Family's terror as lion opens car door on safari (video)

A family enjoying a safari in South Africa got the fright of their life - when a lion actually managed to open their car door with its teeth.

Sisters Kaoline and Cindy decided to film the lions as they drove past and can be heard saying "yikes" at the size of the big cats.

But then a curious member of the pride wanders over to their car and gets a little too close for comfort.

Next thing they know, the animal has its jaws around the car door handle, and opens the door.

The family screams before slamming the door shut and locking it, while someone can be heard saying: "Oh my gosh, I didn't realise they could do that!"

They then let out a nervous laugh and double check with dad that all the doors are locked.

According to the Metro, brother Joshua Sutherland uploaded the video to YouTube last March, but it's only just gone viral after being put on Reddit.

The Mirror reports that Joshua wrote: "Did you know lions could open car doors?

"My sister Kaylene & Cindy visiting our parents, who are serving a mission in South Africa, had an experience of a lifetime."