Africa is home to some of Earth’s most dangerous and deadly snake species.
They include venomous snakes that can kill a human with one bite and non-venomous snakes that can deliver a nasty bite.
This list features deadly serpents, their range, habitat, diet, size, lifespan, and other interesting facts.
The following are the top 8 most venomous snakes in Africa.
1. Carpet Viper
Vipers are a group of venomous snakes found across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are currently around 120 species of viper, and all possess venom used to kill their prey.
The venom is delivered via two hollow fangs, which inject it into prey with enough force to puncture holes in human bone.
One such snake is the Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus), which lives in Northern Africa and the Middle East.
It has a dark brown body with distinctive chevron-shaped markings on its back, though some individuals may have lighter markings or bands along its length.
Like many other members of the Viperidae family, this snake relies on camouflage for protection rather than venom, as it rarely attacks humans.
2. Black Mamba
It is one of the most venomous snakes in Africa, and the Black Mamba has been responsible for more human deaths than any other snake on Earth.
Many myths surround its behavior, with some locals believing it can leap up to 8 feet and kill a bird in flight! Like all of Africa’s deadly species, it hunts using infrared heat sensors instead of sight.
Mambas usually grow up to 3 meters long. Still, they can expand their neck to expose the scales along their spine to scare away predators or emit odors from glands near their mouths—these sometimes have strong neurotoxic effects on prey animals or predators trying to eat them.
3. Egyptian Cobra
The Egyptian Cobra is one of the most venomous snakes in North Africa and Arabian countries. This species is known for being extremely fast-moving and aggressive.
When threatened, they will rise into an S curve and display their fangs to make them appear larger than they are.
Cobras are large snakes compared with others, at only 1-3 meters long on average. They’re not generally considered one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes; most encounters with these snakes result in no fatalities.
4. Boomslang
The first thing you’ll notice about a boomslang is its beautiful blue tongue, which can be shot out of its mouth up to two feet.
The species comes from a Zulu word, a tree snake that strikes loudly. When threatened, boomslangs coil and hiss, then strike repeatedly at whatever’s scaring them.
Their venom contains hemotoxins—which destroy red blood cells—and cytotoxins—which cause tissue damage and interfere with cell division.
Neither is known to have ever killed a human being. Still, it might be worth wearing shoes on your next hike, as boomslangs are one of the most venomous snakes.
5. Horned Adder
The Horned Adder (Bitis caudalis) is a venomous viper species in southern and eastern Africa. It is responsible for many snakebite deaths among humans in Africa and is considered one of the most venomous snakes in Africa.
The horned adder habitat includes savanna, grassland, bushveld, shrubland, and agricultural land. Farm workers often kill the African Horned Adder due to its killing of poultry, especially young chicks and ducklings. This snake hunts small mammals and other snakes such as its species, but not larger ones.
6. Puff Adder
The puff adder can produce a very toxic venom, making it one of the most venomous snakes in Africa. There are three different puff adder species, all found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Though it will bite any animal that gets too close, it primarily preys on other snakes, lizards, rodents, and birds.
The puff adder (Bitis arietans) releases an unpleasant odor when threatened. With over 90% of its diet comprised of other reptiles and venomous animals, an encounter with a human is relatively unlikely.
If bitten by a puff adder, medical attention should be sought immediately, as even with treatment, victims can die. Avoid getting anywhere near one. It is best to err on caution!
7. Gaboon Viper
With a large head and triangular-shaped eyes, you know immediately that you’re dealing with a viper. And you wouldn’t want to mess with it. It has one of the most potent venoms around, making it one of the most venomous snakes.
It also sports two curved fangs that inject massive venom into prey. Up to 100 mg per bite, enough to kill 11 humans. As if that weren’t scary enough, these snakes can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh more than 10 pounds!
Thankfully, these vipers are pretty docile and don’t tend to attack humans unless provoked. However, they’re known for ambushing their prey by lying still on the ground until they get close enough.
8. Rhinoceros Viper
A Rhinoceros viper possesses a distinctive horn-like head and the habit of curling into an S shape when threatened. They are less aggressive than other snakes but bite if you get too close.
Although they only grow to about 2 feet long, they’re one of the most venomous snakes on Earth. Their venom contains a toxin that destroys red blood cells, leading to renal failure and death.
Even with antivenom treatment, your chances aren’t good – fatality rates are as high as 25%.
If bitten by a rhinoceros viper, seek medical attention immediately. These snake bites are often fatal without treatment.
