A bachelor herd of Cape Buffalo makes its away across the floor of Ngorongoro Crater.
Breeding and bachelor herds
In the world of the Cape (or African) buffalo (Syncerus caffer), there are two kinds of herds: the breeding herd and the bachelor herd. The former is a large, protective group of females, calves, and dominant males focused on reproduction. The latter is a smaller group of solitary or displaced males
Males in bachelor herd live life on their own terms. These fraternities can be as small as five or as large as 50 animals.
But why choose the bachelor life? Here is a look at why these bulls split off and what their lifestyle entails.
Why Do Buffaloes Join Bachelor Herds?
Leaving a massive breeding herd and joining a bachelor herd offers three perks: less drama, more food, and better rest.
Moving away from a breeding herd avoids constant clashes with dominant bull. There's less drama all around.
Moving away from a breeding herd allows for more forage efficiency. Smaller groups may have access to more food.
Moving away from a breeding herd allows for resting and wallowing in mud. This allows young bulls to bulk up, build muscle, and gain the strength needed to challenge dominant males if/when they return to the breeding herds.
Meet the “Dagga Boys”
This lifestyle of rest and relaxation features a lot of time spent wallowing in the mud. This specific behavior has earned these bachelor herds a nickname among local safari guides: “Dagga Boys.”
The phrase "dagga" (pronounced dun-gah) comes from the Zulu word udaka, which means mud or cement. Because these males are constantly found staying cool in waterholes, they emerge caked in thick, dried mud—looking like cement statues.
What is the Catch?
While the bachelor lifestyle sounds comfortable, it comes with a trade-off. Among them, smaller numbers mean less protection.
Without hundreds of extra eyes and horns watching their backs, these bachelors lose the safety of the crowd. Out on the open savanna, a small group of “Dagga Boys” can become a vulnerable target for a pride of lions.
Solo living in the Serengeti is risky business.
Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.