(CNN) - A group of tourists on an African safari got more than they bargained for. Cameras were rolling as a wild animal decided to hop on board.
It was just another safari in Kenya, when the cheetah the tourists had spotted, decided to hitch a ride...or at least a seat. And thus began 45 minutes of eye to eye contact only a foot or two from a creature one couple dubbed...
Rita, Rita the cheetah.
Kate Girskis' husband was the one shooting the video.
"How ya feeling there, Girskk? Oh my God."
"My heart's gonna beat out of my chest."
Although not known for viscousness, they easily kill their prey.
"I'm not sure that I was breathing."
"And my knees were buckling, My whole body was shaking so, she was stunning."
When the cheetah leaped up, the safari guide told the tourists exactly what not to do.
"Don't move, don't talk."
"Hakuna matata."
The expression made famous by The Lion King.
"She wasn't interested in us at all."
For her the vehicle was just a perch with a view so she could scan for prey.
After 45 minutes, Edward the guide started the engine, and seconds later, Rita the Cheetah stood up, but soon she presented a new threat.
"Don't spray us now."
Not at all far-fetched. There's a famous Animal Planet video in which Keekay the Cheetah answers the call of nature, Through the sunroof, into the napkin of a zoologist trapped below.
But Rita behaved.
The tourists later realized that the license plate on their vehicle began with the letters K-A-T.
Though spelling cat with a k is cheetah-ing.
Finally...
"Yes thank goodness."
"Ahhh man."
"I can breathe."
"ah ho."
"Bye bye."
"It was elation and relief."
They had but one request of their guide...
"Edward, if we could get a lion up there next."
