African rock python hitches a ride

While on holiday in the Kruger National Park, a couple were terrified to discover that a five meter African rock python had hitched a ride inside their car's bonnet.

Marlene Swart and Leon Swanepoel were out on a game drive looking for lions when they spotted a couple of safari vehicles on the road. They thought it was the lions they were searching for but were told there was a python in the grass.

While they were standing there the snake suddenly slithered out of the grass in their direction.

The python disappeared underneath their vehicle and about two minutes later everyone started laughing when it failed to reappear.

"I was totally in shock and terrified," said Swart, from Brits.

She and Swanepoel had to drive a couple of kilometres to a nearby lookout, where they summoned the courage to open the bonnet and discover the snake relaxing on the engine. It eventually escaped unharmed back into the bush.

"Later that evening we had a good chuckle about the reactions of the bystanders when it exited the vehicle. People were scattering in all directions. I'm only disappointed that I was numb with fear and didn't take more pictures. It was certainly a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget," said Swart.