A brave baby elephant charged into a watering hole and chased a massive hippo out - after trying to climb on its back.

Jacqueline Haas was on her first ever safari in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, on October 2 when she spotted a cheeky elephant running around the water.

Stunning footage captured the moment the baby sprinted headfirst at an adult hippo bathing and despite its size disadvantage faced up the giant’s powerful jaws.

Incredibly, the hippo turned face and the baby elephant even tried to climb on its back before its much bigger rival disappeared from the water.

Jacqueline, from Switzerland, said: “I believe the baby elephant thought he was already big and wanted to impress the hippo and scare him away.

“I love elephants, especially the cheeky little ones. With my camera I followed the sound of a baby and had to grin.

“I was actually expecting another young elephant as the target of the run and was hoping for a playful showdown between the two in the water.

“When I suddenly saw the hippo with its mouth open, my breath stopped and I didn't want to continue filming.

“I was shocked and unable to do anything. I thought the sweet baby elephant would not survive unscathed. However, the hippo obviously didn't want a fight and turned away.

“The cheeky elephant hadn't had enough yet and climbed on the hippo's back. It was incredible.

“I thought an escalation could no longer be avoided. But lo and behold, the hippopotamus took off.

“It was my first visit to Africa and my first ever safari. I was thrilled and happy that everyone got through this without any damage.”