More than 80 buffaloes have died after a dramatic stampede led them over a cliff and into the Chobe River, Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has confirmed.
According to the ministry, the tragic incident occurred when a herd of buffaloes, fleeing a pride of lions in neighbouring Botswana, plunged into the river near Kabulabula, on the Namibian side of the border.
“The buffaloes were being chased by lions when they fell from a deep cliff into the Chobe River,” the ministry said in a statement.
“This is not the first time such an incident has occurred.”
Officials from the Kabulabula Conservancy in Namibia confirmed that this kind of mass drowning happens periodically when wildlife flee predators across the border from Botswana’s Chobe National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary teeming with elephants, buffaloes, and other game.
“Whenever they are chased by lions, they try to cross over into Namibia and start trampling over each other,” said Mbeha Tadeus of the conservancy.
Incident Mirrors Past Tragedies
In 2018, around 400 buffaloes died in a similar stampede and drowning incident after being chased into the Chobe River.
These recurring events highlight the dangers faced by wildlife in predator-rich environments and raise ongoing questions about cross-border animal movement and conservation strategies.
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) shared video footage on its official social media page showing local residents dividing the meat from the carcasses near the riverbank.
Meat to Be Distributed to Local Communities
Ministry spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela confirmed that the meat from the carcasses will be distributed to communities in the immediate area.
While initial reports estimated over 80 deaths, NBC reported the toll at 90 buffaloes, stating the incident occurred around 05:00 local time.
Background: The Chobe River Wildlife Corridor
The Chobe River, which marks part of the border between Namibia and Botswana, is part of a critical transboundary ecosystem that supports massive wildlife migrations.
However, steep riverbanks and panic-driven movements during predator chases can turn deadly, especially for large herd animals like buffaloes.
Wildlife authorities in both countries have previously discussed cross-border conservation measures, but the terrain and natural predator-prey dynamics remain difficult to manage.
