Tanzania has many species of snake, and a few are among the most venomous in Africa. That sounds alarming, but snakes are shy, and very few visitors see one. Most snakes move away long before people get close. This guide covers the main species, which are dangerous and how to stay safe.
How likely are you to see a snake?
On a vehicle safari, you are very unlikely to have a close encounter. Lodges clear paths and staff are trained to deal with snakes. Guides often point out snakes from the vehicle as a special sighting. Walking safaris and hikes carry a slightly higher chance, which is why guides lead the way and choose the path.
Dangerous snakes in Tanzania
| Snake | Habitat | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black mamba | Savanna, rocky areas, woodland | Fast and highly venomous; usually avoids people |
| Green mamba | Coastal forest | Lives in trees; shy |
| Puff adder | Grassland and savanna | Well camouflaged; stays still, so it can be stepped on |
| Egyptian cobra | Savanna, farmland | Large cobra; raises a hood when threatened |
| Black-necked spitting cobra | Savanna, dry areas | Can spray venom towards the eyes |
| Boomslang | Trees and bushes | Rear-fanged; very shy, bites are rare |
| Gaboon viper | Forest | Rare; well camouflaged on the forest floor |
Non-venomous snakes
- African rock python: Africa’s largest snake. It kills by constriction and lives near water.
- House snakes, sand snakes and many others: harmless and often helpful, since they eat rodents.
Many harmless snakes look like dangerous ones, so treat any snake with respect and leave identification to your guide.
How to stay safe
- Wear closed shoes on walks and after dark.
- Use a torch on paths at night.
- Watch where you put your hands and feet, especially near rocks and logs.
- Follow your guide on walks and stay on the path.
- Never try to catch, move or photograph a snake up close.
- Tell staff if you see a snake in camp.
If someone is bitten
Stay calm, move away from the snake, keep the person still and get medical help immediately. Read our full guide on what to do if bitten by a snake in Tanzania. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.
Where snakes are most often seen
- Rocky kopjes in the Serengeti.
- Riverbanks in Tarangire and Ruaha, where pythons may rest.
- Dry bushland in the southern parks.
- Coastal forest, including green mambas in trees.
Snakes and the ecosystem
Snakes control rodent populations, and in turn are eaten by birds of prey, mongooses and honey badgers. The secretary bird, common on the Serengeti plains, is famous for stamping on snakes. For more wildlife guides, see the most dangerous animals in Africa and animals in the Serengeti.
Frequently asked questions
Most visitors do not. Snakes are shy and avoid people and vehicles. A sighting is usually a lucky moment on a game drive.
The black mamba and the puff adder are the best known. Puff adders cause many bites in Africa because they rely on camouflage and do not move away.
Yes. The African rock python lives in many parts of Tanzania, often near water. It is not venomous.
