The H4-1 is the main tar road in Kruger National Park. It runs between the areas of Skukuza and Lower Sabie in the southern part of the park. This footage was filmed by Yolanda Infante.
The open river area often sets the stage for some memorable sightings. Animals are in clear view as they come to the area to drink.
However, just as game viewers are able to see them clearly, so too are predators.
Lion presence in the area brings car to a halt
The presence of lions in the riverbank area brought Yolanda’s vehicle to a halt. The riverbed was wide and open, giving the lions a clear view of their desired prey.
Buffalo bursts into the open
When the lions finally did attack it was with a burst of sudden fury. One of the lionesses had been stalking a buffalo which had been separated from herd.
Suddenly aware of the ambush, the buffalo started sprint, bursting into the open.
Dust exploded from beneath its hooves as it charged over the loose sand, its massive body moving with surprising speed. Buffalo may look heavy and slow, but they are powerful runners and can sprint fast over short distances when danger strikes.
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High-speed chase ensues
Behind the buffalo, the lioness stretched into full pursuit, her eyes fixed on the fleeing bull as it tried to close the distance before it could reach thicker cover.
In many hunts, lions use the terrain to trap animals near riverbanks, gullies or dense bush where escape becomes difficult. This buffalo, however, kept moving in a straight line, forcing the lioness into a long chase.
A buffalo bull can weigh close to a tonne, and even lions treat them with caution. Their thick necks, muscular shoulders and sharp horns make them among the most dangerous animals in Africa.
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Spectacular chase spans riverbed
This lioness continued with her pursuit. This was a lone buffalo and she was with her pride. The chase continued, with the buffalo running for its life.
Dust was kicked up into the air as the buffalo continued to run, with the lioness following in hot pursuit.
Lions’ majestic presence occupies riverbed
A high-speed chase such as this one can happen within a split second. It can also dissipate in just a few moments, with animals often running at such speed that they can disappear from sight in the blink of an eye.
This is why it always helps to spend some time at riverbanks, so that you don’t miss these fast, memorable sightings.
It is always incredible to see how fast animals can move. Chasing a large animal like a buffalo burns enormous energy, especially in the heat. Lions succeed in only a portion of their hunts, and many pursuits end when the prey proves too strong or too fast.