The southern plains of Singita Sabi Sands

Guests are often taken aback by the sheer and rather rapid change in landscape and inhabitants when exploring the southern/central parts of our custodial gem that we call home.

Among its most impressive inhabitants are the large Cape buffalo herds that traverse the savannas, sometimes numbering over 1 200 individuals per herd. These herds are not just a spectacle of sheer numbers; they play a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining the landscape and influencing the dynamics of both flora and fauna within the reserve.

One of the most fascinating behaviours exhibited by these buffalo herds is their practice of rotational feeding. As they move en masse across the plains, they graze intensively on the mixed-veld grasses, which might seem detrimental at first glance, as the wave of the large herd marches through. However, this process stimulates new grass growth, particularly in areas with cotton soil - a type of clay-rich soil known for its fertility when properly managed. The heavy grazing pressure removes older, less nutritious plant material and allows sunlight to reach the soil surface, promoting the germination of fresh, nutrient-rich grasses. This regeneration is crucial for maintaining the health of the grasslands, ensuring that they continue to support a diverse array of herbivores.

An interesting observation can be seen by looking at the shape of their hooves. They even-toed ungulate’s holes resemble two back-to-back figure of sixes that maneuver up and down ever so slightly and, in turn, bed the seed bank as they move through the land, thus ensuring the best chance for the next seasons conditions for germination.

The movement patterns of the buffalo also inadvertently create and maintain belts of clearings throughout the bushveld. As the herd forages, they trample smaller shrubs and saplings, preventing these areas from becoming overgrown. These open spaces are essential for other grazers like rhinos, and sprinters like cheetahs. Rhinos, being bulk grazers, benefit from the accessible vegetation, while cheetahs utilise the clearings as hunting grounds where they can leverage their speed to catch prey.

Moreover, the presence of such large buffalo herds has a significant impact on the predator-prey dynamics within Sabi Sand. The sheer size of the herd and the biomass it represents act as a magnet for larger predators, including lions and hyenas. Predators are drawn to the opportunity to hunt, which can lead to intense interactions and even influence pride territories and behaviours. This not only maintains the ecological balance but also enriches the biodiversity of the area.

As the day wanes, witnessing the sun setting over the African horizon, with the backdrop of a dust cloud raised by the mass movement of the buffalo is an unparalleled experience. The golden hues of dusk filter through the dust particles, creating a surreal landscape that epitomizes the wild beauty of the African savanna. This daily ritual is more than a visual masterpiece; it symbolizes the enduring cycle of life and the interconnectedness of the ecosystem.

The large buffalo herds of Sabi Sand are a cornerstone of the region's ecological health. Through rotational feeding, they rejuvenate grasslands and promote biodiversity. Their movements shape the physical environment, creating habitats for other species, while their role in the food chain sustains predator populations. Observing these dynamics offers invaluable insights into the complexity of natural ecosystems and underscores the importance of conserving such magnificent landscapes for future generations.