Kruger National Park visitors witnessed a remarkable display of strength and speed when a leopard leaped on an unwary cheetah. During an early-morning trip from the Pretoriuskop camp to Skukuza, Thokozani Phakathi captured the sᴄᴇɴᴇ.

The 40-year-old said that although it was a very quiet trip, they were taking in the sᴄᴇɴᴇry, the daybreak, the noises of the bush, and the overall rejuvenating ambiance. Around six in the morning, as they were moving toward the area of the dam, a giant male leopard suddenly appeared, patrolling and scent-marking the area.

The leopard was moving along the road and occasionally ventured further into the bush before returning. Most visitors didn’t spend much time with the beast because it was Sunday morning and they were leaving the park. They would lose interest and quit the spot once he ventured further. They continued and traveled more than 2 kilometers with the elusive cat.

According to Phakathi, the leopard changed into predator mode when it heard a cheetah calling. The leopard was now in a stalking position, crouching down on the road with its attention fixed on the prey. They unexpectedly came upon a young male cheetah scent-marking while making a panicked call.

He seemed to be searching for a ʟᴏsᴛ relative or to have been expelled from the coalition. The cunning, opportunistic leopard quickly moved into position next to their automobile, using a nearby tree trunk as a shield and buffer while the unwary cheetah passed by. The leopard jumped when the cheetah approached within a few meters. The cheetah was sᴛᴀʀᴛʟᴇd, but it was able to release itself and flee.

Let’s take a look at that moment in the video below: