Harry wolhuter biography

Man vs Lion

One of the most enduring ranger stories about the Kruger National Park involves the redoubtable Harry Wolhuter and his thrilling encounter with a determined lion.

Harry wolhuter biography

Back in August of 1903, Wolhuter was returning from a research trip to the Olifants River.

After camping near N’wanesti (now a picnic site), Wolhuter awoke on the morning of the 26th and struck camp.

His destination was Metsimetsi (now a campsite), about 20 miles to the south. He was travelling with several donkeys and a small staff of African police, but they were moving slowly and it was getting late, so he decided to ride on ahead with only his dog and a horse for company.

As the sun started to sink, Wolhuter found himself in the darkling bush, several miles away from his destination.

The bush is a dangerous place at dusk, as this is the time when predators are at their most active and the land is full of shadows. Nevertheless, he pushed on through t