Tiny mongoose takes on deadly snake in South Africa

Tourists have eagerly watched an incredibly brave dwarf mongoose attacking a deadly snake on a South African safari.

The mongoose, apparently unafraid, continues to bite the black mamba on its tail and stares it down as it rears up ready to strike.

"Oh my gosh … that's not a happy snake," says a stunned British tourist in the footage posted online last month by Brett Horley Safaris.

"Oh my god, look at the size of him."

The safari operators described the scene as "a sighting for the books".

"What a breathtaking occasion for us as we sat and watched the cheeky mongoose toying with the most deadly snake in South Africa.

"Mongooses are known to eat snakes, but this seemed like rather a challenge for the smallest mongoose working on its own to approach the mamba.

"Incredible moment in the wild Timbavati."