Would you like your steak done roar? Lion stuns group on safari as he ambles up to their picnic to check out the food
- Huge beast casually eyed plates of beef at Kruger National Park in South Africa
- Guests retreated to vehicles to watch the amazing moment from a safe distance
- Lion eventually wandered back into the bush… without sampling the food
They had been hoping to get close to some of Africa’s big beasts but a safari party didn’t expect this lion to join them for cocktails at sunset.
Staff were setting up the buffet when he gatecrashed it, probably attracted by the aroma of biltong – cured beef – rather than the gin and champagne.
The guests retreated to their vehicles as he had a nose around the table on the private Londolozi game reserve in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
The brazen lion stunned guests on safari at a game reserve in Kruger National Park, South Africa
The lion wandered back off into the bush without sampling the food.
An expert lion tracker confirmed it was safe and the cocktail party went ahead – but not before safari guide Chris Taylor managed to take these pictures.
Mr Taylor, 26, said his guests, who are from the UK but are staying at their home in South Africa, were very lucky to see such a rare sight of wildlife coming so close to them.
The guests watch from a safe distance as the lion ambled over to check out their food
‘To have one visit a drink stop in such close proximity is very unusual,’ he said.
‘We all sat and watched as he slowly moved closer. He posed for a few seconds and continued.
‘I have had other animals wander past, but normally at a much greater distance.’