Terrifying footage captures the moment elephant lifts safari truck off the ground

Terrifying footage has revealed the moment an African elephant tried to flip a safari truck full of tourists.

The shocking moment occurred in Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa, when a bull elephant approached the vehicle and tried to lift it from the ground using its trunk. Take a look for yourself:

The people inside the truck could be heard shouting and screaming as the elephant tried to flip the truck.

Just moments after it nudges the front of the vehicle, the elephant manages to lift the truck off the ground before it crashes back down.

The driver of the vehicle can be seen being lifted out of his seat as he continues to try and scare the animal away.

Eventually, as the truck reverses away, the elephant backs off and the truck manages to escape.

In a video shared on YouTube, people have been commenting on the incident.

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Some people said that the truck shouldn't have gone so close, with one writing: "Fair game! If you’re in their space, you have to expect a wild animal could do something like this!"

While another added: "Well you’ve entered his territory so be prepared to accept the consequences!"

And a third wrote: "Don't mess with an elephant!"

But another explained that the video didn't reveal the full story.

“Unfortunately the video only shows the end of the story and not the complete story,” the person wrote.

“The elephant entered the car park while guests were both on foot in the open and on the walkway (fairly secure).

“The guide sat there quietly with his engine off until the elephant started to approach the vehicle. The elephant didn’t back off and kept coming closer, not responding to warning shouts and door slamming and slapping as they normally will.”

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if you ever encounter an elephant in the wild, there are steps you can take to stay safe.

According to the Journal of African Elephants, it's best to view elephants from a minimum distance of 100 meters.

"Always assess the elephants’ direction of movement. Do not block them, cut off their escape route, or come between a mother and calf," the journal explains.

"Allow them a clear path away from the area."

If an elephant is showing signs of unease, it's best to retreat slowly.

"If you accidentally drive into a herd, remain calm and quiet. Look for the first opportunity to retreat to a safe viewing distance," they add.