These unsuspecting tourists watch in awe as a lioness begins a thrilling chase, following a leopard up a tree directly above their safari vehicle.

These unsuspecting tourists watch in awe as a lioness begins a thrilling chase, following a leopard up a tree directly above their safari vehicle.

In an extraordinary video captured by safari guides Mike Kirkman and Stef in MalaMala Game Reserve, a lioness spots a leopard lounging on the ground.

The lioness and leopard lock eyes, each assessing the other. Time seems to stand still as the two predators silently determine who will make the first move.

Inevitably, the leopard retreats, unwilling to confront a larger opponent.

The average adult leopard weighs between 110 – 200 pounds (50 – 90 kilograms) while the average lioness weighs 280-400 pounds (125 – 180 kilograms).

The lion is named ‘The King of the Jungle’ for a reason. As apex predators, lions sit at the top of the food chain in their habitat, exerting control over their environment and other animals.

Lions are highly territorial and defend their territory fiercely from intruders, akin to how a king defends his kingdom from invaders.

The lioness sees the leopard climb a tree. However, with laser focus, she continues the pursuit.

The leopard quickly ascends a nearby tree, thinking it has reached safety.

Little did this leopard know, the lioness is adept at climbing trees and has no qualms about following her quarry upwards.

While lions are not typically known for their tree-climbing abilities, they can and do climb trees on occasion. This behavior is less common than in leopards, who are more adept climbers.

Lions may climb trees to escape heat or insects on the ground, to gain a vantage point, to go after another predator, or simply out of curiosity.

The leopard hisses and snarls at the lion as it sees the massive opponent only a metre from where it is perched.

Understanding the potential danger, Mike Kirkman wisely decides to move the vehicle out of the way, avoiding any chance of becoming an unintended part of the unfolding drama.

As the leopard climbs higher into the tree, it continues to make aggressive noises in the hopes of keeping the lioness at bay.

Meanwhile, the lioness, realizing that her large weight might not be suited for the higher branches, decides to retreat. She descends gracefully from the tree, leaving the leopard perched safely above.

The lioness leaps down the tree with incredible strength and agility, proving why the species is the top predator.

She gives the tourists one last spectacular view, just meters from their open vehicle.

The magnificent beauty then disappears into the bush, leaving the leopard in peace.

The leopard remains high in the tree, keeping a watchful eye on its surroundings.

As the sun sets, the leopard stays perched, ensuring it avoids any further confrontations.