Are there Snakes in Serengeti?
Are there snakes in Serengeti? Yes. There are snakes in Serengeti. Serengeti National Park is home to a variety of snakes, including some of the most venomous species in Africa. Despite the variety of snakes in Serengeti, sightings are not guaranteed because most snakes are shy and avoid human contact. It is during late evenings and nights, as well as early mornings, that they may be seen.
Common Snakes in Serengeti National Park
There are two kinds of snakes, that is, venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes. All these can be found in Serengeti.
Venomous Snakes in Serengeti Park
- Black Mamba. This is Africa’s most feared snake because it is deadly. It is capable of moving at a speed of 20km/h. Its length ranges from 200 – 450 CM. The black mamba has various colors of brown, olive, and yellow. Some rare individuals have a black coloring with purple scales. The black mamba is highly venomous. It is, however, rarely encountered in the park.
- Puff Adder. The puff adder well camouflages and is sluggish, with a length range of 100 – 150 cm. It is gray or brownish with yellow spots on the back and a dark stripe across the top of the head and between the eyes. It is responsible for more snake fatalities in Africa compared to any other. The puff adder is in Serengeti, but is very rarely sighted.
- This is a highly venomous snake in Serengeti that has rear fangs. It grows to a length of 100 – 160 c. The males are usually light green with black and blue scales, while the females are brown in color.
- Egyptian Cobra. It is a large venomous snake that stretches and reaches up to lengths of 2m. It is often brown in color, with variations of gray, red, and black.
Non-Venomous Snakes in Serengeti National Park
Non-venomous snakes in Serengeti include the African Rock Python, which is the largest snake in Africa and grows up to 6m. The African rock python kills its prey by constriction. Other non-venomous snakes include different grass snakes, as well as sand snakes.
Snake Sightings in Serengeti
Much as there are a variety of snakes in Serengeti, actual sightings of the same are not common. Most travelers on Serengeti National Park safaris complete their safari without seeing a single snake. This is because they prefer avoiding noise and vibrations, which the safari cars and definitely people make while on game drives.
Safety Tips while on a Safari in Serengeti
- Do not put your hands into holes or under rocks at any one time while in Serengeti. This is because you just might be invading a snake’s dwelling.
- Watch where you step while in Serengeti. This is especially true whilst in tall grass that is obstructive.
- Wear closed shoes and long pants while venturing out on a walking safari in Serengeti National Park.
- Remain calm when you spot a snake. Proceed to back away slowly
- Never attempt to hold a snake while in the wild.
- Follow your safari guide’s guidance at all times
- Do not walk around the lodge or camp in Serengeti at night without a flashlight.
- Check your closed shoes and shake them well, as well as your clothes, before you put them on or keep them away.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, is a beautiful African safari park that promises so much adventure and wildlife. Different snakes can be spotted while on safari, if luck. Beyond these, the big five, big cats, wildebeest herds, and so much more, including birds, make your Serengeti safari all the more wholesome. Enjoy extensive game drives to see the different wildlife in the Serengeti, including snakes, chase the great wildebeest migration for a spectacular animal show, and more.
Reach out to us to help you plan your unforgettable Serengeti National Park safari to see the different snakes, the wildebeest migration, and more.
