A view to a kill. Umlani Bushcamp

709

 

 

As we passed a large herd of buffalo, this old dagga boy stood glaring at us as we stopped to allow them to cross the road.

These old bulls often become prey for lion prides when they are older and weaker. In their prime, they are more than a match for single predators or even small prides.

FYI: The bite force of a lion is around 650-1000 PSI, which is strong enough to kill large prey in a single bite if applied correctly.

 

 

 

It was this committee of vultures, and the aroma of death, that alerted us to the fact that we might be approaching the site of a kill.

Did you know? Another collective noun for vultures is a wake.

 

 

 

This female buffalo (and her calf) did not stand a chance against this pride of 19 individuals.

Admittedly, the small cubs did not join the hunt, but that still left several adults who were more than capable of securing food for all to share.

Aside from these two buffalo, this pride also took down 1 more buffalo and a large male Nyala…

 

 

 

Seeing so much meat available, there was very little squabbling around the carcass.

 

 

 

This image might have been a rarity if the hoof was a paw and it was the buffalo milling around a dead predator.

 

 

 

Caught in the late afternoon light…

 

 

 

We left the pride to feast under the light of the moon. Unfortunately for the guests, it was not a full moon which often allows vehicles to remain at sightings later into the night without having to resort to spotlights.

 

 

 

We returned the following morning and this was virtually the only part of the buffalo that remained, aside from skin, horns, hooves and the face(which the vultures and hyenas would take care of).

 

 

 

Panting heavily, this youngster was certainly enjoying the fruits of the adults’ labour.

 

 

 

Because cats cannot sweat, they pant to control their temperature.

The entire pride, all 19 of them, were almost panting in unison!

Luckily there was a water source close by where they could slake their thirst between eating.

 

 

 

The only part of the buffalo that is not totally edible to the lions.

That being said, it will be picked clean eventually by jackals, hyena and the vultures that were already gathering.

 

 

 

I have been told that kills are brutal and cruel.

Yes, they might be the former, but animals do not kill for sport. They kill to survive.

The methods they use (like wild dog packs) might seem cruel to our eyes, but that is the way that nature works.

FYI: A female buffalo can weigh between 425 and 700 kilograms, hence there was enough for each pride member.

 

 

 

Tummy full, eyes closed and time for a nap!

Did you know? Most lions do not die of old age. They die in the jaws of younger lions who are trying to take over territory and mating rights.

These fights can, to human eyes, seem extremely brutal and are difficult to watch.

But it is in this fashion that nature picks only the strongest to conquer, rule and protect a bloodline.

 

 

 

 

Perhaps this little one is contemplating whether or not it might have employed different strategies to obtain a meal.

I wonder what the lion equivalent of a human Gen Z would be capable of?

 

 

 

“Have you seen the specials on Buffalo in aisle 2”?

These Hooded Vultures seem to be engaging in conversation while waiting for the lion pride to surrender the carcass to the cleaning crew…

 

 

 

To learn more about what this unique bushcamp offers, click on the logo above.

 

 

 

Travel is the proud winner of this prestigious award from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife. The award is in the category Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa.

 

 

 

Check out the archived and current interviews… click on the image above.

 

 

“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?”

Edgar Bergen

All images are the copyright property of

and may not be used without permission.

 

All images used in Travel & Things posts are edited using Ribbet software. To learn more about the product and what it offers both amateur and professional photographers, click on the logo above.