In the middle of a buffalo herd at Africa on Foot

The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is a buffalo hotspot and usually when we spot a couple, there are hundreds more just out of sight. That was the case on this particular morning on an Africa on Foot walking safari when guide, Greg, led his guests to Twala Dam just before a big herd of buffalo arrived for a drink. Photographers Jochen Van de Perre and Kevin MacLaughlin were on the scene to capture some fantastic footage as guests settled down in the hide and watched a buffalo herd of 800 wade into the water.

Guests looking on from the hide

Only a portion of the huge herd surrounding the damOnly a portion of the huge herd surrounding the dam

Buffaloes taking a drink half submerged

Well known as some of the most dangerous animals in the African wild, buffaloes get a lot of respect especially when approaching on foot. They are pretty nervous animals, as their sight is not particularly good, but their incredible sense of smell more than makes up for that! They stick together in herds, and they are not afraid to protect themselves and their young – a lesson learned by lions quite frequently.

Running through the mud

Missing a horn

 

Twala Dam has a wonderful hide, which is the solace of many a photographer and bird-watcher. (See photographers and film makers Russell MacLaughlin and Shannon Wild at work filming elephants from this fantastic spot earlier this year). Greg’s morning walk had incorporated a visit to this fantastic spot and he and his guests were just getting started with a traditional game of “bok drol spoeg” when the arrival of the massive herd called for an interval.

Buffalo reflection and the hide

Buffalo glances at guests in hide

Male, female, and calf