Working at Londolozi as a Game Ranger you are often asked what is your favourite or most exciting moment here so far. It is always very tough to answer this with one particular sighting due to the endless opportunities we get to experience many fabulous events including both the biggest and smallest of animals.
The Buffalos Form An Impenetrable Phalanx
For me, one of, if not the most ultimate sightings in one’s career in the African bush is to witness Lions hunting and killing an adult buffalo. Having heard from a couple of ex-rangers as well as a few current rangers that it took some of them over four years to witness a buffalo kill, it had me in great anticipation for the day I would get the chance to hopefully watch it myself. Having been in a few sightings where we got to watch lions attempt to hunt a herd of buffalo but not succeed had only created more suspense and eagerness waiting for the day it becomes a reality.
We set out relatively early in the afternoon from founders camp and crossed the Sand River into the northern parts of the reserve. The game drive began relatively slowly, from a predator perspective, for the first two and a bit hours. Due to the dull weather, a slight drizzle and the sun dropping below the horizon we came to a group decision to head back towards camp and try our ‘luck’ the next day.
On our way home we bumped into a herd of elephants that were slowly meandering in the direction of our vehicle. We switched off and sat with the peaceful giants, enjoying the sounds of them around us and the peace and quiet of the African bush. As we were about to switch the vehicle back on to trundle our way back to camp, expert tracker Freddy Ngobeni happened to look over his right shoulder and pull off a magnificent spot of a pride of lions heading in our direction. Now you can just imagine the excitement on the Land Rover!!!
Shortly after finding the ten members of the Nkuhuma Pride we very quickly noticed that all of the lions looked extremely hungry, and were showing great intent on finding something to hunt. Following them for about ten minutes we knew we were assumed we were in for something special, we just didn’t quite realise how unbelievable it was actually going to be. We rounded the corner and in front of us unfolded the most iconic battle of African wildlife. Five Buffalo bulls with ten lions approaching them head-on.
Hunting buffalo takes an immense amount of teamwork and coordination in conjunction with tremendous strength and endurance. A pride of lions are deeply connected and in tune with every other individual in the pride, each knowing their role, strengths and weaknesses. The organisation, team work and understanding that each lion needs to fulfil its role in order to succeed. For over one hour, we watched the Nkuhuma Pride single out one buffalo and while targeting that individual, a few other lions would keep the other four buffalo away. Buffalo epitomise the motto “never leave a man behind”. As soon as one individual gets caught and lets out a distress call the others normally return as a unit and try and drive the danger away.
Eventually, after witnessing a colossal battle ensue the pride were eventually successful in bringing down the buffalo bull. The sounds, which at times were emotional, were truly amazing. The back and forth momentum and the shift of the upper hand from Lion to buffalo was extraordinary to witness. The constant swirling, jumping, kicking and grappling kept all four of us fixated for every second of the battle.
To watch, first hand, the ultimate battle between two of Africa’s most iconic animals will be something ill never forget, and yes, it quite easily could be the most exciting experience I’ve had so far…
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Dan that must of been very load and exciting to watch that kill so close. But I must admit I felt very sorry for the Buffalo, hearing his de-stress call made me very sad. But that is what happens in the wild.
To witness the kill must be very emotional. Seeing and hearing the distress calls. Yet, the lions very existence depends on their success. Nature at its rawest. Thanks for sharing.
Dan, I love your photo of the approaching pride in the grass. I must admit that I could not bring myself to watch the video.
Chuck and I will be at Londolozi at the beginning of June and are hoping to repeat some amazing game drives with you. We are still talking about our wild dog den viewing from 2021 and are hoping that the alpha female with the odd lip will give birth and den at Londolozi this spring.
Buffaloes are the epithom of cohesion and support. They are very intelligent animals, their description is something gross and doesn’t do them justice. Lions are bravest hunters facing such powerful animals on the other hand. The Last Lions is a film that shows it well. Relentless rivals. I prefer other kind of tales anyway, like motherhood or peaceful scenes.
Warnings are always a good thing. Not all of us appreciate the pain and suffering of an animal. I just don’t understand the attraction to violence.
It’s likely due to the length of time that it takes to down the huge buffalo, that this kill seems particularly gruesome.
A tremendously exciting and cruel kill. I wonder why the other buffalos didn’t come back to help the one in such great distress? Were there just too many lions?
I once saw the kill of a calf and its mother shouting for help. The other buffalos returned, however, it was too late for the young one.
As you said the coordination and tactic of the lions is always amazing. Even if they don’t actually succeed in killing a buffalo.
Wow Dan. That was quite the scene – 10 lions and a Buffalo, although it seemed a few of the lions mostly watched. I’m going to assume they’re sub-adults, still learning how it’s done! From your video, it seemed it took hours for this from initial attack to the eventual demise of the Buffalo. Sad for this bull, but a good meal for the pride.
Always trust Freddy Ngobeni to ‘spot/ find’ exciting moments in the bush. Great story.
Insanely intense capture Dan! I can only imagine what it was like to experience it in real time!!
Gosh Dan, don’t know that I would be able to sit back and enjoy that over an hour or more. As much as it is the law of the Wild I’m all for the fast, grab the jugular and kill with speed. Still I’m sure you guys must see many a sight that perhaps we would find difficult at first…it’s all about getting climatized to these scenes.