In a breathtaking moment amidst the wilderness, Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe became the backdrop for a fierce encounter between a pride of 30 lions and a desperate herd of Cape buffaloes, struggling due to the lack of water.
The stunning scene unfolded at Chitake Springs, where the predator-prey relationship in the natural world was clearly on display. Captured by 62-year-old David Pinkernell, the clash was a rare sight witnessed by David, his wife Carr, and friends Andrea, Brad, and Leslie. They observed the action from the cliff’s edge, guided by Nick Murray, the experienced owner of Bushlife Safaris.
As the buffaloes approached the waterhole, the lions launched their attack. The adult buffaloes fought bravely to protect their calves, leading to a fierce tug-of-war that lasted about 10 minutes. David described the scene: “At the waterhole, there was a dramatic back-and-forth battle between the lions and the buffaloes. The adults did everything they could to save the calves, and after about 10 minutes, the buffaloes retreated up the hillside.”
Tensions escalated when two male lions left the original kill site to pursue the injured calves. Despite the adult buffaloes’ efforts to resist, the calves were ultimately overpowered by the lions.
Reflecting on the emotional encounter, David shared, “My adrenaline was through the roof, and I felt quite moved. But this is nature, and it happens every day – it’s just rarely caught on camera.” David’s extensive hunting experience, including eight trips with Africa Adventure Company, further highlighted the rarity of such events.
In his 150 days of hunting, David had never witnessed lions kill prey until this unforgettable day at Mana Pools.
“My wife and I have been to Mana Pools three times during our hunting trips. Throughout those days, we had never witnessed a lion kill,” David noted. “But on the third day of this trip, we witnessed more than four lion kills in just seven minutes. It was unbelievable, although only one of them was successful.”
The group’s journey during the pandemic faced numerous challenges, but with logistical support from Mark Nolting of Africa Adventure Company, they found themselves nearly alone in the park.
This rare quietness allowed them to witness one of the most majestic moments in nature without the usual crowds.
