One of the most spectacular sightings of this year happened this morning during drive.
The 3 Timbavati males vs. 300 buffalo.
This epic battle took place on drive this morning. Finding the words to describe the scene on its own is easier said than done.
The 3 majestic Timbavati males were found at one of the big dams early this morning. We decided to follow the males, which looked determined to hunt even though it was already 28 degree Celsius at 07h30.
After following the lions for 20 minute they unexpectedly strike at the hart of the buffalo herd. Not even the buffalo saw them coming. In less that 10-seconds they took down a yearling calf. They hit it so hard that they knocked it out. Still alive and unconscious the calf laid on its back. Then the expected happened the herd returned to rescued the calf. A battle that lasted 15 minutes it could have turned either way. But the determination of the lions was over powering. A huge effort was made and they were reluctant to let go of their price.
For more details of this epic battle follow the game report of October 2009 which I will describe the once in a lifetime sighting in detail. Until then enjoy the images.
Patrick O‘Brien Head guide mail@mandevo-wildlilfephotography.com
Fabulous sighting – what spectacular photos Patrick!
Pat, awesome sighting, and as you say one of those "once in a lifetime spectacles".
Thanks for posting, always good to hear what is happening in the North.
Thanks Duncan.
Good to hear from you.
Hope and trust you are all well.
Patrick
Hi Patrick…wow….what an adrenalin rush that must have been for you guys watching the scene play out ! Good to see the Timbavati boys doing well.
Great pics and documentary!
Thanks for sharing.
Stay well, stay safe.
Moira.
wow patrick, that is amazing!.. unbelievable. that will be once in a livetime.. excellent shots… welldone!
Patrick,
All I can say is WOW! What a way to start the day, no? Your photos offer a nice glimpse of the 3 males holding their ground against the herd. Very nice positioning on your part! What an absolute treat for your guests, I hope they appreciate how fortunate they are to witness this incredible event.
Well done,
Todd
As always, Patrick, your photos are excellent and tell the story. Thank you.
Unbelievable – a MUST for our next SIA magazine….!
Epic truly is the best word to describe this exciting and extraordinary sighting. My heart is beating quickly as I am going through these action filled photos. What a special moment.
Photos like this just keep me focused on returning to Kings Camp sooner rather than later. They are spectacular, viewing the battle must have got the adrenalin going.
awesome sighting – glad you were there to see and capture this – well done…photo 5 is a cracker!!!
Great pictures Patrick,Those timbavati boys are magnificent. came home a week to early, stay well
Incredible series!
The brothers look a lot bigger than just a few months ago! They’re eating well! Great photos Patrick…I’m saving up for my next trip!
Good pics. Would have been exciting to see. Do you still have the nyala horns that you said you would send me eventually after they were cured? Steve from Oklahoma.
Amazing! What wonderful photographs! I so wish we could have seen it.