Brendan Smith, from Perth in Western Australia, had only just arrived in Johannesburg when the lion attacked him through the window of a car.

Mr Smith joked on his Facebook page that he wished he was "lion", but he was recuperating in hospital after being bitten by the animal.

"No later then 36 hours after touching down in Africa I find myself in hospital after a lion jumped through the car window and decided to go to town on my legs," he wrote.

"Pretty full on but am alive, with insurance coming to the party and an influx of curious Africans wanting to see 'the lion man'.

"Could have and should have been a lot worse but chicks dig scars so I'll be sweet!"

Mr Smith posted graphic photos of his leg wounds, which appeared to be deep bite lacerations, and of two lions - although it is not known if they were the animals that attacked him.

He is believed to have been in South Africa on a safari and was treated at Johannesburg's Fourways Life Hospital. 

Mr Smith, who appears from his Facebook page to be a keen traveller and adventurer, later posted an image of himself sitting in front of a television with his foot elevated, watching the Australian cricket team win the World Cup.

"A positive about being couch ridden is that I get to put my feet up and watch the Aussies claim world cup glory..always a silver lining," he wrote.

"As for me I'm out of hospital feeling good, counting my blessings and now it's the small but satisfying steps of rehab. When the swelling and bruises have gone down I'll head back home and be dancing up a storm in no time.

"Thanks for all the positive messages from everyone- it's not till something like this you really do appreciate what a good support network of family and friends you have. Will have a beer with you all when I can. Cheers x"

Fairfax Media

smh.com.au