And strikes a blow to his rival's underbelly.

Out for the count.

The old bull is victorious.

But only just.

The sand river remains his to rule.

It's a river that is about to be transformed.

Under clear blue skies, water floods down the Hoanib.

The welcome consequence of rain that fell hundreds of kilometres away.

The water may only flow for a matter of hours but this miraculous flood is enough to provide a lifeline for the trees and the giraffes of the Hoanib river.

It's what makes this place worth fighting for.