A bold Nile crocodile makes a daring attempt against a fully grown buffalo, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. In South Africa’s Lowveld region, summer rains transform the landscape, bringing life to both flora and fauna. With water and food in abundance, animals thrive, and their need to travel long distances is reduced. For safari-goers, this means wildlife often remains hidden within thick, lush vegetation, moving only when necessary.
On one such evening, we made our way down to the dam in front of Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge to observe the hippos as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The day’s heat faded, replaced by cooler air and long shadows. Suddenly, the ground began to vibrate beneath the heavy rhythm of hooves as a massive herd of buffalo approached the water. Calmly, they gathered at the edge of the dam, settling in for their evening drink.
Buffalo are heavily dependent on water and typically visit watering holes at least twice a day. Their sheer size and strength mean they approach these areas without much hesitation, as few predators are willing to challenge them. Crocodiles, in particular, usually avoid prey as formidable as a buffalo.
As the herd drank, chaos erupted at the front. A crocodile burst from the water, clamping onto the snout of an adult female. The moment was shocking. The buffalo’s deep bellow echoed across the dam as the herd froze, watching the struggle unfold. The buffalo fought to pull free while the crocodile held on with relentless determination.
Encounters like this are rare. Crocodiles generally avoid risking injury or wasting energy on such large prey. Yet this crocodile may have been driven by hunger. During the rainy season, smaller animals have easier access to water, reducing crocodiles’ hunting opportunities and forcing them to take greater risks.
In the end, strength prevailed. The buffalo broke free, and the crocodile slipped back into the water. Buffalo: one. Crocodile: zero.
