Chat with us!

African Hunts: Targeting The Nile Buffalo

The Nile Buffalo is aggressive, unpredictable, and cunning

The Nile buffalo (Syncerus caffer aequinoctialis) is one of five sub-species of the African buffalo and inhabits Central Africa. They are smaller than the Cape buffalo, but also unpredictable and aggressive. The Nile buffalo is listed as “near threatened” according to the IUCN and is only available for African hunts in Uganda.

The Nile buffalo lives in groups called herds, that may differ in size from several hundred to thousands of members. It is a case of all for one with their herds, as their eyesight and hearing may not be the best, but their sense of smell is excellent, as many disappointed game hunting enthusiasts will tell you when they were discovered during a Nile buffalo hunting adventure! As a group, there are more eyes, and ears (and nostrils!) out there to keep a lookout for danger.

Although they are powerful, aggressive, and can kill quite easily, these large mammals are herbivores, with a diet consisting of grass, herbs, shrubs, and trees. They tend to feed more at night when it is cooler, preferring to spend their day in the shade or wallowing in the mud. Being water-dependent, they prefer habitats near water, including savannas, flood plains, swamps, and forest regions.

Other than man who is enjoying Nile buffalo hunting in Africa, there are not many natural predators for adult Nile buffalos, other than the Nile crocodile and lion. Other large predators, such as hyenas, will attempt to target the sick or young in the herd but are unlikely to challenge a full-grown Nile buffalo.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Syncerus caffer aequinoctialis

Male Weight:
1,300 pounds

Male Shoulder Height:
47 inches

Range:
Central Africa

Life span:
+- 11 years

Hunting Nile Buffalo

The Nile buffalo is smaller than the Cape buffalo, but still provides a challenging game hunting adventure.

Size and Appearance

When buffalo hunting in Africa, look for a large cow-like animal. Although smaller than the Cape buffalo, the Nile buffalo is still a large animal, with an adult bull weighing about 1,300 pounds and standing 47 inches at the shoulder. Both male and female Nile buffalos have horns that are used as weapons as needed to protect themselves and their herd against predators or man on a hunting safari. Their horns are smaller than other species of buffalo and generally don’t curve below the base of the skull. They have large ears that hang below their large, curved horns and are dark gray to black, although this may vary depending on where they may have been wallowing in the mud. These large, cow-like creatures with a hump on their backs, broad chest, strong and muscular legs, and black hooves.

Hunting Methods

Buffalo hunting in Africa is usually undertaken by tracking, but their large herds make it a challenging hunting adventure with many animals on the lookout for danger – how close can you get? Another challenge is that once you are close enough and have identified your prize game hunting trophy, to gain a clear shot as the animals continually move and change position. The other option, of course, is to target a dugga boy, a solitary bull that is seen as the greatest trophy of all. They are exceptionally sought-after, being seen as wise, strong, and cunning as they can survive alone and outwit their predators.

Challenges and Rewards

Buffalo in general are renowned for their bad attitudes, their pure aggressive natures, and cunning streaks. This remains true for the Nile buffalo, and the challenge (apart from excellent shot placement!) is to face your fear when buffalo hunting in Africa. These animals are not to be messed with, with many hunters telling tales (and some not living to tell the tale!) of their stubborn, mean, and aggressive streaks. The reward is participating in African hunts targeting buffalo is reward enough in itself – especially if you complete the hunt unscathed with a game hunting trophy in tow!

Rifles and Requirements

A dangerous game, buffalo hunting in Africa requires a minimum of a .375 caliber shooting a 300-grain bullet. However, a well-placed bullet from a 416 Rugby, 404 Jeffery, 458 WM, or Lott will also do the job well. Double rifles such as the 470NE, 500NE, and up are preferred, especially when in close quarters with the Nile buffalo on your hunting adventure.