Watch The Sighting:
Cliff Butlin was taking his guests out on a safari in Mjejane Game Reserve and enjoying a blue-sky day, when his group found themselves front-row to an incredible sighting: A pride of lions plotting to ambush a herd of buffalo!
Lions Lurk As Buffalo Regroup
When Cliff and his guests arrived on the scene, he could tell that a previous attack attempt had already transpired. The air was tense, and the buffalo had put distance between themselves and the lion pride, whose eyes were fixed on their prey.
Cliff waited in anticipation of the chase that was imminent. Eventually, after over an hour of no action, the buffalo herd decided to move off.
Watching as the lion pride followed closely behind, Cliff decided to drive further up the road, in hopes that the lions would decide to chase the herd towards his vehicle.
The Calf Left Behind
Sure enough, Cliff was right. Another guide radioed in to inform him that the lions had begun to give chase, so Cliff’s group had plenty of time to take out their cameras in preparation for the action.
Out of nowhere, the buffalo began to stampede directly in front of the vehicle. It was a challenge for everyone not to feel anxious with so many large animals running by at top speed.
Amidst the chaos, Cliff noticed that one of the calves had been left behind while the herd scattered. With his years of guiding experience, he knew that this vulnerable calf would become the lion’s target.
A Mother’s Absence And A Killer Instinct
Surprisingly, the lions seemed not to notice the calf, as they sprinted right past it, caught up in the heat of the chase. Sadly, however, the poor calf called out for its mother, as it was alone and panicked.
Unfortunately for the young buffalo, this inevitable error sealed its fate. Its call was like a dinner bell to the lions who turned around and locked their eyes on their new target.
Sadly, the mother did not return to help her calf. Cliff speculated that it was because she was likely injured during the first attack, or because the buffalo could smell the lion’s scent on the calf.
The lions seized the opportunity, pouncing and putting the calf out of its misery. Finally, the hunt was over.
The Aftermath Of The Hunt
Cliff later discovered that the lions had stayed in the same area into the evening. They had been spotted drinking near the road and were likely regrouping for another hunt.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Sure enough, the next day, Cliff came across the buffalo herd again and noticed that one of the males was missing a tail. It seemed as though the lion pride had launched another attack overnight.
A Guide’s Perspective
Cliff reported that he had been guiding safaris for over 12 years, and this was one of the most special sightings he had ever seen. “When you predict the moment and it unfolds in exactly that way, it is so rewarding.”
His advice to other safari-goers who may encounter similar situations is to remain calm and not panic. It is always important not to let your emotions influence the outcome of any wildlife encounter.
In nature, there are no second chances, and hesitation can be fatal. This sighting is a chilling reminder of how quickly the balance of power can shift in the wild, and how every move matters when survival is on the line.