After a long unsuccessful morning of looking for lions in Samburu National Reserve, Jeneria and I were heading back to camp, when some tour vehicles rushed passed us and yelled “wild dogs” out of the window. We followed and sure enough came to the famous “Daraja ya Wire” in Samburu National Reserve where 15 wild dogs crossed the road in front of us and went down to the Ewaso Nyiro River to drink. They were excited and nervous as well as they quickly ran around in the river, drinking a little at the same time. We were parked on the riverbank, in perfect view of the scene that was about to enfold around us.
Pack of 15 wild dogs come to the Ewaso Nyiro River to drink
Suddenly, the wild dogs started barking in our direction and right below us a huge crocodile came out of the riverbank and moved towards the wild dogs. I have never seen a crocodile move so quickly! The wild dogs continued to drink quickly but at the same time, the front ones started running off across the river into Buffalo Springs. The crocodile did not give up and continued moving towards the dogs. Three dogs were at the back of the pack and they eventually started running towards Buffalo Springs as the crocodile got closer.
A crocodile moves quickly towards the wild dogs
As I was taking photos of this amazing scene, Jeneria suddenly whispered loudly “Simba!”. We had no idea that there was a lion there, but out of the thick riverine bushes, Lguret, our maneless male lion, jumped off the riverbank in front of us, into the great Ewaso Nyiro river and pursued the wild dogs together with the crocodile who was also making progress. This time the wild dogs did not hang around – they ran off quickly, leapt up the sandy riverbank and into Buffalo Springs. Lguret did not stop. He ran right across the river and just as he was about to get up the riverbank, he slid on the sand and fell back into the river. Lucky for the dogs-as the last ones got away.
Lguret chases the wild dogs across the river
Crocodile keeps following in hot pursuit
Lguret tried again to get up the riverbank and then stopped and watched the dogs disappear. After a few minutes, he walked down into the river and slowly crossed back into Samburu. He soon joined Loirish, his brother and both males settled down for the day.
This was one of the best wildlife sightings I have ever had. Jeneria managed to capture the whole scene on video. We rarely see wild dogs in the reserves – most often we see them in Westgate Community Conservancy. This was a real treat for everyone.