During our stay, we were fortunate enough to witness some incredible lion sightings. However, it was a herd of buffalo that provided us with a truly unforgettable experience. As we arrived at the dam, we could see the lions in the distance, although they seemed preoccupied with the herd of buffalo that were already there. This particular group of lions had already killed two sub-adult buffalo in the past 48 hours, so we didn’t expect them to hunt again, especially considering the extreme heat. Nevertheless, the possibility of a lion-buffalo interaction was still thrilling.
As we watched, a large herd of over 100 buffalo arrived at the dam, creating a stunning spectacle as they kicked up dust and wallowed in the muddy water. Once they had quenched their thirst, they moved on towards the east. Little did we know, the lions had spotted a different herd of buffalo heading towards the same dam.
Suddenly, the lions began to stir and chase the second herd, causing chaos. As they chased the buffalo, the second herd retaliated and chased the lions into a dry riverbed, where the first herd was still lingering. The first herd also became agitated by the lions’ presence and began to chase them in turn.
The lions were now caught between two angry herds of buffalo, and one young male made a reckless decision to climb a russet bushwillow. This was a grave mistake, as the buffalo were now even more agitated. The tree was not bigenough to provide safety, and the young lion found himself scrambling to avoid the thrashing horns of the angry buffalo. For almost an hour, the buffalo remained at the base of the tree, sniffing and thrashing at the lion’s feet.
Eventually, the intensity of the situation reached a plateau. When the persistent buffalo became distracted by the other lions, the young male lion made his descent. With a sense of relief on his face and his tail between his legs, he rejoined the pride.
Although the risk was high, witnessing this interaction between lions and buffalo was an awe-inspiring experience. It was a reminder of the raw power of nature and the delicate balance of life in the African bush.
