South Africa is home to between 130 and 160 different species of snakes, most of which are not dangerous to humans. However, several species are considered highly venomous and potentially deadly. It is not a good idea to try and disturb them or pick them up as this is when snake bites most often occur. These snakes pose a significant risk, especially in certain industries such as construction, mining, and conservation.
While they are not often encountered on a guided safari, you may stumble across them when you are camping by yourself. This article provides a detailed guide to identifying the deadliest snakes in South Africa, understanding their venom, and knowing how to respond in case of an encounter.
Catching South Africa's most deadly snakes
Understanding Venom Potency and Delivery
A deadly snake bite is determined by more than just the presence of venom. The true danger lies in a combination of several interlinked factors that influence how quickly and severely the victim's body will respond to the envenomation:
- Venom toxicity: This refers to how potent the venom is on a molecular level. Some snakes, like the Black Mamba or Boomslang, carry highly potent venom where even small amounts can lead to systemic failure.
- Venom yield: Yield refers to the quantity of venom delivered during a bite. Some snakes inject a small, controlled amount, while others, like the Gaboon Adder, can release large volumes of venom capable of overwhelming the body’s natural defenses.
- Fang length and structure: Longer fangs can penetrate deeper into muscle tissue or vascular areas, delivering venom more efficiently into the bloodstream.
- Speed of symptom onset: Different snake venoms affect the body at different rates. Neurotoxic venoms can shut down the respiratory system in as little as 30 minutes, while haemotoxic bites may not show symptoms until hours later, lulling victims into a false sense of security.
In South Africa, venom can generally be classified into three categories:
- Neurotoxic venom: Attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis and respiratory failure (e.g., Mambas & Non-spitting Cobras).
- Cytotoxic venom: Destroys tissue and causes severe swelling and necrosis (e.g., Adders and Spitting Cobras).
- Haemotoxic venom: Disrupts blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding and shock (e.g., Boomslang and Vine Snake).
Some snakes, like the Puff Adder, carry a mixed venom profile that results in both tissue damage and bleeding symptoms. When combined with aggressive defensive behaviors or natural camouflage, these snakes become a significant occupational hazard.
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Understanding how deadly snakes in South Africa behave when threatened can improve how one reacts in a real-world encounter. For example, some will stand their ground while others will attempt to flee. Some strike without much warning, while others display defensive body language. Having this contextual knowledge means safety officers and outdoor professionals can identify venomous snakes not only by their physical characteristics but also by their behavioural cues.
Where to Find the Most Dangerous Snakes in South Africa
The 12 deadliest snakes in South Africa are distributed across a range of ecosystems, including forests, savannas, riverbanks, and even urban areas. Knowing which species are prevalent in your location is essential for effective health and safety risk planning.
These snakes include:
- Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
- Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps)
- Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
- Gaboon Adder (Bitis gabonica)
- Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica)
- Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
- Snouted Cobra (Naja annulifera)
- Forest Cobra (Naja subfulva)
- Black Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis woodi)
- Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus)
- Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
- Vine Snake (Thelotornis capensis)
Recognising deadly snakes in South Africa by their physical and behavioural traits is a skill that must be developed through both guided learning and hands-on experience. Accurate visual identification is a critical first step in preventing bites and guiding the appropriate emergency response.
Distribution of Dangerous Snakes in South Africa
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Key Identifiers of Deadly Snakes in South Africa
Here are key visual indicators to help identify venomous snakes in the field:
- Head Shape: Many venomous snakes have distinct head shapes. Adders such as the Puff Adder and Gaboon Adder have large, triangular heads which are broader than their necks. Mambas and cobras tend to have more elongated, coffin-shaped heads, especially noticeable when viewed from above.
- Pupil Shape: Pupil structure is a useful but sometimes overlooked trait. Most venomous snakes in South Africa, including cobras and mambas, have round pupils. Adders generally have vertical, slit-like pupils. The Vine Snake has a distinctive horizontal keyhole-shaped pupil that sets it apart from other species.
- Body Build and Scales: Adders have stout, thick bodies with rough, keeled scales that give them a matte appearance. In contrast, snakes like the Green and Black Mamba are slender, fast-moving, and have smooth, glossy scales that reflect sunlight.
- Defensive Behaviours: Behaviour can also be a clue. Cobras and Rinkhals are known for hooding. Spitting cobras will elevate and spray venom when provoked. The Rinkhals may feign death, lying belly-up with mouth agape. Puff Adders and Gaboon Adders will forcefully inhale and exhaling producing a puffing sound.
- Movement and Habitat Clues: Mambas are fast and agile, often found in trees or brush. Adders are ambush predators that rely on camouflage and tend to stay motionless until disturbed.
Detailed Profiles of the Deadliest Snakes
These are considered to be the most dangerous snakes that occur in South Africa.
Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
Black Mamba
Perhaps the most feared snake in Africa is the Black Mamba. They are Africa's largest venomous snake and can grow to between 2.5 (8.2 feet) and 4.5 meters (14 feet), though 2 meters is more the average. It is one of the fastest snakes and can move at over 20km/hour. They are mostly active during the day. The Black Mamba occurs in the North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern KwaZulu-Natal Provinces in South Africa. They are not found in desert areas and are only found down the coastline up to around Port St. Johns.
They are mostly found on the ground and in grass and bushes, but are one of the most nimble of snakes and can be found in trees. The Black mamba is often olive coloured to dark brown and has a coffin shaped head. It gets its name from the colour of the inside of its mouth which is black. It has hollow fixed fangs and can inject fast acting neurotoxins which paralyse.
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They inject powerful doses of venom and a man can be dead within 20 minutes of being bitten if the fangs hit a major vein or artery. If bitten by a mamba phone for help and try to get a helicopter to air-lift the patient if you are in a remote area. Put on a pressure bandage and transport the victim to the hospital with the greatest possible speed. Many people have survived being bitten by Black Mambas.
Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
Puff Adder
The snake that actually causes the most deaths is the Puff Adder. This is due to the fact that they are so well camouflaged and people often stumble across them. They are slow moving snakes that do not move when approached. They are thick, heavy bodied snakes that are seldom over 1 meter long. The head is large, flattened and triangular in shape. They vary in colour widely from blackish to brown and have a row of backward pointing dark brown pale edged chevrons along their backs. They are mostly active at dusk but may lie in a sunny spot during the day.
It is the most widespread snake in Africa. It is not found in the deserts, dense tropical forests and at altitudes above 2000 meters. It is found from the Southern Cape all the way to the Sahara desert. They are extremely well camouflaged and it is easy to stumble upon them when hiking and on bush walks.
They are so dangerous because they do not move out of human's way. They also have very long fangs and inject their venom deeply. Their venom is cytotoxic and haemotoxic. It causes severe pain and swelling in the bitten limb, haemorrhages and nausea. Death is often from secondary effects caused by the swelling such as kidney failure. One of the effects of the venom is that it causes the flesh near the bite to die and fall away.
If someone is bitten by a Puff Adder, call for medical help immediately. Apply a bandage starting at the bite site and working up the limb. Do not apply a tight bandage or tourniquet. A lightly applied bandage may help stop the spread of the venom. Keep the limb lower than the victim's heart.
Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
Cape Cobra
They grow to an average of around 4 feet. They are considered to be dangerous because they are very nervous and aggressive snakes. They are one of the most common snakes in the Southern regions of South Africa and are found throughout the Cape Provinces, Free State and South Western regions of the Eastern Cape. They prefer fynbos, bush, Karoo scrubland and dry savannah regions. They are mostly active during the day and hide in abandoned holes and under piles of bush when not feeding.
The Cape Cobra raises the forefront of its body off the ground, spreads its hood and makes a hissing sound. When in this defensive mode, it will readily strike. If you keep absolutely still, the snake will look for an escape route. If you make any movement however it will regain its defensive attitude and strike readily.
The Cape Cobra will often venture into human habitations and is easily encountered. Their bites are highly dangerous though the mortality rate is not known. They have powerful neurotoxins that cause paralysis and shuts down breathing. If bitten, apply a pressure bandage as you would and transport the person to hospital as fast as possible. Breathing may need to be supported. Death can occur within 1 to 10 hours of being bitten. If given anti-venom the bites are often not fatal.
Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
Boomslang
Boomslangs are found all over South Africa and has one of the few snakes in its genus that is dangerous to humans. It has large fangs and potent venom. Boomslang's are usually between 1 and 1.8 meters or 6 feet long. They have very large eyes and a characteristic egg shaped head. They are highly variable in colour with males being light green to black with black or blue scale edges, and adult females brown or green. They have the ability to inflate their neck when they feel threatened.
It is found throughout most of the country except the Northern Cape and part of the Free State. It has a wide habitat range including lowland forest, savannah, grassland, fynbos and Karoo scrub. It is very rarely seen on the ground, being usually found in trees or small shrubs.
The Boomslang is a very shy snake that is not often seen and therefore bites are uncommon. The boomslangs venom is haemotoxic and victims die from internal and external bleeding. They victim can end up bleeding from all orifices. The venom is very slow acting and it can take up to 24 hours for symptoms to appear. If bitten by a Boomslang, bandage the area and get to the hospital and receive anti-venom.
Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus)
Rinkhals
Rinkhals is a related member of the cobra family that have the ability to shoot venom from their fangs usually aiming for a person's face. They are generally brown to brown-black on the top with irregular spotting/banding in lighter browns or creams. They have a dark belly with two lighter stripes around the neck. They are generally about 1.2 meters long. They can spray their venom up to 2, 5 meters.
Rinkhals are normally active at night but will bask in the sun during the day. They prefer to live in wet grasslands and can be found at high altitudes. They occur in the Southern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Bites from the Rinkhals are rare as most predators and threats are put off by them spraying venom in their eyes. Local swelling occurs at the site of the bite. They usually spray their venom in a person's eyes and this can cause temporary or permanent blindness. If you get sprayed with venom in the eyes wash it out with lots of water and seek medical help. If you are bitten, bandage the affected area and seek medical help. The bites are rarely fatal.
Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica)
Mozambique Spitting Cobra
The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is found mostly in the northern areas of South Africa. It is a relatively small and thin snake that can spit its venom between 2 and 3 meters, usually aiming for the eyes. Mozambique Spitting Cobras are generally around 0.8 meters to 1.3 meters long. They have a blunt head and a medium sized eye. They range in colour from a shade of brown to a pinkish colour. They have a mix of black bars and blotches and spots on their throat and the forefront of their body.
If you encounter a Mozambican spitting cobra stay still and see if the snake is going for you. Then back away slowly. Freeze if the snake gets aggressive. Remember that they can spray their venom up to 3 meters with incredible accuracy.
If you do get their venom in your eyes rinse it out with lots of clean water as soon as possible. Keep washing it out for at least 20 minutes. Tilt the face and pour the water so the venom is washed out the side of the face. Seek medical attention as soon as possible as the venom can lead to blindness. If you are bitten by a Mozambique Spitting Cobra, bandage the site and seek medical help as soon as possible.
Other Venomous Snakes
Other venomous snakes include:
- Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca): Found in North East KwaZulu-Natal. It is South Africa's biggest cobra, growing to between 2 and 3 meters. It is a slender dark brown to black snake with a slender hood. It is found in forests can thickets near water. It is responsible for very few bites and anti-venom is available.
- Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica): Is the largest of the adders. It has the longest fangs and delivers a large dose of venom. They have a diamond pattern running down their backs. They are very docile snakes and will rarely attack unless stood on or harassed. They are only found in the forests and wetlands of northern KwaZulu-Natal.
- Eastern Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps): Is similar to the Black Mamba. It is green in colour and has the same characteristic coffin shaped head. They are slenderer and shorter than a Black Mamba, rarely exceeding 2 meters in length. They have smooth scales unlike the Boomslang which has keeled scales. Their bite is also very venomous and needs to be treated with anti-venom.
Venom Potency vs. Danger
A popular question with no easy answer is which snake is the most poisonous. Most snakes are not poisonous but venomous. Some plants, like certain mushrooms, are poisonous if eaten, while snake venom has to be envenomated for the venom to take effect. So, generally speaking, provided that you do not have major lacerations in the throat or open wounds in the stomach, you can safely swallow snake venom without any ill effect.
The question then changes - which snake is the most venomous? This is quite a debate as the most venomous snake in Africa is often not considered very dangerous - the boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Drop for drop, the boomslang has the most potent venom of any snake in Africa, and the amount of venom that it requires to kill a human is so small that one can barely see it with the naked eye.
Despite the Boomslang having such a potent venom, it is a docile snake that rarely bites. It is a tree-living snake, is not easily stepped on and is very quick to go deeper into trees and shrubs when disturbed. Boomslang venom is also very slow in acting and it usually takes anything from five to thirty hours before bite victims show the first symptoms of envenomation - blood oozing from the bite site or bleeding from the nose accompanied by a headache.
The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans arietans) is often considered the deadliest snake in southern Africa and Africa and does account for a large number of bites every year - mostly when people accidentally stand on Puff Adders at night. The venom of this snake is quite slow in acting and is cytotoxic, causing pain, swelling, and blisters that may result in tissue damage.
Snakebite Statistics in Southern Africa
In Africa, where there are around 20 000 snakebite deaths a year, the main culprit is the saw-scales viper (also known as the carpet viper) of the genus Echis. In Southern Africa, the Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) accounts for the majority of serious snakebites, followed by the puff adder (Bitis arietans) and the stiletto snake (Atractaspis bibronii). These three snakes account for more than 80% of our serious snakebites.
Still, the mortality rate is extremely low as the venoms are cytotoxic, causing severe pain, local swelling and tissue damage and the majority of victims are treated successfully. However, some may lose limbs or suffer severe tissue damage. Of our cobras, the Cape cobra (Naja nivea) has the most potent venom and, along with the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), accounts for the most human fatalities. Information on snakebite deaths is hard to come by but totals around 12-24 deaths yearly in Southern Africa.
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