WATCH: Nature’s gym class as ostriches force hikers into sprint intervals

Going on a weekend hike sounds like the perfect way to get some steps in, enjoy nature, and work toward your fitness goals.

But for one group of hikers in Pretoria, Gauteng, the experience took a wild turn when they were chased by ostriches.

Jody (@previouslytheanchor) shared a video on TikTok of the unexpected encounter at Groenkloof Nature Reserve.

The clip, captioned “POV: You got chased by ostriches while hiking”, quickly went viral, racking up over 350,000 views since the time of publication. 

“Hiking my dear 👍🏼ke sharp,” Jody joked in the post.

The video shows Jody walking with friends when they spot ostriches in the distance. At first, the birds seem harmless, but soon a few begin moving toward the group.

The hikers pick up the pace, eventually breaking into a run as the ostriches give chase.

Fortunately, no one was hurt or injured during the incident.

Viewers flooded the comments section with their reactions:

@tangenii.c said: “Absolutely EVERYTHING would be funny to me in this situation.”

Another user,@u.ntossshie, commented: “I’d just sit down and cry😭😂😂.”

@its.neon.ww said: “I want to experience this so that I can laugh while running and pulling others back.”

While @lumi0819_ said: “What happens when it catches you? 😅😅.”

Groenkloof Nature Reserve, the first game sanctuary in Africa, is located next to Fountains Valley at Pretoria’s southern entrance. 

The 600-hectare reserve is managed by the Department of Nature Conservation and offers hiking, game viewing, cycling, and 4x4 trails.

Its wildlife includes zebra, kudu, impala, wildebeest, giraffe, sable and of course, ostriches.

Visitors can enjoy close encounters with the animals, as many are relatively tame, and there are picnic areas throughout the park.

Still, ostriches are not to be underestimated.

They can sprint up to 72km/h (45mph) and deliver deadly kicks with four-inch claws - powerful enough to kill a lion.

So what can you do if an ostrich chases you? 

• Seek cover: Run to a car, building or climb a tree.
• Hide: Stay out of sight; ostriches may lose interest.
• Play dead: Lie flat, cover your head and appear less threatening.
• Use a long object: If needed, defend yourself by striking the neck, legs or eyes.
• Protect yourself: As a last resort, grab or twist the neck to disable the bird.

The key advice? Don’t provoke them, and stay far from nests or eggs - especially during breeding season.