Imagine coming almost nose-to-nose with a leopard in the African bush. This was the experience of the driver of a Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge game-viewing vehicle two weeks ago.

The inquisitive big cat leapt on the bonnet of the vehicle that had stopped at a sighting in a private concession within the Kruger National Park.

Video footage shows the rare and tense encounter between the young male leopard and the occupants of the vehicle, who, going by the footage, remained calm. Both the guests and the driver could be seen taking images of the leopard.

Initially, only the whooshing of the wind can be heard. Then the person taking the video, presumably another guide, starts interpreting what he is seeing.

While a statement has been issued, reaffirming Hoyo Hoyo’s commitment to responsible wildlife viewing, it is unknown what transpired when the video ended, with the leopard still on the safari vehicle.

A statement by the lodge provided to Caxton Local Media indicates the young leopard displayed ‘unusually inquisitive behaviour’ during the sighting.

“The incident took place during a sighting while two cubs and their mother were feeding on an impala. The situation quickly escalated when the male cub moved towards the vehicle and unexpectedly jumped up. SANParks officials were immediately notified of the incident,” reads the statement.

It adds that the lodge does not condone this type of interaction. “Our strict protocols are designed to protect both our guests and the wildlife we are privileged to observe, ensuring that all encounters happen in a safe and respectful manner. Guest safety, responsible wildlife viewing, and the respectful preservation of natural behaviour are at the heart of everything we do.”

In the video footage supplied to Caxton, a man can be heard saying that he’s never seen such an interaction in his life. The man adds that the leopard is almost two years old.

The lodge has been asked what happened when the video ended and who took the footage. An update will be published if received.

Watch the interaction:

*An update has been made to this article to include when the incident happened.

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