PRO 8 Lunch on the move! The lion looks terrified as it flees from the herd of buffalo

The rare pictures, captured in the Maasai Mara in March, show the cowardly lion fleeing danger with a terrified look on his hairy face.

PRO 8 Making a break for it: The lion bursts from behind the foliage in search of refuge

But despite retreating to the unusual safety zone the danger was not yet over as the bovines – prone to trampling – gathered under the tree to wait for the lion to fall.

PRO 8 Aim high: The lion clings on for dear life as the vengeful buffalo circle below

Charles Comyn, a 63-year-old ex-Army official, was exploring the stunning reserve in Kenya with his wife. The pair were on their last safari of their holiday – but had no inkling that their lasting memory was yet to come.

PRO 8 King of the jungle? The lion's retreat is not as secure as he first thought

Together with their experienced guide the couple parked next to a herd of buffalo who were carefully guarding a new-born calf.

PRO 8 What a scaredy-cat! The lion appears to contemplate his options as he begins to fall

But the animals – known for unpredictable behaviour – suddenly became nervous. Charles said: “All of a sudden, literally out of nowhere, a male lion sprang out from his hiding place hightailing for a nearby tree with the buffalo now starting to give chase.

PRO 8 Nowhere to go: The buffalo are known for their unpredictable behaviour

“It didn’t take long before the lion had scrambled up the tree, fearing for its life. “The marauding buffalo circled below, smelling the lion. They were not going to let it get away." The herd had realised the lion was stalking the young buffalo and weren’t about to give the scaredy-cat a lucky escape.

PRO 8 Once in a lifetime: Charles and his wife could not believe their luck

But after a few seconds of clinging onto the tree the cowering lion became to tremble and tire and started to slide down the bark.

PRO 8 Is the coast clear? The lion searches for a better exit plan