A wildlife photographer has captured the incredible moment a lion was flung in the air by a buffalo.

James Nampaso, a Maasai safari guide, spotted the scene in Kenya's Olare Conservancy this month.

He and fellow Kicheche Bush Camp guide Patrick Koriata watched as the buffalo tried to fight off the hungry pride.

Patrick says: "The extraordinary battle happened not long after sunrise. Lions from the local Enkuyani pride had injured a huge bull buffalo, breaking its back legs. The rest of the pride were here to finish the job."

"It limped into the waterhole to escape the predators and after a while felt safe enough to retreat from this watery safe haven."

"The lions were ready and attacked with military precision, but not before one was tossed high into the air after unwisely taking on the buffalo with a front on approach."

"Once the huge ruminant's legs were damaged there was only one likely outcome, but that airborne lion is unlikely to see another wet season. More buffalo are killed by lions than anything else, and vice versa."