This is the incredible moment a wildebeest makes an astonishing leap over two pouncing lionesses before outrunning seven big cats.

A wildebeest prepares to leap over two lionesses as it runs to escape a group of seven big cats

The encounter, caught on film by Lauren Hughey and posted on YouTube, starts with the wildebeest kicking up dust with his hooves as it swerves to avoid one female lion jumping out of the grass.

The wildebeest shoots off the ground and jumps over the two lionesses waiting for it

These stills were shot by Bonga Njujula, head guide at Rhino Post Safari Lodge at Kruger National Park, while the escape was filmed by Lauren Hughey. Above: The wildebeest flies over the lions’ heads as they swipe at its legs

The wildebeest kicks out at one of the lionesses as it jumps, catching it in the face

As the wildebeest jumps, it unleashes a formidable weapon of its own – a massive kick with his rear hoof, which catches the unfortunate hunter square in the face.

Once past them, it bounds into a river and four more lionesses who had been lurking unseen in the grass join the chase, skirting round the water.

The wildebeest then darts across a river and makes its escape into undergrowth