Buffalo became nocturnal and browsed to a large extent - a contrast to buffalo in other areas where they are diurnal grazers. The Addo buffalo rarely forms herds as elsewhere in Africa but generally live in small family groups led by an adult cow. The Addo buffalo are the only Cape buffalo to have survived into the 20th century in the Cape Province. The elephants of Addo are however the main draw card for visitors to the park. They are gregarious, living in family groups led by a matriarch or lead cow.
Elephant bull have their own social system with a dominant bull who does most of the mating.
Addo elephant bulls carry small tusks, and most cows are tusk less - thought to be the result of selective shooting in the nineteenth century. Calves are born after a gestation period of 22 months, and weigh about 120 kg at birth.