Battle of Klaserie: Two lionesses defy the odds

It all began as a muffled distress call somewhere in the thicket. Curiosity piqued, we scoured the area until suddenly - there ahead of us – we saw it. An old buffalo cow stood locked in a raw battle of survival. One lioness clung to her hind legs, anchoring her from behind, while another swung at her face, jaws closed over mouth and nostrils in a desperate attempt to smother her. Deep growls intermingled with strained calls as the three grappled for their lives.

Two Lionesses, One Buffalo

Quickly, we realised something extraordinary – there was no pride waiting in the wings. Just two courageous sisters, working in unison, taking on one of the most formidable animals in the bush. The imbalance was startling as the buffalo towered above them, battered but defiant. Even so, the lionesses were unrelenting in their attack, knowing that any misstep could be fatal.

Just then, one lioness lost her grip and fell to the ground. Dangerously close to being trampled, she spun around to grasp a foreleg as the buffalo heaved for air. Seeing a chance, the cow lunged back, swinging her horns in wide, forceful arcs. One blow came just millimetres from its mark, scraping across fur and skin. Blood now marked the cost of the struggle on both sides.

The Fight for Survival

For more than half an hour, the battle raged on. The lionesses worked with grim determination - biting deep, pulling low, wearing their prey down inch by inch. At last, the deadlock broke as the exhausted buffalo sank to the ground. Her power fading, she let out a long, soundless gasp as if finally realising her fate. A once formidable creature now broken and beaten. Everyone present knew it was now just a matter of time. So, as the light began to fade and the bush darkened around us, we chose leave rather than bear witness to her final moments.

Though many safari-goers dream of seeing such action, sightings like this are never simple to witness. There is awe in seeing such strength and determination, and emotion in recognising what it costs. Three brave souls fought for their lives and, despite the odds, it was two defiant sisters who came out on top. Having seen entire prides fail to overwhelm a buffalo, this was truly a staggering feat. In the days that followed, we watched as they finally reaped the rewards of their success. Though the old buffalo cow was defeated, there is some comfort in knowing that, in death, she afforded these two phenomenal lionesses another chance to raise a new generation of fearless felines.

Words and Photos by Emily Whiting