Buffalo Kill at Little Makalolo Camp

Location:     Little Makalolo Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Date:          11 July 2010
Observer:   The Makalalo Team

We had just finished enjoying brunch when we noticed a lone buffalo bull limping to the pan in front of Little Makalolo Camp. The old male was past the prime of his life and we quietly mentioned amongst ourselves that he would probably soon be taken by lions. Such is the circle of life here in Hwange. Little did we know of what was to happen…

The buffalo stayed around at the front pan in the shade for the remainder of the afternoon and as evening descended, the predators emerged. Just after dusk, guide Charles and his guests were on their way back into camp and came across a leopard. They were so enjoying this sighting that they almost missed what was about to take place. A clan of about seven spotted hyaena had pushed the buffalo towards the waterhole where he eventually took what little refuge he could by standing in the centre of the pan. This however did not deter the hyaena as they eventually followed into the water. Spotted hyaena are far from being mere scavengers; as a clan they are formidable hunters too.

One of the hyaena made a swift move and latched onto the buffalo’s tail, which in the strong jaws of a hyaena was ripped off like a piece of chewed liquorice. The hyaena clan was in a deep state of salivation and cackling in anticipation. The buffalo, surrounded and unable to flee, could not do anything and just had to try standing his ground in increasing futility. With all the chaos, some of the hyaena moved slightly to one side, giving the buffalo a chance to escape and headed straight for Little Makalolo Camp – stopping about five metres from the main dining area.

We waited, holding our breath, wondering what would happen next. The usual dinner under the stars was cancelled for obvious reasons! During the course of dinner the buffalo did not move much and neither did the patient hyaena. Not even 15 minutes after the camp lights were out the hyaena launched their second and fatal attack. Kim and Charles witnessed the whole event but more by sound than by sight. The buffalo tried to escape but it collapsed in a heap due to exhaustion and blood loss and at this moment the hyaena started to feed.

Walking to the main area in the morning, by the light of day, we got a detailed look at the buffalo carcass with one hyaena still in attendance. The carcass was dragged further away from camp, and we watched as other scavengers, such as jackals and vultures, arrived to finish off the carcass over the next couple of days.