When tackling large prey like the Cape buffalo, male lions have no equal. However, you’d be surprised who comes out on top when a big male goes after a little antelope.
This footage was submitted to Latest Sightings by MalaMala Game Reserve. The filmmaker recorded the interaction in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
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Ndhzenga male
An impressive sight greets us at the beginning of the video. A lone male lion stares intently across the Sand River.
It is one of the Ndhzenga coalition males who have ruled parts of the Sabi Sands Reserve since 2026. Unusually, he is alone, somehow separate from his three allies.
Calculating cat
The beautiful creature is the epitome of power; his steely gaze burns through the fading dusk light. It is unclear what he is looking at at this stage.
It could be a rival that has intruded into his domain, or potential prey. As we watch, the big male strategises his next move. At this age, he knows better than to rush in when patience is called for.
Isolated from the herd
Subsequently, the camera pans across the riverbed, revealing a herd of impalas. Crucially, one of them, a female, has separated from the herd and is making its way towards the waiting predator.
Consequently, for an animal that relies on the collective vigilance of the herd for safety, she has made a terrible mistake. In the fading light, her chances of seeing the lion diminish by the second.
Hunt if he must
Sensing an opportunity, the male switches into hunting mode. Despite his size, he does his best to reduce his profile while making use of what cover he can find.
While male lions can hunt, they are typically less effective than females. By and large, they are responsible for protecting their territories, while females do most of the hunting.
Meanwhile, the impala is getting ever closer to the lion’s hiding place, still blissfully unaware of his presence.
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Ambush hunters
Taking advantage of the tall grass, the male stalks closer. Like all cats, he places his hind paw exactly in the imprint of his fore paw, thereby reducing the chance of making a sound that might startle the antelope.
Lions are ambush hunters who must get as close as possible to their prey before launching a blitz attack. This is crucial as they lack the stamina required for long chases, especially the larger males.
Dwindling cover
Accordingly, the lion uses every bit of cover at his disposal. But, as he nears the limits of the grass cover, the risk of exposure grows exponentially.
Ideally, the lion wants to maintain the element of surprise until it is within ten metres of its target. The stage is set for a dramatic finale.
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Over eager
However, just as the lion and the impala first share the frame, the lion decides to launch his attack. At twenty to thirty metres, it is a long shot.
Almost instantly, the antelope sees the lion breaking cover and bolts…
However, the lion’s paws have better traction for acceleration on the soft sand…
To counter this, the antelope veers away from the lion, gathering speed in the process. Both animals have a top speed of around 80 km/h. Accordingly, the race will come down to the finest of margins.
Firmer footing
As the impala exits the riverbed, she finds firmer ground underfoot. But the lion is closing in as they approach a large bush.
More nimble than the lion, the impala turns sharply around the bush, whereas the predator loses valuable speed as it follows.
Consequently, the impala makes a miraculous escape. Of course, it is now far from its herd, and night is falling. Let’s hope she got back to them in one piece.