More About South Africa Buffalo Hunting

The Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is also known as the African buffalo, and more informally, as the “Widow Maker” or “Black Death.” Sound a bit melodramatic? Think again… The Cape buffalo is a large, dark brown to black hoofed mammal, with large, curved horns, droopy ears, and black nose. It has a pronounced shoulder hump, a massive head, a broad chest, and short, sturdy legs. As an adult, the Cape Buffalo reaches between 6-11 feet in length, 3-5 feet at the shoulder, and weighs up to 2,000 pounds! This wall of muscle, combined with their savage, aggressive, and unpredictable nature, makes for a thrilling hunting adventure. Oh wait, did I mention their horns that they use both in defence and to gauge other animals or perceived threats? Let’s not forget those either! When buffalo hunting in Mozambique, remember that these animals have an excellent sense of smell and although their eyesight and hearing may not be the best, they will smell and sense danger. They are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a status of “least concern.”

South African buffalo hunts are popular, offering fenced hunting safaris with prize trophy specimens, including the notorious “dugga boys.” A dugga boy is a lone, older buffalo bull who survives outside of the herd, either having left it or being kicked out. These trophy animals are highly prized, as they offer hunters an adrenaline-filled hunting safari, testing the hunter’s courage, perseverance, marksmanship, and stamina against the great Cape buffalo! The Cape buffalo is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with a status of “least concern.”

Shot Placement while Cape Buffalo Hunting in South Africa

Buffalo hunting in South Africa will see you putting in a couple of miles each day, so ensure that your fitness is peak, as hunting methods include walk-and-stalk, as well as bow hunting options. While on your African buffalo hunt and your trophy bull has been identified, a couple of shot placement options include: Brain & Neck Shot – Not recommended due to it being a small target Frontal Body Shot – Worth considering Heart Shot – Recommended Lung Shot – Most preferred and recommended shot placement option “Fleeing Shot” – NEVER to be considered as a first shot Shots when Quartering – Only take if the angle is small and not too great It all comes down to the first shot and ensuring correct shot placement. If you are unsure, don’t take the shot. It’s as simple as that. There is nothing as dangerous, or as intent on revenge, as a wounded buffalo!

What Caliber Rifle is used when Cape Buffalo Hunting in South Africa?

What Caliber Rifle is used when Cape Buffalo Hunting in South Africa? Cape buffalo hunting in South Africa sees the minimum requirement being a .375 caliber shooting a 300-grain bullet. A well-placed bullet from a 416 Rugby, 404 Jeffery, 458 WM, or Lott will also bring down a Cape buffalo. Double rifles such as the 470NE, 500NE, and up are preferred when in close quarters. It is good to remind oneself that apart from ensuring that your rifle caliber is correct, shot placement needs to be spot on, to ensure a humane and quick death for the animal.