An ambitious bull shark has been put in its place after it attempted to ambush a horde of South African hippos.

A tour guide at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park around 270km north of Durban filmed the brash encounter, which shows the the hippos slowly cruising along in the muddy water when an ominous fin approaches.

The aggressive shark swims circles near the horde, before it launches the first of multiple failed attempts to land a blow.

The hippos, which are regarded some of the most dangerous animals on the planet, seem mildly irritated at the distraction, refusing to leave the water while the shark continues its campaign.