Valentine’s Day at Londolozi wasn’t what Peter and Bessie Flewwelling had in mind on what is usually the most love-filled day of the year. Instead they started their day on a game drive looking for a leopard that had been seen in the area and instead came across a few of the smaller animas – birds and terrapins and later a giraffe – great sightings, but nothing that would have prepared them for what was to follow… Peter writes: “It was about 6.30 am and we rounded a corner with ranger Alfie Mathebula and Tracker Equalizer. This is where we spotted seven lions of the Tsalala pride at the bottom of a gorge. They were clearly interested in something up the river.” Alfie and Equalizer quickly noticed that the lions were stalking a lone buffalo. There was another vehicle not far off but they had only seen the lions and not the buffalo. Alfie proceeded to inform the other vehicle and quickly positioned the Land Rover into the best position for watching what was soon to unravel! “When we hit the top of the ridge and pulled to a stop – the buffalo was already there in front of us, wounded and facing off against the single Tailless Female lion.” Peter, Bessie and the rest of the team then watched as th battle began between the two iconic prizefighters. “Hearts thumped and adrenaline rushing, we watched the buffalo fight courageously for his life.” The buffalo was attacked twice by the lions and yet still stood, putting up a fight. The remarkable nature of the herd then played out as the head buffalo brought his team to the rescue. The head buffalo showed us his courage when he took the lead heading straight into the middle of the lions causing them to disperse. “It was nice to see the buffalo thwart this one. With hearts still beating overtime, we backed off from the scene thinking of our experience, of the clear demonstration of the hardships of life in the wild and the courage that hadbeen displayed on both sides. The experience also reminded us that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose e – the lions had lost their kill and the buffalo had come away with his life. FIlmed by: Peter and Bessie Flewwelling (Londolozi Guests)Published by Londolozi TV
