An American tourist has been mauled to death by a lion after it jumped through an open car window at a park on the outskirts of Johannesburg, police and officials said.

"She was driving with a male person at the park, they were attacked by the lion, she was killed at the park and the man has been taken to hospital," police spokesman Lungelo Dlamini said.

Mr Dlamini said he did not have a name for the 22-year-old woman or what part of the United States she was from.

Her travelling companion was South African.

The woman died while paramedics tried to save her, Lion Park assistant director of operations Scott Simpson said.

"There was a car driving to the lion camp and the lion did come through the window and bite the lady," he told local radio.

"The ambulance arrived quite soon, but the lady had passed away."

"The gentleman sustained some injuries to his arm, he was fighting the lion off inside the car.

"Our staff rushed over immediately and chased the lion away from the car."

Cyclist attacked by cheetah in March

The incident is the latest in attacks at the park, which is popular with both locals and foreigners.

In March, an Australian tourist was injured by a lioness after driving through the park with his car windows open.

Two days later, a 13-year-old from a nearby slum was attacked by a cheetah while riding a bicycle through the grounds.

In December 2013, former South African franchise rugby player Brett Tucker and his family were attacked by a lion at the same park and his father reportedly suffered minor injuries.

The park has more than 85 lions, including rare white lions, and a variety of other animals, including giraffes and ostriches.

According to its website, Lion Park guarantees "super close-up animal views", but it does order visitors to keep their car windows shut.

The park has previously come under fire for allowing visitors to pet lion cubs.

It was also recently accused of breeding lions for "canned hunting", a charge it denies.

The park offers tented accommodation and also hosts children's birthday parties.

Reuters/AFP