Buffalo are social creatures with very interesting social dynamics. The older bulls are commonly referred to as “Dagga Boys” (a term derived from the slang word “dagga” which was used to describe mortar or building mix for brick laying in the building industry). The reason it came about was the fact that buffalo bulls often have dried mud on their bodies after mud bathing earlier in the day. The impression or look they then give is that of a buffalo covered in mortar or building mix, hence the term “Dagga Boys”. Herds of buffalo are made up of predominantly cows, adolescents, and calves. Adult bulls can still be found in and amongst herds. Some herds can be very large with over one thousand individuals in one herd. The herds move in an endless journey to find good grazing pastures and water. There are stages during the day when buffalo stop to rest. It can be quite a sight to see a large herd lying in an area, with countless horns visible from just above the grass. Fairly intimidating for would be predators. However, buffalo herds are often followed by lions when they are moving through the big cats’ territories. Lions regularly prey on buffalo in certain areas, and this is where being in a herd becomes effective for the buffalo. During an attack from lions, buffalo will stand their ground and try drive the predators away. The lions will look for suitable targets in the chaos, which often turns out to be the young or weak. Buffalo will surge towards a lion or pride of lions during these battles and often, the buffalo manage to safeguard their own. When next on a safari and you see an old buffalo bull or even a large herd, remember to give these fantastic beasts some of your time as they are really quite special.