What was meant to be a peaceful weekend camping trip in KwaZulu-Natal turned into a nightmare for 27-year-old farmer Nicolas Hohls.
While camping with family and friends at the Cape Vidal campsite, Nicolas was suddenly attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning – not by one, but by two hyenas.
Now back home after being discharged from Alberlito Hospital in Ballito, Nicolas is sharing his chilling survival story.
Fighting for His Life
Recalling the terrifying ordeal, Nicolas said he had just one thing in mind when the animals struck: survival.
“I fought for about 45 seconds to a minute,” he explained.
“I shoved my hands in their eyes, in their throat – basically doing anything I could to get away.
It sounds like a cliché, but in that moment, you think about what really matters.
I thought about my wife and knew I had to keep fighting to make it back to her.”
A Father’s Quick Action
The attack might have had a far worse ending if not for Nicolas’s father, Colin.
From his rooftop tent, Colin heard the commotion, rushed to help, and managed to scare the hyenas away before bundling his injured son into a vehicle.
He drove Nicolas straight to the hospital, where doctors performed surgery and stitched up wounds on his head and leg.
Road to Recovery
Despite the trauma, Nicolas’s recovery is going well. “Other than a limp, I’m fine,” he said.
“It’ll probably take about a month before I’m back to running around.
For now, it’s just about keeping the wounds clean and making sure they don’t get infected.”
Authorities Take Action
Following the incident, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority issued a joint statement saying they are taking the matter seriously.
As an immediate safety measure, trap cameras will be installed around the campsite to monitor hyena activity.
Visitors are also being urged to secure their tents properly at night and stick to safety guidelines in wildlife zones.
Grateful but Changed
While Nicolas admits the attack is something he’ll never forget, he’s choosing to focus on healing.
“It’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time,” he said. “But I’m grateful to be here, and I just want to move forward.”