WATCH: Unexpected lioness hops onto bakkie during self-drive safari adventure
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Reddam House Bedfordview's Mackenzie Mackay's global debut filled with flips, focus and pride
Mackenzie Mackay, a Grade 8 student at Reddam House Bedfordview, has returned from her first international gymnastics competition with unforgettable memories, new milestones, and a message of resilience and perseverance. Mackenzie competed in the Turin Acro Cup in Italy, an elite international acrobatic gymnastics competition. Representing Masters Gymnasts Club, she formed part of a trio in the 12–18-year-old age category, delivering performances that placed her team second after their first two routines. This allowed them to qualify for the final round, which was their ultimate goal for this competition. 'It was my first time competing overseas, so I was really excited, but also nervous because I didn't know what to expect,' Mackenzie shared. 'But when I heard the crowd cheering for us, it calmed me down and helped me focus on what we had trained so hard to do.' The team trained rigorously for months leading up to the event - often six to seven days a week - fine-tuning their routines under the guidance of their coach. 'I felt as prepared as we possibly could be, which gave us the confidence to perform,' she says. Mackenzie says the first two routines were her proudest moments. 'We were in second place after those, which was a huge milestone I never imagined reaching.' Although their final routine came with a few stumbles, she and her teammates pushed through with grace. 'We didn't give up or walk off. We carried on to the very end and I'm extremely proud of that.' Beyond the competition floor, Mackenzie says the trip offered a wealth of learning opportunities. 'I loved meeting other gymnasts and seeing how they train. Watching and learning from them is something we don't often get to do back home.' She also fondly recalls the food and scenery, calling it 'an experience I'll never forget.' A passionate gymnast and top academic performer, Mackenzie is one of two South African recipients of the prestigious Nsouli Scholarship, a global initiative by Inspired Education Group that supports outstanding young students through full scholarships and mentorship. She credits her school and the scholarship with helping her balance her academic and athletic commitments. 'Reddam House has given me the time and support to focus on gymnastics,' she says. 'Everyone's been incredibly encouraging throughout this journey.' Looking ahead, Mackenzie and her team are already preparing for next year's World event. She also plans to speak at her school assembly to share her experience. 'I hope it inspires others to follow their dreams too.' Her advice to fellow young athletes is heartfelt: 'Work hard and chase your dreams because anything is possible, as long as you give your best.'
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Anele Mdoda's bridal squad photos spark wedding whispers: is the big day near?
Anele Mdoda's recent post with her bridesmaids sparked a buzz on the internet about her wedding day is taking place soon. Image: X South African radio personality Anele Mdoda has sparked speculations about her big day after she shared images of her having fun with her bridal squad at the beach retreat in Chintsa Bay in the Eastern Cape. Mdoda shared a carousel of images on X, showing off her four bridesmaids and them soaking up the ocean views, having a blast, and making beautiful memories together. She captioned her post: 'The bridesmaids said PRANA LODGE for the weekend.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The bridesmaids said PRANA LODGE for the weekend ❤️❤️❤️ — Anele Mdoda (@Anele) August 6, 2025 The award-winning radio and television host also took to her Instagram stories and shared that it was a relaxing getaway weekend for her and her bride tribe. In another story, she shared images of them looking stunning in their blue-themed dinner looks as they posed for the camera before heading out. A glimpse of Anele Mdoda's getaway weekend with her stunning bridal squad. Image: Instagram She wrote: 'Then we took our pretty faces to dinner where we all had the best lamb chops this side of the universe.' The content Mdoda shared sparked rumours among her fans and followers as they claimed that her white wedding is taking place sooner than they had anticipated, and also expressed how excited they are for the radio host. @tucklady commented: 'It looks like the big day is very close, looking forward to seeing photos. You will share moss.' 'Anele is just enjoying every moment leading to her wedding,' @BabablacksheepK wrote. While @Roxie791340 added: 'I think we as a country are not ready for your wedding, it's gonna be one for the books.' Early this year, Mdoda celebrated her traditional marriage to Bonelela 'Buzza' James. In June, she appeared on the 'What Now with Trevor Noah' podcast and gushed about how happy she has been since she got married. 'I'm spoiled, I'm pampered, it's nice. I do nothing which is great ... They try to tell us women, you must cook, you must clean, no, none of that. The real marriage is that it's the man that does everything. 'It's so nice to find a partner, like I've literally found an equal, like he's my dude, he's my guy. I feel so protected and safe and it's just that entire thing. Also because he's the one person in the world that I don't have to convince to be on my side. He is automatically on my side,' she said.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Africa site now heritage
Bijagos Archipelago has been declared a World Heritage Site. The Bijagos Archipelago off the coast of west Africa was declared a World Heritage site by the United Nations' cultural agency on Sunday, in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity and rich local traditions. The string of islands in Guinea-Bissau and surrounding turquoise waters are home to endangered green and leatherback sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and more than 870 000 migratory birds, a Unesco spokesperson said. The archipelago's small island of Poilao is an extensive nesting ground for green sea turtles. The continuous network of coastal and marine ecosystems in the west African archipelago includes mangroves, mudflats and intertidal zones which are fundamental to aquatic life. A decade-long push for global recognition 'This moment marks the culmination of more than 10 years of collective effort, commitment, dialogue and a shared conviction that this extraordinary and unique place deserves to be recognised, protected and celebrated by all of humanity,' environment minister Viriato Luis Cassama said after the announcement. Unesco chief Audrey Azoulay hailed the region as a 'rare coastal and marine ecosystem, where local communities have kept their traditions alive' as she congratulated the country on its first World Heritage site. Rare plant species and diverse fish and bird populations also call the islands home. The archipelago is additionally home to several sacred sites as well as artisanal fisheries. After failing to make the World Heritage list on its first attempt in 2012, an application was resubmitted following extensive scientific research and the involvement of local populations. The Bijagos Archipelago was already designated a Unesco biosphere reserve in 1996. The archipelago's placement on the World Heritage list 'strengthens its protection and its inclusion in an even larger global network of sites protected by Unesco', the spokesperson said. The archipelago covers more than 10 000km² and is made up of 88 islands and islets. – AFP NOW READ: Are there any ports left? Going barefoot all year round in the E Cape
