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I have filmed nearly every species in the park but never a honeybadger.

A friend related a story to us about a trip in Kalagadi, they were enjoying sundowners at a pan and hoping the feeding lions they had seen earlier in the afternoon would make a trip to the water. Their patience was rewarded as the whole pride arrived and they took brilliant photos of the "classic" 7 lionesses in a row drinking...when all of a sudden a badger broke from the brush and charged at the pride. Most of the lions where taken by surprise and backed off but 2 stuck around to take on the interloper. After much charging, hissing and clawing the badger won and cleared the waterhole. He then trotted to the water had his brief drink and then dissappeared as quickly as he came.

Our friends, who are veterans of the bush, say they have never seen such a plucky and viscious attack. The little guys have big ones

When digging for small prey items more than 40 % of the lizards and rodents escaped above ground and it is these escaped prey items that are available for capture by the associating species.

African wildcat, Ethiopian wolves, and black-backed jackals have all been observed following honey badgers during both the day and the night. In the Kalahari, black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) are frequently seen following badgers whilst they foraged. Similar to the goshawks, jackals wait to pounce or strike on fleeing rodents and reptiles that have been flushed by the badger's considerable digging efforts.

The best known relationship is that between the badger and the pale chanting goshawk. Click this link for more info. It also explains why the badger - greater honeyguide association is not a scientific fact (yet?). Lots of other interesting stuff on that site.

I found this information on the same link Jose.
Honey Badger
The honey badger is listed in the Guinness Book of records as the "Most fearless animal in the world" (2004).

Yes, i heard of one taking on a wild dog...

I have been fortunate to see a honey badger once. It was near Lower Sabie about five years ago. It was a strange scene, as we encountered the badger jogging (characteristically) through a section of burnt terrain. Imagine that, a black badger in a black terrain! We assumed that this was actually ideal for badgers as it provided a sort-of camouflage and there were probably many dead (by fire) insects and rodents, providing an ‘easy pickings’ free-meal.

One must admire this animal for its extremely tenacious personality! I have seen documentaries in which the badger can stand its ground against tough enemies and it has a remarkable ability to cope with snake venom and numerous beestings. If bitten by a snake, it may slip off into an almost comatose state, appearing dead, but awakens several minutes later and resumes feeding on its victim, the snake!

In Afrikaans we have a saying : ‘So taai soos a ratel’ which in English means: as tough as a badger!
If I had to give an award to an animal for the ‘toughest-bugger-out-there’ it would go to the honey badger.

If you want to see badgers in Kruger, go and stay in Tamboti Tent Camp. In 2003 December we stayed there for 2 evenings. On both evenings the badgers came into the camp, knocked down the trash cans and ate whatever was left there. I've got some great video footage of it.

Anyone know if those badgers are still in Tamboti?

Sigh..
I was in Tambotie in August.
I just love these cheeky little creatures.. Lions mean nothing to me, give me a HB anyday.
I would love to see more, Dries.

Have see 5 in total.

First a brief road crossing on Skuk-LS road
Second we were on a night ride south from LS and hardly out of the gate and it wandered off
Third & fourth in a park in Nam on consecutive days
Fifth 2 weeks ago leaving Melkvlei in KTP, we had about 2 minutes of one too far to photograh.

Seen one for 1 minute
On the tar near Satara . Just crossed the road in front of the car. Could still follow it through the tall grass. Was 1 hour before closing time of the gate

Going to Tamboti for 2 nights of my honeymoon end of October2006. Hope to see the Tamboti Honey Badger if he is still visiting the camp. Can anyone advise?

Seen at about 15h00 in the afternoon of the 11th October'06. Unfortunately didnt stick around for long.

That was Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 1:02 pm, in other words, one of the oldest post on the forum.

Congrats moggiedog on not only seeing it, but also being able to make a photo of it!