In a stunning encounter that exemplifies the wild spontaneity of South African game reserves, adventurer JC Oosthuizen (@jco_fishing) recently shared a remarkable video on TikTok showing a lioness hopping onto the back of his bakkie during a self-drive safari.
This unexpected visit offered both a thrill and a glimpse into the majestic beauty of the African wilderness.
“Kattie will bakkie-ry … Welcome to South Africa 🇿🇦,” wrote Oosthuizen in the video’s caption, setting the tone for a humorous and captivating adventure.
The footage begins with the lioness cautiously surveying Oosthuizen’s Ford bakkie before confidently climbing onto the back.
It’s important to note that all windows and doors of the vehicle were securely closed, ensuring the safety of both the passenger and the feline guest.
For an astonishing ten minutes, the lioness rested at the back of the vehicle, a moment that Oosthuizen could likely never have anticipated when he embarked on his safari.
This incident serves as a testament to South Africa’s reputation as one of the premier wildlife destinations in the world, where intimate encounters with majestic creatures can happen unexpectedly.
Lions are primarily found in fenced areas and national parks in the country.
@jco_fishing kattie Will bakkie ry… Welcome to South Africa 🇿🇦 #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #lionking #lion #bakkie ♬ Africa – Toto
Unfortunately, generations of hunting and changes in land use drastically reduced the wild lion population in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, confining these regal animals primarily to large reserves.
Today, around 3,490 free-roaming lions inhabit South Africa, with a significant 2,876 residing solely within conservation areas.
The reaction from social media users following Oosthuizen’s video reflected a mix of humour and disbelief.
TikTok user @eskom__rsa quipped, “Knowing myself well, I would have driven straight to my in-laws just to say hi.”
Meanwhile, @robfromza pointed out the universal appeal of cats, saying, “😁 Doesn’t matter what size… cat see box, cat climb in box. 😂😁🤣.”
The prospect of the lioness smashing a window and climbing inside prompted concern from another viewer, @thembelihlekgame, who exclaimed, “What if it broke the windscreen and climbed inside? 😭😭😭.”
In a lighter vein, @sunick_ remarked, “It’s good that you took a video. The insurance sure as hell wouldn’t have believed what you were telling them if anything went south 😂😂.”
The thrill of surprise encounters with wildlife like this lioness is precisely what draws tourists to South Africa’s national parks and reserves.
For a fortunate few like Oosthuizen, these thrilling moments create lasting memories that are woven into the rich tapestry of the South African wilderness experience.
