A herd of hungry buffalo progressively grazed all the way to where a lioness hid in waiting. When they finally came face to face with her, both lioness and buffalo got a huge fight. However, after the lioness had gathered her thoughts, she charged into the herd with all fury.
This incredible sighting was witness by 48-year-old investment specialist Faizal Shariff in the Kruger National Park.
Lioness approaches buffalo
“We were driving back towards Satara for lunch when my cousin spotted lions in the distance and shouted to stop,” said Faizal. “The buffalo herd was sitting together and we saw the first two lions charge toward them, leaving them unsettled. We then noticed another lion approaching from the opposite side and were expecting an ambush.”
The lioness was perfectly camouflaged in the long grass of the bushveld as she walked through it, eyeing the buffalo and being careful not to let them know she was there.
Her movements were cool and calculated, and she paused at intervals, at one point even lying down, before getting up to continue her steadfast stalking of the large herd of potential prey.
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Buffalo unaware of impending danger
The buffalo grazed quite peacefully, unaware of the hidden danger. As one of Africa’s Big 5, African buffalos are definitely a force to be reckoned with.
African buffaloes typically weigh between 600 and 800kg and have an average lifespan of up to 20 years. Known for their aggressive temperament, they are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
It soon became clear that the lioness was not alone. She was joined by her sisters, some strong and watchful lionesses who were with her as she approached the buffalo herd.
She continued to move with determined, purposeful steps. The buffalo remained unaware of her presence.
Buffalo continue to graze uncomfortably close to lioness
While buffaloes’ eyesight is relatively poor, they possess an excellent sense of hearing and smell. Call it the direction of the wind, who knows, but these buffalo could not detect the lioness, which lay close by, waiting for an ambush.
The buffalo grazed their way right up to her. When lioness and buffalo did eventually come face to face, both species appeared to get a fright.
However, the lioness was soon back on her feet and charge the buffalos, running with the speed of lightening.
Faizal recalls: “Once the buffalo walked straight up to the lion, the chase kicked off and all we saw was dust with giraffe and the buffalos scattering. The lions returned unsuccessfully and the sighting ended with heaps of dust, and confused giraffes running away with the buffaloes – and dissatisfied hungry lions.”
Faizal said he had seen a few chases before but this was very rare – as it was so clear and open to observe. “We were all super excited and thought this was going to be our first kill. It was such an amazing sight! We were witnessing – not just a hunt – but what seemed like a perfectly planned strategy. We got anxious and thought the buffalo is walking straight into the jaws of death and then… well what a surprise!”