Pulling all kinds of funny facial expressions the lioness appeared to become agitated as it tried to shake off a pesky fly buzzing around its head.

With one eye closed and shaking its head from side to side, the lioness proved it’s not just us humans who find flies a bit of a nuisance.

The funny images were captured by field guide Michael Anderson.

Michael, 28, was leading guests on a tour at Ngala Private Game Reserve, when he captured the funny images.

He said: “This set of images were a complete surprise.

“After watching the lioness being worried by the flies, for a while, she kept shaking her head and I wondered if I could capture the movement.

“After struggling to get at the water for a while, the lioness lifts her head up and has some moisture clinging to the fur around her mouth.

“The flies are attracted to the droplets because it’s hot and dry at that time of year and the drought means no water around for them to get at.

“It was funny because she was so desperate for the water but exasperated by the flies.

“I love the images because these lions can be so intense when hunting, and they are the most powerful of all the hunters. But the simple fly drives this lioness to distraction.”