The sighting was a pristine example of teamwork, and a testament to the power of the lion, rightly called ‘The King of the Jungle’.
One of the male lions walked with determination across the bushveld to where a herd of buffalo grazed. He moved as a sheepdog herding sheep might, with authority and a sense of being in control of the whole situation.
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In spite of the lion’s confident demeanor, a confrontation between lions and a full buffalo herd is actually one of the most intense and dangerous encounters in the African bush. When lions attempt to challenge a herd of African buffalo, the balance of power is far less predictable than many assume.
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This lion however, was a master at strategy. This became more evident as the situation unfolded.
Buffalo become aware of approaching lion
The buffalo were fully aware of the approaching lion. They watched him closely as he sauntered purposefully alongside them.
In most cases, a lion will not attack a herd head-on. Instead, lions rely on stealth, patience, and timing. They may circle the herd, testing its edges, looking for a calf, an injured individual, or a buffalo that strays too far from the group. If the herd remains cohesive, it becomes extremely difficult for the lions to isolate a target.
Buffalo move to evade lion’s onslaught
The lion did eventually pick up pace and began to approach the buffalo in a more confrontational way. They didn’t hesitate to move, fleeing as a single entity.
Buffalo are not passive prey. They are widely regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa due to their unpredictable and aggressive nature.
When threatened, the herd often closes ranks, placing calves in the centre while adults face outward.
In approaching the buffalo, this lion put itself at risk. If lions get too close, buffalo may charge as a coordinated force. A single well-placed gore or trampling can severely injure or kill a lion.
Buffalo flee in direction of second lion
The buffalo moved to the side as the lion approached them, however, what they didn’t realise is that the second lion was waiting for them, hidden from view. They ran straight from the one lion, to where his comrade lay in waiting – straight into the lions’ trap.
Lions successfully take down buffalo
The lions had put themselves at risk chasing such a large herd of buffalo. However, their courage paid off and it wasn’t long before one of the buffalo was taken down by the determined pair.
It wasn’t just courage which won the lions their prize. It was also strategy and teamwork. The lions had executed the perfect coordinated attack and it took just two of them to approach the herd and successfully come out with a kill.
All of this was viewed from close up and filmed by Kyle as a moment to remember. The situation could have turned out very differently had the buffalo turned to charge towards the lions as a single force.