What was supposed to be a night of celebration nearly turned fatal for Nicolas Hohls, 27, when he was mauled by two hyenas in his tent at a South African nature reserve.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Hohls described the terrifying midnight attack as “one minute of hell” that left him with multiple deep wounds and nearly cost him his life.

The Attack

Hohls had traveled with his father, Colin, to Cape Vidal Nature Reserve in St. Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, August 30, to attend a bachelor party. After a day of fishing, food, and drinks, he went to sleep in his ground-level tent around 1 a.m.

Just 30 minutes later, he awoke to find two hyenas forcing their way in through a small gap he had left unzipped for ventilation.

“One went for my leg and the other for my face and head,” Hohls told People. “I fought them off by ripping my face and ankle free, then attacking the eyes of one and forcing my hand down the throat of the other. I knew I had to fight to survive.”

One of the animals clamped its jaws around his cheek and skull, while the other locked onto his ankle. His screams pierced the night.

A Father’s Rescue

From his rooftop tent above, Colin Hohls heard the cries and leapt into action.

“My dad jumped into action immediately,” Nicolas recalled. “He found me in a pool of blood in my tent, put me in the car, and drove me straight to Ballito hospital.”

Doctors later told him he was lucky to have survived.

One Minute of Hell

Hohls estimates the fight lasted about 60 seconds — but every moment felt like eternity.

“I reacted immediately. I ripped myself free and went straight for their weak points — the eyes and throat. It was all instinct and adrenaline,” he said.

The violence of the attack left him with around 30 stitches in his head, hand, and cheek, as well as puncture wounds in his ankle and thigh. “Thankfully, no bones were broken,” he said.

Recovery and Gratitude

Despite the severity of his injuries, Hohls is expected to make a full recovery within a month.

“I’m doing a lot better,” he said. “The doctors are happy with my progress, and there’s been no sign of infection. For now, it’s about rest and allowing my body to heal properly. I’m very grateful to be alive.”

His wife, Tammi, has remained by his side during recovery. Photos show the young man in a hospital bed, smiling weakly, his head and face bandaged.

A Familiar Place, a Nightmare Event

Hohls has camped at Cape Vidal since childhood and says he has never experienced trouble with wildlife before.

“I’ve camped at Vidal before without problems,” he explained. “That night I left a small gap for ventilation. If the hyenas wanted to get in, they would have found a way regardless, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Cape Vidal, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is known for its beaches and wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and hyenas. The reserve has not commented publicly on the attack.

Hyena Behavior

Spotted hyenas are among Africa’s most formidable predators, with jaw strength capable of crushing bone. Although they usually scavenge, they have been known to attack humans, particularly when drawn by food or in situations where people are vulnerable.

Wildlife experts stress the importance of securing campsites and avoiding food waste that might attract animals. Even a small gap in a tent can invite danger.

“Grateful to Be Alive”

For Hohls, the experience has been life-changing.

“It was one minute of hell,” he said. “But I had the strength to fight back, and I’m grateful my dad was there to save me. I’m very grateful to be alive.”

As he recovers, Hohls says he has no plans to abandon camping altogether but acknowledges he’ll never forget the night he came face-to-face with two of nature’s most fearsome predators — and lived to tell the tale.