An Unexpected Gathering in the Wetlands
MalaMala Game Reserve is no stranger to unusual wildlife interactions, but even seasoned ranger Michael Botes couldn’t resist filming this charming scene. The day began like many others: buffalo scattered across the wet grasslands, enjoying the lush grazing and soft, waterlogged earth.
A few had taken the opportunity to wallow in the mud, a favourite pastime for these massive herbivores. Then, out of the bush, a mother rhino and her calf approached, their movements slow and deliberate.
Their destination was in fact the very same mud spa the buffalo had claimed.
A Moment of Apprehension
The first buffalo to notice the rhino pair was standing knee-deep in a large muddy puddle, clearly in no rush to leave. When the mother rhino came within just a few feet, the buffalo lifted its head and stared directly at her.
Then, in a show of nonchalance, it lowered its head again to resume its muddy indulgence. Even though it seemed not to care about the rhinos’ presence, it also gave the impression that it was ready to move if needed.
Sharing the Spa
With no hint of aggression, the mother rhino strolled right into the puddle. Then, to the astonishment of her buffalo neighbour, she began rolling in the mud!
Her massive body rocked side to side, coating herself in a protective layer against both biting insects and the harsh African sun. The buffalo, now watching intently, looked almost bewildered, as though wondering when this uninvited guest would finish her turn.
The rhino calf, initially hanging back, soon decided it was time to join its mother. It waded into the mud and stood close by as she rolled back in forth.
This seemed to push the buffalo to its limit. Without showing aggression, it quietly backed out of the puddle, moving a few meters away to watch from a safer distance.
The scene was a perfect example of non-confrontational space-sharing in the wild.
Why Mud Matters
Both buffalo and rhinos rely heavily on mud baths for their survival. Beyond cooling their bodies, the mud forms a thick barrier against biting flies and parasites.
For rhinos, it also helps prevent sunburn, as their skin, despite its toughness, is sensitive to prolonged exposure. Buffalo, with their heavy reliance on wallows, often find themselves in competition with other species for prime muddy spots, especially in the dry season.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
This encounter, however, showed that competition doesn’t always have to lead to conflict. The two species never clashed and never came into conflict.
They shared a mutual understanding that in the wild, sometimes it’s easier to share than to fight.
A Lesson from the Bush
In a landscape where survival often hinges on dominance and territory, moments like these stand out. They remind us that the African wilderness isn’t only about dramatic hunts and fierce battles, it’s also about coexistence, mutual respect, and the occasional shared mud spa.
For Michael and his guests, the sight proved to be as memorable as any lion hunt or leopard kill!