The snake curls up on the engine, has full view of the road and scenery

Sep 7, 2012 07:28 GMT  ·  By

Some people pay considerable amounts of money for the pleasure of coming face to face with some of the world's most deadly animals, yet one couple touring in South Africa was granted the opportunity to drive around with a python without their having to spend any penny.

Sources say the snake curled up on the car's engine and refused to leave its newly found resting spot, leaving Ms. Swart and Mr. Swanepoel with no other choice but to drive for three miles with this unexpected passenger enjoying the landscapes from under the car bonnet.

Granted, pythons are not venomous snakes, but they can grow to quite impressive sizes.

This particular specimen was nearly 16 feet long (roughly 5 meters), so it is no wonder that the couple decided to not deal with it themselves and get help from people who are used to dealing with such animals.

“It was certainly a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget. I was totally in shock and terrified,” said Ms. Swart.