ESTCOURT: Dicksons dodge danger in the lions’den

What started as a customary trip to the Kruger National Park transformed into a once in a lifetime experience for Estcourt couple Pieter and Leonora Dickson.

The couple had their first close-up encounter with the kings of the jungle … a pride of lions.

READ: Best Places to See Lions in the Kruger

When Mr Dickson recalls that afternoon on September 3, the excitement is palpable.

The couple had settled in at Satara Rest Camp and decided to go for an afternoon drive through the S114 route.
While driving through the park, Mrs Dickson spotted a lion lounging in the grass.

“A vehicle drove past us and the occupants pointed out that there were five other lions in the grass as well,” said Mr Dickson.

Within a matter of minutes, the Dicksons car was surrounded by the pride of young lions.

“One started walking towards us. The others were jogging. Two started playing on the side of the road with a stick,” he further explained.

The lions started to become inquisitive and one of the lions pawed at Mr Dickson’s ‘window, while another tried to chew off his petrol cap and rear windscreen wiper.

At this stage, the couple was panicking.

“My wife was shouting that I should drive off but I could not because we were blocked in by other vehicles. I could see one of the lions taking a go at my tyre. We were so stressed out. The people in the other vehicles were laughing,” explained Mr Dickson.

For about 15 minutes, the lions remained around the Dickson’s car.

“That was an amazing experience. It was scary but it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We love wildlife and visit parks often but have never had an experience like this before,” said Mr Dickson.

He said that when they recounted their experience to the park’s officials, it seemed like the story was unbelievable until he posted photos.

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