Buffalo and will always make time to get a good photo of a buffalo while on Safari.
The below photo is part of Premier Safari's offering referred to as the Uganda Meander. I took the photo while travelling with Premier to explore Murchison falls National park in Uganda.
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| Uganda Meander Premier Safaris |
We stayed at Paraa and Chobe Safari lodges (both owned by Marasa Africa lodges based in East Africa)
Premier Safaris website: www.premiersafaris.com
Marasa Africa Lodges: www.marasa.net
