Whilst on a Photographic Safari in Zululand, my guests and I came across a massive Nile Crocodile lying patiently in the shallows of a large waterhole. Close to the water’s edge was an abundance of wildlife feeding and going down to the water to drink in the heat of the day.

The limited availability of water during the winter months and the necessity to drink to avoid dehydration for many animals, is exactly the opportunity crocodile’s take advantage of in getting a meal.

A stunning Nyala bull made its way past the other species towards the place where the giant reptile waited in ambush. Undetected, the huge predator submerged and positioned itself for an attack. The nyala cautiously approached the cool water, knowing that danger lurked nearby, it seemed uneasy but driven by instinct, walked straight into a death trap.
The nyala drank nervously, lifting its head once or twice and looking around for other potential threats. We all sat there in anticipation of witnessing a show of patience and power. Then, all of a sudden we watched the crocodile launch itself out of the water with its jaws wide open and grabbed hold of the nyala. With lightening quick precision, the nyala stood no chance as it was pulled under water to be drowned.

This spectacular display of the crocodiles hunting strategy was an amazing sighting that we will never forget. To finish it off, we were treated to watching the hungry crocodile devour its kill, even swallowing the head and horns.

While on safari with my guests in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, we were lucky enough to witness this tiny lion cub’s first introduction to this spectacular wilderness area, under the watchful eye of its protective mother. This photograph was taken as the lioness moved her cubs from the den sight for the first time. One by one, she escorted the vulnerable cubs to a rocky outcrop which would become their new playground and safe haven, until they were big enough to meet the rest of the pride and would be exposed to life in the wild.

This lioness gave birth to 4 healthy cubs which she hid very well in a dry river bed, keeping them out of harm’s way. On a number of occasions when this particular lioness was located, usually while she was hunting, we followed the lactating female to the place her cubs waited for her return. The riverine vegetation and location of the den was so dense that we could never get a view of the new additions, until this special day.

During a private guided safari in the Kruger Park, one afternoon our tracker found fresh tracks of a pride of lions. After having a quick look at the spoor and confirming the direction the lions were heading in, we discussed how there was a large herd of buffalo which we had seen in the morning during a walk, passing through the area and these lions were now following them.

The pride consisted of 16 lions and 3 of them being big dominant males, which had joined up with the lionesses and their young after patrolling their huge territory. Great excitement stirred amongst everyone as we tracked the lions on the hunt.
A formidable pride of lions with many mouths to feed, generally target big game like buffalo. Although these lions are specialist buffalo hunters, bringing down such a large animal with a fierce temperament and protective nature, it is a very difficult task.

About 10 minutes later we located the hungry lions which were making their way to a small waterhole to quench their thirst before engaging in this clash of the titans. It was a beautiful setting as the entire pride drank while the sun began to set. It was the quiet before the storm, and with my guests sitting on edge we suddenly heard the buffalo in the distance.

We knew a spectacular sighting was about to unfold. In the darkness, we followed the predators as they went into stalking mode and took formation in the perfect conditions. A dangerous encounter ensued and when the time was right, the lions gave chase and the bushveld erupted. In the chaos of the stampeding buffalo, the pride worked together to separate an old cow from the herd and they took her down quickly with the help of the powerful male lions. Barely containing ourselves, we sat in awe a few metres from the lions on their prized kill, observing their terrible “table manners” while they gorged themselves.

It was an incredible experience and the memories will last a lifetime!