Keeping up with the herd...........

Cape Buffalo -  Syncerus Caffer

Breeding herds of the large heavily built 

savanna buffalo are often seen at Mala Mala 

where there are plentiful supplies of grass, 

shade and water.

On this morning game drive we came across a large group on the trail - great opportunity to get good close up shots.

Crossing in front of our vehicle.

Again we saw many Red-billed Oxpeckers searching for parasites on these huge animals, apparently these foraging birds enjoy inspecting ears for a hidden lunch.........

.............and have no qualms when hopping up a nose and onto the buffalo's tremendous horns while he's taking a nap in the sunshine. 

The buffalo move in herds, sometimes numbering several hundred, grazing on grasses at night and resting under trees or in reed beds during the hottest part of the African day. Determined attackers, they will charge hunters with head down, the wide sweep of horns covering their shoulders. The heavy protuberance where the horns meet can deflect or even stop a bullet. Curious individuals will break away from the herd to examine vehicles, testing the air with outstretched noses.  If disturbed they will race to rejoin the herd, which is quick to stampede.

Another morning we were taken by surprise when we came across a herd numbering perhaps a couple of hundred buffalo, all ages and sizes, cooling off in the river and along the banks.

Bob watching the herd at the Sand River.

 The calves are very cute and apparently learn to check us out at a young age.

Perhaps they won't win any beauty contests, but  

the buffalo are interesting animals to watch.

Next Africa post...........just dogs!  Actually very different dogs.