A forensic anthropologist investigates a mass grave filled with victims exhibiting identical gunshot wounds. As she and a UN soldier depart from the gruesome site to explore another grave, her efforts to uncover the truth take a terrifying turn when she is suddenly attacked by an unseen beast. In a panic, the soldier begins to fire his weapon as the creature drags the anthropologist into the depths of the water, while other soldiers rush to the scene, firing at the monster as it consumes the woman and vanishes beneath the surface.
The scene then shifts to a bustling newsroom in New York City, where the main character, Tim (Dominic Purcell), anxiously watches a television broadcast while on the phone, awaiting mention of his name concerning a case he was involved with. His loyal cameraman and best friend, Steven, attempts to reassure him, suggesting that their boss, Roger, might not have seen the news. Just as Tim prepares to speak with Roger, Steven jokingly hints at his potential future as a cameraman for another reporter.
Upon entering Roger's office, Tim finds that the discussion veers away from contract matters towards a captivating new reporter, Aviva. This journalist focuses on stories related to animal abuse and is particularly interested in a notorious crocodile that has a history of killing numerous people across Africa. Reluctantly, Tim agrees to accompany Aviva to Africa, bringing Steven along for assistance in capturing this deadly creature.
Arriving in Burundi, they meet Harry, who warns them about the treacherous area known as "The Bush" and introduces them to a fearsome warlord who calls himself "Little Gustave." The group sets out on a riverboat to a remote village, where they plan to set traps to capture Gustave. However, their attempts prove futile. Steven manages to film Little Gustave committing horrific acts against the villagers who had assisted them, leading to chaos as the hired guards betray the group, resulting in dire consequences.
As events spiral out of control, the team makes an impulsive decision to use a hand grenade against Gustave, tragically leading to the deaths of both their guide and the crocodile expert. A helicopter appears on the horizon, suggesting rescue is near, but Little Gustave's men intercept their efforts, escalating the violence. The group becomes scattered in the ensuing turmoil; while Aviva remains behind with the injured Jojo, Tim sets off to find Steven.
Amidst the hunt for Steven, Tim discovers the abandoned camera, leading to a shocking encounter with Little Gustave, also revealed to be Harry. Attempting to outsmart the warlord, Tim offers a GPS tracker disguised as a suitcase locator, but the ruse unravels when Little Gustave insists that Tim leads him to the actual suitcase, resulting in a grim discovery of Steven's lifeless body.
In a desperate gamble, Aviva distracts Little Gustave by using pheromones, drawing Gustave into the fray, leading to a brutal confrontation in which Gustavo meets his end. Tim, Jojo, and Aviva seize the opportunity to escape in a range rover as Gustave makes a final attempt to claim them.
The film concludes with the trio aboard a plane heading home. The closing remarks reveal that the civil war has come to an end, yet the infamous crocodile, Gustave, remains at large, continuing its deadly reign.
