Lion in the long grass
As Gabriel’s video begins, we see a lioness standing among some reeds in a dry riverbed. Her tawny coat makes her difficult to see, exactly as Nature intended it.
And, this is just as well, for she is intently watching a small herd of impala grazing near the opposite bank.
At this point, the impala are blissfully unaware of the predator’s presence. Therefore, sensing an opportunity, the lion slinks into cover, hoping to ambush the antelopes.
A re-sighting and a new sighting
A few moments later, Gabriel spots the lioness once again. However, that is not all he sees.
To his surprise, about 15 metres to the right of the lion’s position, another predator is also watching the impalas. Also well camouflaged, a leopard remains hidden.
Now, not only are the impalas unaware they are being watched. The two predators are unaware of the other’s presence, despite the proximity.
Brazen charge
Wrongly assuming the coast is clear, the leopard decides to approach the impala.
Considering the lack of cover, it is strange to see the leopard make such a brazen approach.
In normal circumstances, leopards stalk as close as possible before striking. So, seeing it gallop in the open towards its intended prey is very uncharacteristic of the species.
Unsurprising reaction
It comes, therefore, as no surprise when the impala see the predator barrelling towards them, they react. After a series of alarm calls, the herd takes off, running along the riverbed below Gabriel.
Another surprise
As the impalas run for the cover of some tall reeds, the onlookers get yet another surprise. It turns out that there was a third predator monitoring developments.
Bursting forth from its hiding place, a second lioness runs after the herd of frightened antelope. To everyone’s surprise, not only does she catch up with them, she also manages to kill one in the long grass.
Surprise, surprise
No one is more surprised than the leopard. Having failed in its attempt, all it can do is look on as the lioness throttles her prey.
Such is its disbelief that it sits up on its hindquarters for a better view.
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Action not over yet!
And, it is just as well the leopard did have a good look around. For now, emerging from her earlier hiding place, the first lioness is making her way towards her successful pride mate. And her path will take her dangerously close to the leopard.
Lions will kill leopards, given half a chance. So, with its day already a disaster, the leopard decides to get going while the going is still good.
Bolting from its vantage point, the leopard runs across the river towards Gabriel and his travel companions.
In a series of long strides, it is up the riverbank, intent on finding a safe place to hide from the lion.
Launching itself, it quickly scrambles up a tree, just behind Gabriel’s game drive vehicle.
Mother of all photo-bombs
Finally finding shelter in the tree, the leopard can relax, much to the bemusement of the passenger sitting in the back row, whose expression suggests he’s unsure how he should be feeling.
Talk about a photo-bomb!