The pride of lions, including several cubs, rested in the riverbed and watched a calf in the middle of the buffalo herd. As the lions approached, the buffalo quickly pushed the calf back. The massive bulls, weighing up to 900 kg, formed a formidable defensive wall at the front. They confronted the lions as the rest of the herd retreated.

Retreating from the grasslands to higher ground, the buffalo herd seemed to be out of danger, but an older bull was unable to climb the steep bank to safety.

The buffalo, known for its fearsome horns and enormous weight, is one of the most dangerous animals in South Africa. Despite its opponent’s strength, the lions spotted an opportunity to hunt. With one hind leg dangling, the buffalo was vulnerable, prompting the lioness to consider a larger meal than the calf.

“The buffalo cannot defend itself,” commented safari guide Pieter. “Knowing this, the lioness moves under the watchful eyes of the young ones in the pride.”

A lioness leaps onto the back of the trapped old buffalo, clinging to the buffalo’s hind legs with her sharp claws. The buffalo finds itself stuck between the rock and the hard surface, its cries for help becoming more urgent.

The male buffaloes refuse to abandon their herd members and chase the lions several times until they retreat.

Buffaloes are known for their strong herd instincts and high protectiveness. They often form a circle to protect vulnerable members such as calves and injured individuals when facing predators. This protective circle is always led by the older male, demonstrating cooperative behavior within the herd to fight off potential threats.

Buffaloes are valuable targets for big game hunters. However, apart from humans, their only enemies are lions and crocodiles. Standing at nearly 168 cm tall, there are few species in the animal kingdom that can threaten them.