Every exotic destination has its unique wildlife, but not all of it inspires awe or affection. In the hot, tropical climate of East Africa, some creatures have a somewhat notorious reputation. For many travelers, even the idea of running into a snake is enough to spark a wave of anxiety.
Don’t worry - while snakes do live in Tanzania, it’s rare to see one. Fewer than 10% of the species found here pose any real threat to humans. The vast majority are entirely harmless, go out of their way to avoid people, and are far more likely to spook you than cause any actual harm.
Approximately 150 snake species are found in Tanzania, but fewer than 10% pose a significant danger to humans. Some of the most dangerous Tanzanian snakes include the black and green mambas, puff adder, boomslang, Egyptian spitting cobra, and black-necked spitting cobra.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most fascinating and unusual snake species in Tanzania. You’ll learn which ones are venomous, which are harmless, and how to tell the difference. And for reptile enthusiasts, we’ll let you know where you can safely observe these creatures up close in a controlled environment.
Venomous snake ID (How to)
Snake Diversity in Tanzania
It's difficult to determine the exact number of snake species that live in Tanzania. According to a report by Save The Snakes, East Africa is home to about 420 reptile species. Meanwhile, data from the Tanzania Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Program shows that 360 reptile species have been recorded within Tanzania, 85 of which are endemic, meaning they exist only in East Africa. Of these, approximately 150 are snake species, although this number is only an estimate. Fortunately, the vast majority are entirely harmless.
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Snakes are naturally very shy and have no interest in attacking people. Most would rather slither away than strike. The only exception is if they feel trapped and see no other way to defend themselves but to attack.
The best place to explore the exotic world of East African reptiles is the Meserani Snake Park. Here, you can safely observe venomous mambas and cobras, watch the feeding of a 10-foot (3-meter) crocodile, and visit the Maasai Cultural Museum. The park also features a clinic that offers free treatment for snakebites.
Most Popular Venomous Snakes of Africa
The venomous snakes in Africa fall into different categories, depending on the type of toxins they contain. The venom can be neurotoxic, haemotoxic or cytotoxic. However, this is a basic categorization, as venom can be mixed depending on the species. They are all harmful and can be fatal if left untreated.
Neurotoxic Venom
The neurotoxic venom goes quickly into effect, therefore action is very important. This venom ‘cuts’ the connection between the brain and the musculoskeletal system, ending in respiratory failure. Symptoms include slurred speech, sweating, blurred vision, vomiting, weakness in muscles, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. The victim must be taken to a hospital to receive the antivenom and usually put on an artificial respirator. With the help of the antivenom the recovery can be quite quick and leaves no long-term scars.
Most common snakes of Africa with a neurotoxic venom include Black Mamba, Green Mamba and the Cape Cobra.
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Haemotoxic Venom
The haemotoxic venom is the type of venom that stops the natural blood clotting. A haemotoxic bite provides little to no pain initially. After a few hours symptoms like headache, sweating, confusion, nausea and vomiting may appear. If untreated, internal bleeding and failure of organs may occur.
Most popular snakes in Africa with a haemotoxic venom include the Puff Adder, the Rhombic Night Adder and the Mozambique Spitting Cobra.
Cytotoxic Venom
Cytotoxic venom is the one that affects the tissue and in some cases cause necrosis. The effects of this type of venom are almost immediate. Symptoms include severe pain and swelling. If left untreated, the venom can spread to the entire body causing permanent damage. In severe cases, the affected body part needs to be amputated in order to stop the spread.
Snakes of Africa that have a cytotoxic venom are Boomslang and Twig Snake.
Dangerous Snakes of Tanzania
Let's explore some of the most dangerous snake species found in Tanzania:
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Black Mamba
Length: 200-450 cm (6.6-14.8 ft)
Color: brown, olive, or yellow. Some rare individuals have black coloring with purple scales.
Venomous: yes.
The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) prefers nesting in burrows and typically inhabits lightly wooded areas with sparse shrubs, rocky outcrops, or semi-arid savannas. It is far less commonly found in lowland forests or near villages. Contrary to popular belief, the black mamba’s coloration is usually not black at all.
Interestingly, the snake got its name not from its coloration, but from the deep black color of the mucous membranes inside its mouth. Its deadly venom quickly attacks the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Within 10 minutes of a bite, a person may have trouble breathing, suffer severe headaches, and experience paralysis.
The black mamba is also very fast, capable of moving at speeds of up to 16 km/h (10 mph) and striking its target, whether prey or what it perceives as a threat.
Despite its deadly nature, this snake is quite timid. When it encounters a person, it will usually try to escape-unless it feels cornered. When threatened, it raises its head and hisses loudly as a warning to its opponent.
The Black Mamba is considered to be the most dangerous snake in Africa due to its size and toxicity. The name comes from the inside of the mouth. Their color is gray / olive / brown with a matte finish and a lighter belly color. They can be recognized by the coffin-shaped head and round eyes. They can reach 4.5 meters and are highly feared. However, they are a shy species are encounters are rare. They are extremely fast creatures, and, if annoyed, can inflict consecutive bites in a very short amount of time.
The neurotoxic venom can come into effect in approximately 30 minutes, so transportation to the nearest hospital is strongly recommended. Antivenom for this species is available and usually needed in high quantities. A Black Mamba bite inflicts, on average, around 110 mg of venom (maximum recorded was 400 mg).
Green Mamba
Length: 180-200 cm (5.9-6.6 ft)
Color: green.
Venomous: yes.
The eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps), also known as the narrow-headed mamba, is primarily found along the coastal regions of southeastern Africa, particularly in humid tropical and montane forests. It was first described in 1849 by Scottish surgeon and zoologist Andrew Smith, who rightfully noted that the species is “shy and elusive.”
The green mamba is an expert tree climber and blends seamlessly into the foliage. With its narrow body, vivid green color, and elongated head, it closely resembles a vine. That’s why you should be cautious when reaching for branches - you could disturb one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes. The inside of the green mamba’s mouth, unlike the black mamba’s, is white or bluish. Thanks to its coloration, the green mamba is easily camouflaged in tropical foliage.
The green mamba is solitary by nature, but unlike many other reptiles, it prefers to hunt during the day. It almost always stays in the trees and rarely comes down to the ground.
Timid and skittish by nature, green mambas go out of their way to avoid contact with humans or large predators. When they sense danger, they either blend into their surroundings or quickly retreat, moving at speeds of up to 11 km/h (6.8 mph).
Of the three mamba species, the green mamba has the weakest venom, but it’s still potentially lethal. During an attack, it may strike multiple times. The bite typically causes swelling and pain at the site, and symptoms can include difficulty breathing, vomiting, and severe convulsions. Paralysis, however, is extremely rare.
The green mamba is similar to its black cousin in terms of venom composition (only one-tenth as toxic though).
African Puff Adder
Length: 100-150 cm (3.3-4.9 ft)
Color: gray or brownish with yellow spots on the back and a dark stripe across the top of the head and between the eyes.
Venomous: yes.
The African puff adder (Bitis arietans) is commonly found in savannas, open grasslands, and, unfortunately, in populated areas close to villages and farmland. It earned its name from its distinctive defense behavior: when threatened, it puffs up its body and emits a loud hiss before launching a strike.
The puff adder may move slowly, but its striking pattern helps it blend in on the ground and among rocky terrain, its preferred environment. Despite its sluggish reputation, it’s also a strong swimmer and a surprisingly good climber. In fact, one puff adder was once discovered 4.6 meters (15 feet) off the ground, hidden in the thick foliage of a tree canopy.
The African puff adder got its name from the loud hissing sound it makes before striking.
Vipers are carnivores that prey on small mammals, birds, frogs, turtles, and lizards. They don’t attack humans without provocation, but if they feel threatened, their bite can be extremely dangerous, or even fatal.
While primarily nocturnal hunters, vipers are sometimes seen during the day, especially when basking in the sun.
Interesting fact: Puff adders have multiple mates during the breeding season - both males and females. In addition, puff adders are viviparous reptiles. Instead of laying eggs, they give birth to live young, typically between 50 and 60 at a time.
The African puff adder is rightfully called one of the most dangerous snakes in Tanzania. Its venom contains powerful cytotoxins that, once in the bloodstream, can cause intense pain, severe swelling, and rapid tissue destruction around the bite site. Victims often experience symptoms such as excruciating headaches, nausea, vomiting, and profuse bleeding. Without prompt medical treatment, the venom can kill a healthy adult within 24 hours.
However, like the vast majority of snakes, even the most dangerous ones, the puff adder doesn’t seek out humans to attack. A venomous bite is purely a defensive reaction, used when the snake feels cornered.
The Puff Adder is one of the most dangerous species due to its highly cytotoxic venom. They are heavy-bodied snakes with an excellent camouflage. They can reach one meter in length and are identified by a series of consecutive Vs (coming from Very, Very, Very Venomous). These Vs start from the head to mid-body, where they become a bit slurred.
Antivenom for Puff Adder bites is available and should be administered as quickly as possible to prevent tissue damage.
Boomslang
Length: 100-160 cm (3.3-5.2 ft), up to 2 meters (6.6 ft) maximum.
Color: males are usually light green with black and blue scales, while females are brown.
Venomous: yes.
The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) resembles a cartoon character, with its bright green body featuring striking black markings and oversized black eyes with lime-green irises. This vivid coloration serves as effective camouflage, allowing the snake to blend into the leafy canopy of tropical forests as it lies in wait for prey.
The boomslang’s unusual name comes from Afrikaans, once considered a Dutch dialect and now one of South Africa’s 11 official languages.
Don’t be fooled by the boomslang’s bright, attractive colors: it’s one of the most venomous snakes in Africa. Despite its striking appearance, the boomslang is highly venomous, and a single bite can be fatal. However, its venom acts slowly, so severe symptoms may not appear right away. This delayed onset can create a false sense of security, but it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately after a bite. The venom contains a potent hemotoxin that prevents blood from clotting, meaning a person can die from severe blood loss.
When threatened, the boomslang will freeze briefly, then shake its head from side to side as a warning. Despite this display, it rarely attacks humans and usually chooses to flee instead.
However, boomslangs lay their eggs not only in tree hollows but also on the ground under leaves and decaying logs. So when you’re walking through a tropical forest, it’s important to stay alert, as any snake will fiercely defend its eggs.
Boomslang in Afrikaans means tree snake. This species is not as easy to identify as they can vary from dark to bright green colors. They can also form a hood like cobras, only their hood is vertical. Their length is one meter on average, and they are characterized by their egg-shaped heads and large round eyes. Boomslangs are also shy snakes, but can inflict extremely serious bites and can open their mouths up to 170 degrees. Even a scratch from this snake’s fangs can be harmful. Antivenom is available and should be used in case of bites.
