A white lion was forced to retreat up a tree trunk for safety after he was surrounded by a massive buffalo herd.

Mark Kingaby was on safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park on October 23 when he spotted a famous lion called Casper in the distance.

Funny footage shows the ‘king of the jungle’ abandon his resting place on the grass as a massive group of buffalo wander over to him, chasing him up a tree.

In an extended standoff, Casper was forced to timidly look down at the animals as they took it in turns to take a closer look at him stuck in his hiding place.

Mark said: “I think the buffalos were more interested in him, as he poses a threat.

“He will not take on a heard of buffalo, too many horns and weight. Buffalos on their own are hard prey for lions, so in numbers they are formidable.

"Casper stayed up there for quite a while before the buffalos moved off and he managed to get down and escape.

“Casper was far away, but he was lying in the open on the other side of the dam, so he was very easy to spot. I always love seeing Casper and his coalition.”