As an apex predator, lions tend to be high up on everyone’s list of animals they want to see when they go on a safari. For Armand Coetzee, this wish came true in a spectacular fashion.
Not only was Armand able to see a pride of lions up close and personal, there were so many lions that they were spread across both sides of the road, and they were in the middle of hunting two unfortunate buffalo.
This had all the hallmarks of an extraordinary sighting, and one that Armand wouldn’t soon forget, as the lions showed the advantages of hunting large prey in large numbers.
Laying A Trap
The safari road was a busy one, with cars queuing up against each other, no doubt due to the lions hunkered down at the side of the road. The dangerous felines were lying in wait for their prey.
It wasn’t immediately clear just how many lions there were in Armand’s footage, but it quickly came to light that it was likely most, if not all, of the pride.
The lions seemed like they were relaxing in the sun, but there were two buffalo nearby that were about to find themselves in deadly peril. The pride was hungry, and it was on the hunt.
Into The Danger Zone
The two buffalo quickly found themselves surrounded by the pride, and one of them tried to fight back against the big cats, lowering its heavy head in a powerful charge.
The lions kept their distance, content to let their prey tire itself out so it would be an easier kill for them once they decided to bring it down properly.
Buffalo On The Run
In a fight against this many lions, the two buffalo didn’t stand much of a chance. Their horns make for powerful weapons, but they can only point one way at a time.
The buffalo had no choice but to try and stay out of reach of the lion’s sharp teeth and claws, but they barely stayed ahead of the hungry pride. The lions chased them along the road, and then into the bush.
There were a lot of cars there to watch this spectacular hunt, and the lions were apparently aware of their audience. They were in no hurry to bring down either buffalo, and seemed determined to put on a show.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Against The Pride
The two buffalo passed so close to Armand’s car that they were actually within reach, just like the lions that hurriedly followed them. The lions would not allow them to take shelter among the cars.
It might be exhilarating when animals get up close like they did in this sighting, but remember to keep the windows up and the doors closed to make sure the predators don’t take interest in a different kind of prey.
Not far from the road, but at a safe distance from Armand, the lions finally managed to surround one of the buffalo, and they quickly began the process of bringing it down.