An Unexpected Hunt
In the heart of the African wilderness moments of tension and ingenuity unfold in the blink of an eye. In this brief but thrilling video captured by wildlife photographer Cathan More in Kings Camp, Timbavatu, a lion showcases just how cunning and quick-thinking big cats can be when faced with danger.
Cathan describes that he arrived on-scene in response to a radio call-in regarding a heard of buffalo. To his surprise, the heard was intercepted by a pride of lions that came up from the nearby river, and they were trying to single out an individual in their typical hunting style.
What happened next was even more surprising. The lions were successful in isolating a buffalo but”unluckily for them, it was a massive dominant bull who was not taking any nonsense and quickly turned the tables as he charged around after them!”
A Cunning Strategy
Cathan’s footage begins calmly under the dappled shade of a tree, where four lions are seen resting, likely cooling off after having been chased around. In an instant though, the tranquility breaks.
Three of the lions leap to their feet and bolt, fleeing an unseen threat beyond the camera’s frame. The suddenness of their departure hints that it’s likely the buffalo returning for another go.
One lion, however, doesn’t follow the others. Instead, it crouches low, eyes fixed ahead, clearly calculating its next move. Within seconds, the threat reveals itself, and it is indeed the massive Cape buffalo who comes charging directly toward the tree!
Just as the buffalo reaches the tree, the crouching lion executes a brilliant move. Rather than fleeing blindly, it sidesteps around the tree trunk, using it as a shield and narrowly avoiding the full force of the buffalo’s charge.
The manoeuver is not only smart, it’s instinctual. Lions live in a world where survival depends on reading body language, reacting fast, and sometimes, using terrain as an ally.
The Intelligence Behind the Maneuver
This lion’s clever reaction is a testament to the intelligence and adaptability of Africa’s apex predators. Lions may be best known for their strength, social dynamics, and hunting prowess, but they’re also capable of making split-second decisions in high-stakes situations.
While on the hunt, things can quickly turn sour in the blink of an eye, so even strong apex predators need to be able to think on their toes.
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In this case, the lion chose not to run, perhaps recognizing that it wouldn’t outrun a charging buffalo at close range. Instead, it chose stealth and positioning, key tools in a lion’s behavioural repertoire.
A Historic Rivalry
Lions and buffalo have a long, brutal history. Buffalo form defensive lines and even launch counterattacks when under threat from lions, while lions use teamwork and patience to isolate the weakest member of a herd.
Encounters like this are less about direct combat and more about outwitting the other side. This brief video is a glimpse into that ongoing battle of wits and strength between predator and prey.
While the clip lasts only a few seconds, it captures an entire story of instinct, danger, and decision-making in the wild. The lion’s quick thinking may have saved it from serious injury or worse. For the safari-goers lucky enough to witness it, this kind of encounter is a thrilling reminder that in nature, survival often hinges on both brains and brawn.