Watch the Sighting:
A Curious Encounter on a Quiet Road
This dramatic sighting was filmed in the arid wilderness of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park by Dave Elston. Dave’s footage begins calmly, with his car stopped on a dirt road while he films from inside the vehicle.
After a few seconds, the target of the video is revealed as an adult lion steps into view from behind the car. It immediately draws attention with its relaxed yet focused demeanour.
At first, the lion appears more curious than confrontational. It pauses briefly, looking toward the vehicle before continuing to walk down the road.
Dave’s car slowly advances so that it travels parallel to the lion. Meanwhile, the lion casts sideways glances, clearly aware of the vehicle’s presence but seemingly unbothered.
A Chase Ensues
The mood shifts abruptly when the car begins to speed up. In an unexpected twist, the lion does the same.
What follows is a breathtaking moment as the lion breaks into a full sprint, charging down the road directly behind the vehicle! For several seconds, the powerful cat keeps pace, its muscular body propelling it forward with astonishing ease.
After a few moments, however, the lion veers off to the side of the road and abandons the pursuit altogether. The tension dissolves with Dave’s amused commentary as he jokingly remarks, “cheeky buggers,” bringing a light-hearted end to an otherwise heart-racing encounter.
Why Do Lions Chase Cars?
Lions rarely chase cars in the wild, making Dave’s sighting highly unusual. In safari areas frequently visited by tourists, lions are used to seeing slow-moving safari vehicles.
Because of their size and lack of smell, they often perceive them as non-threatening objects rather than prey.
If vehicles accelerate suddenly or make loud, sudden noises, however, a lion may respond instinctively in a way that is normally reserved for fleeing prey. Young or curious lions, in particular, may test moving objects to assess whether they pose a threat or an opportunity.
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In this case, the dust, sound, or speed of Dave’s vehicle may have alerted the lion and caused it to give chase. When lions do decide to chase a vehicle, they will usually abandon it once they realize the energy cost outweighs any potential reward, and that is exactly what happened in the video.
A Reminder of Wild Power
This encounter serves as a vivid reminder of just how fast and powerful lions truly are. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h in short bursts, a lion’s acceleration is both explosive and intimidating, even when witnessed from inside the safety of a vehicle.
At the same time, the footage highlights the importance of responsible wildlife viewing. Sudden movements, speeding, or attempts to provoke animals can lead to unpredictable behaviour.
Luckily for Dave, the outcome was harmless, but it underscores how thin the line can be between calm observation and intense interaction. In the wild, even a routine drive can transform into an unforgettable lesson in instinct, speed, and respect for Africa’s apex predators.