Multi-predator Feeding Frenzy at Mombo (Okavango Delta, Botswana) 13th Jan 2010

We had an unbelievable day recently when the Moporota sub-adult lions decided to attack a buffalo in front of Little Mombo Camp Room 1 and Mombo Camp Room 9.

As the lions took down one of the buffalo, the entire breeding herd turned back and charged at the lions. One of the lions was tossed into the air by the buffalo and in all the chaos the buffalo that had been attacked initially managed to escape. Other lion pride members used this pandemonium however to their benefit and brought down another buffalo - this time inflicting fatal wounds on its hind legs that it could not walk properly any more. The remainder of the buffalo herd kept charging the lions. The lions now took time to revise their tactics though and just kept a safe distance, waiting for the herd to leave the scene. Once they had left, the lions came in for the final kill, claiming their bovine victim.

These lions kept feeding until late in the evening. The noisy arrival of spotted hyaenas at the kill however eventually attracted a different pride of lion with big males (Moporota and the Jao Boys). The sub-adults, realising that they did not stand a chance, upped and fled. The hyaenas also concluded they were no match for the adult males and ran, and we thought it was all over for the night. We were wrong; suddenly a huge three-metre Nile crocodile arrived and started feeding on the carcass! The lions were not happy with the arrival of this prehistoric predator and charged at it. The crocodile fought back and the lions eventually gave up keeping all the meat to themselves, so that we had the incredible sight of lions and crocodile feeding together.

The hyaenas finally got access to the last remains in the early hours of the next morning - breaking bones and feeding on the sinewy bits. By the time the sun was up, all that was left was a few scattered bones and squabbling vultures clearing up the last bits from this feeding frenzy.