This is the moment an angry elephant charges at visitors in a safari vehicle in a forest in South India.

While the visitors got more than what they bargained for, they managed to escape as the elephant stopped chasing the vehicle.

A forest official said the incident occurred at Kabini reserve forest in Karnataka on January 31.

“It was only a mock charge. The elephant never intended to harm the visitors, which it could have done easily if it wanted,” he said.

“Unfortunately local media is using this to whip up fear. Safaris are safe and our staff is trained to handle these situations,” he added.