Pieter tells LatestSightings.com the story: “We’d found a pack of 12 wild dogs, 4 adults and 8 pups. We sat with them for an hour as they playfully interacted with each other. Soon, all four adults left to go hunting.
We’d only been following them hunting for a few minutes before they spotted a scrub hare and chased it for almost 500m into an aardvark den.
“It was exhilarating and tense… and serious – a life hung in the balance. There were also some brief comical moments, as one of the dogs would approach the one digging, ending up with a face full of dust.
“The sighting ended well for the dogs, not so well for the scrub hare.”
“Spending time with one of the world’s most endangered predators is always special. Watching them interact in the wild… only a meter or two from us – that’s priceless. But wild dogs have large packs, so seeing them hunt is quite a common occurrence, but no two kills are the same.”
“In my opinion, seeing a kill is not something to enjoy or to shy away from. It’s nature at its most raw.”
In this remarkable sighting, we see a young, unfortunate impala really have all the odds stacked against it. This impala got caught by a crocodile, and showed immense strength and determination to defeat the croc, but, seconds later, it then faces a much more difficult opponent – a hungry Leopard.
Angela and Craig tell LatestSightings.com the story: “We were watching a herd of impala drinking at a large muddy pond that had formed next to the road after recent heavy rains near Biyamiti Weir.
We had stopped to take a closer look at one impala that had a broken leg. Suddenly a 4-foot crocodile shot out of the water and grabbed a young impala, dragging it into the muddy water and submerging it.”
“A struggle ensued for about 2 minutes, but the impala was able to break free and jump out of the water. The impala herd had been alarm calling really loudly during the impala-crocodile struggle, which is basically a call for food for any predator in the area, as something most likely has just been caught. This time, a nearby Leopard heard the alarm calls and came to see if it meant a free meal for it.
The Leopard spots the impala in the water and doesn’t have to wait long. As the unlucky impala escaped the croc, it was ambushed and caught by the leopard.”
“We were shocked by the unexpected impala takedown and really surprised that a crocodile was lurking in such a small mud pool. When the impala eventually escaped the croc, we were relieved but seconds later totally surprised by the leopard’s stealth ambush. It was an unforgettable sighting and a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience for us.”
“After all the commotion, the leopard proceeded to consume the impala in the shade of a nearby fallen tree. We were able to watch this sighting with our 2 boys, 8 and 11, and their grandpa”
In this video it is incredible to see how a pride of lion attempt to take down a fully grown hippopotamus. Watch how the hippo turns to take its frustration out on a nearby vehicle.
25 year old, Dean Grant, works in the construction industry as a Finance and Operations Manager but during his off-time, he decided to head off to the Kruger National Park with his family.
“Having visited game parks on many family holidays growing up, we had never seen anything like this. We told many rangers about our experience none of which had ever heard of such a thing and said if they had been asked “would lion ever attack a hippo?”, they would have said no.
We saw the attack quite early in the morning. We had driven into the park from Mjejane as soon as the gates were open. We decided to go west along the river to start our drive. All our eyes were peeled, we were feeling fresh and excited searching the bush in anticipation, not knowing what our first big spot of the day would be. We were really hoping to see some cats as we had yet to tick those off our lists. We hardly expected to see a pride of 8 females and some teenage cubs in full attack mode right in front of us.
The initial sighting of the lions, full of energy, sparked excitement. This was followed by a feeling of sorrow for the poor old hippo who didn’t stand much chance against the lion pride.
Horror, when the thought of how much pain and stress the hippo was in and to see the hippo’s eyes realise imminent death.
However, as this is an event of life taking its course, I felt a sense of respect for the lion pride’s hard work and determination to make their next big kill to feed the pride. A feeling of uncertainty also made an appearance as the hippo made a move towards the river, “Was the hippo maybe going to make a great escape and get itself down to the river?”. It was a moment for which I will always feel privileged to have witnessed this scene unwind.
The sighting ended when the hippo made its way down into a ditch off the road just out of sight. The lions where now taking turns at attacking the hippo and getting through its tough skin while the others lay up the hill in the shade panting and taking small naps.
Knowing that the hippo’s chances were now over they were no longer in a rush. We watched the exhausted lions for a while before driving off feeling very privileged. We returned later that afternoon to find the lions passed out and very full from their well-deserved meal.”
39-Year-old Director Jennifer Coleman and 32-year-old Programme Manager at the School of Law, Liechen Tonkin were both on two different safari vehicles when a pride of lions starting trying to catch a buffalo. The lions chased it right into the safari vehicle that Jennifer and her partner were in!
“Upon getting closer, a few vehicles passed us and told us that they saw lions, buffalo and elephant in the direction we were driving. Those tourists missed the hunt within a minute!”
“We saw 2 buffalo in the distance but stopped to look at a lioness and her 3 cubs. In another direction, we saw another lioness and then a lion running. Kyle turned the vehicle around and we followed the lions to see what he was running after. In a matter of seconds, it all unfolded right next to the game vehicle. We saw the buffalo charging the lion, then the buffalo running and the lions’ in pursuit.”
“My partner and I were very calm – we sat – smiling at each other (it has always been a dream of his to see the buffalo and a joint dream to see a hunt). I was not the one gasping in the video – that would be the person sitting behind me. We were routing for the buffalo but were shocked when the buffalo ran into the vehicle in front of us. My first thought when that happened was, that I hope my camera recorded it! Because the ranger of the vehicle might need it (my labor law brain).”
While Jennifer added: “It was a very calm drive with not much happening – we then stopped to look at some lion cubs with their mom in the far distances on the one side of the road. On the other side were two male buffalo on their own. All of a sudden, in the further distance, a male lion started chasing a male buffalo that ended up crossing the road in front of us, and we excitedly watched the chase unfold!”
“The two lionesses that were with the cubs joined in on the pursuit of the buffalo. The buffalo was very disoriented from being spun around and ended up crashing into the game viewing vehicle with a loud thud. This gave the male lion a big fright and some time for the buffalo to get away and run off in the opposite direction.”
Both the filmers of this sighting said that they were extremely happy that the buffalo got away, and equally surprised when it ran into the vehicle!
The most incredible video of a black rhino stuck in a mud pool, when 3 nearby lions decide to take their chance to get a meal.
The African savanna is a brutal theater where survival is a daily struggle. Recently, a stark reminder of this reality unfolded when a pride of lions seized a rare opportunity, targeting a black rhino hopelessly stuck in thick mud. The dramatic encounter, captured by wildlife photographers, paints a picture of vulnerability and the relentless pursuit of predators.
The rhino, a critically endangered species already battling poaching and habitat loss, found itself in dire straits after becoming trapped in a muddy watering hole. Its immense size and powerful frame, usually its defense, became a liability as it struggled to free itself from the mire’s suffocating grip.
The distress call, whether vocal or through scent, didn’t go unnoticed. A pride of lions, drawn by the prospect of an easy meal, cautiously approached the trapped giant. Lions typically avoid confronting healthy rhinos, whose thick hide and formidable horn pose a significant threat. However, the rhino’s immobilized state presented an irresistible temptation.
Eyewitness accounts describe the tense moments as the lions circled the rhino, assessing its predicament. The lead lion, likely a dominant female or male, tested the waters, cautiously nudging the rhino. The rhino, despite its confinement, put up a valiant fight, thrashing its head and attempting to gore its attackers.
What followed was a desperate battle for survival. The lions, working in unison, launched a coordinated attack. While the muddy ground hindered their movements, the rhino was even more restricted. The lions targeted the rhino’s flanks and legs, attempting to weaken it and bring it down.
The outcome of such encounters is often dictated by a multitude of factors, including the size of the pride, the rhino’s strength and resilience, and even the weather conditions. While some reports suggest the rhino was able to eventually free itself from the mud and repel the lions, others indicate a more tragic ending.
Regardless of the specific outcome, the incident highlights the precarious position of rhinos and the constant threats they face in the wild. It serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of the ecosystem and the brutal realities of life on the African savanna.
A brave lechwe attempts to cross the crocodile-infested Chobe River in search of greener pastures but gets chased by a hungry crocodile.
“As we cruised along the Chobe River in Botswana, we were treated to the sight of numerous animals coming to the river’s edge to drink. Our guide suddenly pointed out a lechwe (a large antelope with a distinctive red coat) swimming across the river. It was a peaceful scene until a crocodile emerged from the water and made a beeline for the lechwe.”
“We all held our breath as the lechwe, sensing the danger, began to swim faster. The crocodile, determined to make a meal of the lechwe, hastened his pace. The lechwe and crocodile continued their high-speed chase across the river. The lechwe, with its powerful legs, was able to stay just ahead of the crocodile, but it was close.”
Lechwe are medium-to-large antelope that prefer marshes and river systems. They have specially adapted long legs that allow them to easily power through the water when pursued. These antelope are commonly found in areas of Botswana such as the Chobe River System.
“At one point, the crocodile snapped its jaws shut, missing the lechwe by mere inches. The lechwe, sensing that it was in the clear, began to swim towards the shore.”
“The crocodile, not ready to give up its prey, continued its pursuit. We were all amazed at the sheer athleticism and determination of both the lechwe and the crocodile. The lechwe, with its powerful legs, was able to swim faster and more efficiently than the crocodile, but the crocodile’s strength and endurance allowed it to keep up.”
Crocodiles, being such large reptiles, do not commonly hunt prey by chasing it down. They tend to prefer stalking and ambushing. However, they will not pass up the opportunity when presented.
“As the lechwe reached the shore, we all let out a collective sigh of relief. It was a truly incredible experience to witness such a dramatic and intense struggle. The Chobe River is truly a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and nature. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty and drama of this stunning region.”
Lions are often referred to as the kings of the jungle. For the most part, this is true, as they are very dominant and territorial animals and of course predators by nature. They are incredible hunters and do not step out of their territories without good reason. But of course, just like any other animal – they will need to move through difficult terrain and risk dangerous encounters. Especially when their circumstances require it.
This pride of lion was attempting to cross the Selinda spillway in Botswana. They were clearly aware of the hippos around them but obviously felt the need to get to the other side of the river. As soon as they started to cross, they realized they were now in unchartered waters that had already been claimed. But was it too late to turn around?
Hippos are also very territorial and also known as very dangerous animals – especially when one gets too close to the water. Four lions crossing were understandably a threat to these hippos as they just saw these massive lions entering their territory. Unaware that the cats were most probably merely trying to cross.
The one hippo makes it his mission to get these lions out of the water. Not to necessarily eat or even injure the lion severely. Merely to make it clear that they do not welcome uninvited guests in their home.
Two lions succeeded in crossing the river, but the other two managed to turn around in time and swim back to the other side. All in all, no lions were severely injured. However, half of the pride were yet to decide how to get back over
This injured leopard was down and out of his luck when a clan of hyenas came across his path, and being opportunistic by nature, the hyenas did not waste any time diving in to attack…
Fransie Booysen (57), captured the footage on last week, on the H14, about 12 km from the H9. She told Latestsightings.com about the experience: “We were in the park the whole day driving around and we saw lots of normal game. At approximately 15:30 we happened to come across this sighting. I noticed what looked to be a very thin and injured leopard who was being surrounded and bullied by a few hyenas.”
“I could see that the leopard was in great distress and great trouble. This sighting was very rare to me, as we have stayed just outside the Kruger for 11 years and we are in the Park at least once a week, and we have never seen or experienced a similar sighting.”
“As the sighting started playing itself out, I was terrified, as this was so disturbing and cruel. I couldn’t help but be in tears, however, I know that this is the way of nature. I was watching how the hyenas kept on trying to bite the leopard and they were relentless in antagonising him.”
“The hyenas eventually backed off a little distance away and then the badly injured leopard struggled to get into a culvert. The hyenas also went to this culvert and we could hear them, but couldn’t see anything anymore. I am not sure of the fate of this leopard but analysing the situation one can only imagine that his destiny was sealed.”
“Always take in the greatness of the surroundings you are in no matter how hard they might be to handle.”
“The reserve is situated in a very remote destination and can only be accessed by a boat, making it quite an exclusive site. Once there, we were welcomed with lunch on the water’s edge & shortly after that we embarked on our afternoon game drive. We were driving around the marshy wetlands on the island where we encountered a herd of elephant and a crash of rhinos – it was here where the standoff began.
It was an absolutely amazing sensation to see & be a part of the standoff where a young elephant bull in musth showed this male white rhino who was boss. We could all physically feel the testosterone aura which surrounded the battlefield of these 2 ancient rivals.
The sighting ended in a stalemate with no winner. I would, however, say, the balancing act of the branch and the elephant “throwing” the branch at the rhino was a somewhat cheeky ending to the tussle. I believe they both showed their belonging in the area with mutual respect, making both of them ultimate winners.
I think this standoff was an extremely rare sighting – it is not every day that we can personally engage with 2 of the big 5 at this level, hence sharing it with Latest Sightings.
If you’re ever so lucky to have this experience, then cherish every moment as it truly doesn’t happen every day – feel the energy and engage personally with our wonderful South African nature”.
We were about to leave when a lady told us that there is a leopard hiding in the bush and he was spooking the impala herds every now and then. He had however been unsuccessful the whole morning. We decided to wait and at about 14:00 he finally caught an impala. A number of impala were in the shallow water of a cemented dam.
The leopard chased and one impala slipped in the water. The leopard grabbed it by the neck and dragged it towards a tree, but along came a hyena and when it saw the leopard with the impala, it chased the leopard away. The impala was not dead and it got away in the confusion. The hyena rescued the impala by accident!
We were extremely excited and knew that we have witnessed something special. This was a first for us. I witnessed a cheetah kill before but never a leopard kill.
It is worth it to wait and spend time at waterholes. My wife Lynn took some pictures while I was videoing. My canon video camera has the function to include 3 seconds of material so that is why I could manage to get the whole incident on tape.”