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A group of tourists on a dream safari in South Africa’s Manyoni Private Game Reserve found themselves in a terrifying encounter when an irritable hippo attacked their vehicle.

Led by the experienced Sandiso, Katherine Gilson, Steve and Richard Teichmann, along with some close friends, expected breathtaking wildlife sightings, but nothing could prepare them for the heartbreaking drama that awaited them.

The day started well, with an incredible sighting of a cheetah and her three cubs. As they turned a blind corner along a riverbed in the reserve, their excitement turned to amazement: a huge hippo stood in the middle of the road, its imposing figure glistening in the scorching 35°C heat.

Hippos rarely venture out during the day because their delicate skin must be grazed at night for protection. To make matters worse, this particular hippo was notorious for its irritable temperament. Sandiso, recognizing the hippo’s excitement, knew he had to act quickly.

As the vehicle reversed, the hippo launched a full attack, closing the gap in seconds. The group was terrified, but Sandiso accelerated backwards and maneuvered nimbly around a sharp corner as the hippo’s gaping mouth loomed near the tracker’s seat. The tension reached a peak when the hippo almost overtook him, but Sandiso’s precise driving left the bull seemingly stunned, halting his pursuit.

In the aftermath, a mix of nervous laughter and awed silence filled the vehicle. Thanks to Sandiso’s quick thinking and expert approach, everyone emerged unscathed, while the hippo retreated into the wild.

Latest Sightings shared a video of the incident along with the story on their YouTube channel.

This unforgettable encounter serves as a vivid reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the expertise required to navigate it safely. For Katherine, her companions and their guide, it was a day they would never forget.