More than 400 buffaloes believed to have been chased by lions drowned in a river in northern Bostwana this week. The incident occurred in Chobe River near the border with Namibia.

"Initial indications are that they were being chased by a pride of lions," Botswana's Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism said.

Ministry has estimated that more than 400 animals drowned due to the massive movement of buffalo trampling, and falling from steep river banks.

A local lodge owner said that the buffaloes got stuck as the bank on the other side of the river was too high, following which they panicked and stampeded.