Shaun Etsebeth filmed the incredible sighting.
Life abounds by Kruger waterhole
It often pays to spend time by waterholes in game reserves. Some of the most memorable sightings in the bushveld happen here. This is because animals inevitably need water and for this reason, all kinds of species congregate here for refreshment.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
In this specific sighting, three animals making up Africa’s Big 5 were present by a waterhole just off the S110. The S110 is a road in the southern part of Kruger National Park, near the Berg-en-Dal rest camp
A pride of lions in the area had killed a buffalo, which lay dead in the shallow waters of the waterhole.
Some lions fed hungrily from the carcass. They fed with such a frenzy that one of their heads disappeared entirely into the cavernous belly of the buffalo while it fed.
Pride members recline under bush while others feed
Other members of the pride reclined beneath a nearby bush. They appeared lazy and unbothered by buffalo walking around the area. Their stomachs were most likely full from having recently fed.
The lions were well camouflaged as they lay in the tawny-coloured grass.
A buffalo continued to drink from the water, unmoved by the presence of a lioness, which lay just metres away. With the buffalo carcass already lying in the waters, the creature possibly instinctively knew there was no real threat.
Still, with their horns and the strength of their herd, buffalo can pose a threat to lions. It’s not just the other way around.
Buffalo and elephant attempt to intimidate lions
These buffalo weren’t shy to show the lions who was boss.
While the lions had succeeded in killing one of the buffalo, the rest of the herd weren’t backing off and displayed signs of aggression towards the pride members.
However, it was only when a lone elephant arrived on the scene that things really heated up. Seeing the pride reclining in the long grass, the elephant approached with great boldness. It made it clear to the pride that it would take no nonsense to them. As it approached the waterhole area, the lionesses quickly got out of the way!
With their tusks and sheer strength and determination, elephants can easily intimidate lions. When lions do hunt elephants, they will go for an elderly or weakened elephant or a calf. However, an adult elephant can quickly give a lion a run for its money.
This one charged towards the pride.
The pride might have initially thought that they had the upper hand. However, the buffalo herd members, followed by the elephant, quickly showed them that dominance in the bushveld isn’t guaranteed.
This breathtaking sighting gave Shaun and his fellow travelers a good understanding why each of the creatures; that is, the lion, the buffalo and the elephant; all feature in the Big 5.
The size and majesty of each animal won’t easily be forgotten by these game viewers and they will more than likely spend more time watching for wildlife at waterholes at their next visit to the Kruger National Park.