Clash of the Titans

It’s always been a dream of many guides in the industry since the very first time they witnessed lions hunting was to see, what has always been regarded as one of the ultimate match ups in the natural world, of lion against buffalo. Well for me this week was it, this first time in five years that I was to see this spectacle take place from start to finish. 

The previous evening we had located a pride of four young male lions as well as a herd of buffalo numbering in the hundreds both in the south east of the property, so knowing this we set off early the next morning straight to the area anticipating the meeting of the two groups.

After searching for a while we found the buffalo all drinking from 40 km pan but starting to head north into the thickets whilst to the south four tawny heads peered through the dry winter grass towards them. The buffalo slowly moved away from the at what seemed to be a snail’s pace as the lions slowly advanced towards them still hugging the tree line, in an attempt to remain hidden. After twenty minutes of slow and steady observation of the herd the four had managed to get right up close to a group of three old bulls who had decided to lie up and wait out the heat of the day.

Lion stalking right up the Bulls



Buffalo hear a sound and stand up to investiagate, catch sight of a lion and bolt!

Four males give chase and catch up to one and the fight is on.



Avoiding the sharp end of the bull they jump onto his back to tire him out and take him to ground, but he resists.



With a loud mournful bellow his legs buckle and he falls

The male turn the bull onto his back to expose his vulnerable parts

Its over