Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga – A seemingly extraordinary wildlife encounter in the Kruger National Park has ignited a fierce debate on social media, raising questions about responsible tourism and the safety of both animals and visitors. The incident, captured in a series of images and a video, shows a leopard perched atop a safari vehicle, mere metres away from the guide and a handful of tourists.
The images, initially shared by Safari.com on Instagram, depict the wild cat comfortably positioned on the bonnet of the open-top vehicle. While the tour operator described the moment as an “exceptionally rare encounter” exceeding the typical safari experience, they also acknowledged the inherent risks involved.
“While we are uncertain how the situation arose, the guide’s calm response prevented any further escalation, ensuring everyone’s safety,” Safari.com stated. “Nonetheless, it’s not a scenario we would ever wish to see repeated, given the inherent danger involved.”
The post quickly went viral after being re-shared by the South Africa Instagram page, triggering a wave of mixed reactions. While some admired the guide’s apparent composure, many others criticised the circumstances leading up to the close encounter.
The incident, which occurred within a private concession in the KNP, captures the leopard as it lands onto the head of the safari vehicle, less than a metre away from the safari guide, and but a few paces away from guests, who whip out their phones and cameras as the instance unfolds. A guide’s voice from a neighbouring vehicle narrates as the leopard makes itself comfortable on the bonnet.
The lodge told Caxton Media in a statement that this was “unusually inquisitive behaviour” from the leopard, whose two cubs were feeding on an impala nearby. “The situation quickly escalated when the male cub moved towards the vehicle and unexpectedly jumped up. SANParks officials were immediately notified,” the statement reads, adding that such interactions are not condoned. “Our strict protocols are designed to protect both our guests and the wildlife we are privileged to observe.”
TV presenter John Kinghorn, a respected voice in the wildlife sector, voiced his strong disapproval on social media. “To share, promote and endorse content like this is simply unacceptable,” he wrote, calling for a greater emphasis on responsible wildlife viewing practices. He condemned the promotion of such risky encounters, which could endanger both the animals and the guests.
Wildlife photographer Sam Turley echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the guide’s reaction was reckless. Turley argued that the guide should have taken preventative measures to deter the leopard from jumping onto the vehicle, such as starting the engine or banging the door. “I want to give the guide the benefit of the doubt, but from his reaction, I doubt this is the first time it’s happened,” Turley remarked.
A game ranger at the Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge came face to face with a leopard during a game drive in the Kruger National Park. The rare experience was caught on video in Skukuza, Mpumalanga a fortnight ago. In a video viewed by this publication, the man is seen remaining calm while the face to face with the two – year old big cat. However, it is unknown what transpired when the video ended, with the leopard still on the safari vehicle.
Conversely, some users defended the guide’s actions. Commentator Ashlea Shankland shared her positive experiences with the ranger, stating: “He was honestly the best ranger we’ve had. I can almost guarantee he did not entice the leopard to jump onto the vehicle.”
Another user, @debbiegentryrao, praised the guide for his ability to remain calm and maintain no eye contact, remarking, “Well done, my friend!!”
In response to the growing controversy, Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, where the incident occurred, issued a press statement addressing the unusual behaviour of a young male leopard towards safari vehicles.
The lodge representatives confirmed that the leopard jumped onto the vehicle while its mother and cubs were nearby, but insisted that they do not condone such interactions. “Our strict protocols are designed to protect both our guests and the wildlife we are privileged to observe,” the statement read.
The lodge added that this was “unusually inquisitive behaviour” from the leopard, whose two cubs were feeding on an impala nearby. “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.
“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. “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.”
What happened after the video ended remains unclear, reports The Citizen.
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The controversy surrounding this leopard encounter highlights a broader debate within the wildlife tourism industry about the ethics of wildlife interactions. It raises critical questions about the responsibility of tour operators to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and guests.
Leopards aren’t as prone to unprovoked attacks as, say, lions or tigers, but they’re still a serious threat if cornered, starving, or defending territory. Recorded attacks are rare—maybe a handful per year globally—but when they happen, they’re brutal.
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