Lions vs Hippo I Credit: Youtube

One of Africa’s largest and most popular game reserves, Kruger National Park is a top destination for safari goers who want to experience a wide diversity of wildlife and witness the “Big Five” animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). Spanning over two million hectares, an area larger than Israel, the Kruger is a rich home for more than 150 species of mammals, more than 100 reptiles (including 51 species of snakes), 49 species of fish and more than 500 species of birds. It is a shelter. Visitors to this vast wilderness are almost always guaranteed exciting encounters with wildlife, but every safari is unique and even the most experienced travelers can encounter surprises.

Recently, Dean Grant and his family had a truly unforgettable experience during an early morning safari in Kruger. Having grown up attending numerous safaris, Grant is familiar with the Kruger’s wildlife, but this morning brought something he wasn’t expecting. While driving along the river from Mjejane towards the park, the family witnessed a dramatic and rare sight: a group of eight lionesses attacked a lone hippo. This intense scene unfolded right in front of them, an encounter that was both exciting and emotional.

The hippo fought fiercely to reach the safety of the river as the lionesses attacked. Although hippos are strong on land, they find an advantage in water, where their agility and speed make them formidable. Despite this, the lionesses persistently chased the hippo, and moments of the chase were also experienced on the road. At one point, a nearby Land Rover fell victim to the hippo’s frustration when the animal unexpectedly bit the vehicle before retreating. A nearby sedan was lucky enough to escape any damage.

Grant described the experience as a mixture of excitement, sadness and respect for the natural cycle. Although it was heartbreaking to see the hippo struggle, he admired the lions’ determination to do justice to their pride. He and his family returned later for an afternoon excursion, only to find that the lionesses and their cubs had finished their meal; The hippo’s remains were a powerful reminder of the raw reality of nature.

Despite the impressive cooperation of lions when hunting, they rarely try to outwit hippos due to their size, strength and often aggressive behavior. This rare spectacle enhanced Kruger’s reputation for delivering unpredictable and powerful moments to those lucky enough to witness them.