Africa is home to a variety of snakes, both deadly and beautiful.
From the Gaboon Viper, one of the deadliest snakes in Africa, to the Ball Python, one of the most popular pet snakes in the world, there is a wide range of types of snakes in Africa.
This list will explore some of the different types of African snakes and their characteristics.
We’ll also examine how to protect yourself from a potential snake encounter.
So, read on to learn more about Africa’s deadly and beautiful snakes!
1. Puff Adder
The Puff Adder is one of Africa’s most iconic and feared types of snakes.
Known for its deadly venom and striking camouflage, the Puff Adder commands respect and fear.
This venomous viper can be found throughout various regions of Africa, including savannahs, grasslands, and even urban areas.
With its distinctive triangular head and prominent, heat-sensing pits, the Puff Adder is a formidable predator.
The Puff Adder is not only known for its venom but also for its unique defense mechanism.
When threatened, it will hiss loudly and inflate its body, giving the appearance of being much larger and more dangerous than it is.
This display is often enough to scare away potential predators and keep the snake safe.
While the Puff Adder’s venom is extremely potent and can cause severe tissue damage and even death in humans, it is also an important part of the ecosystem.
As an ambush predator, the Puff Adder plays a crucial role in controlling populations of small mammals, birds, and other snakes.
Despite its reputation as a dangerous snake, the Puff Adder, like all snakes, plays an important role in maintaining the delicate balance of nature in Africa.
2. Cape House Snake
One of the lesser-known but fascinating types of snakes in Africa is the Cape House Snake.
This non-venomous snake is commonly found in South Africa and is known for its slender body and smooth scales.
Despite its name, it doesn’t exclusively inhabit houses but can be found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas.
With its docile nature and beautiful brown or grey coloration, the Cape House Snake is a captivating species to encounter in the wild.
3. Boomslang
Another type of snake in Africa, the Boomslang, is a tree-dwelling snake found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Its name comes from the Afrikaans words “tree” and “snake.” The Boomslang’s venom is hemotoxic, affecting the blood vessels and causing internal bleeding.
However, it is not an aggressive snake and will only bite if threatened.
The Boomslang is known for its striking green coloration and large eyes and is often regarded as one of the most beautiful snakes in Africa.
4. Cape Cobra
The Cape Cobra is a venomous snake in southern Africa, particularly in the Western Cape.
It is known for its striking appearance, with its color ranging from yellow or light brown to reddish-brown or black.
This snake has distinctive black bands around its hood, giving it a regal and majestic look.
The Cape Cobra is one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes, primarily because of its potent neurotoxic venom.
It can deliver a powerful and accurate strike, making it a formidable predator.
This snake primarily preys on small mammals and birds, using its venom to immobilize and digest its prey.
The Cape Cobra is generally shy and non-aggressive towards humans despite its vicious nature.
However, it should never be provoked or handled, as it will defend itself when threatened.
Interestingly, the Cape Cobra is known for its defensive behavior of raising its forebody off the ground and spreading its hood to appear larger and more intimidating.
This behavior serves as a warning to potential predators or threats, effectively deterring them from approaching.
5. Spotted Bush Snake
The Spotted Bush Snake is a non-venomous snake that can be found in various regions of Africa.
Known for its slender body and beautiful patterns, it is commonly found in trees and shrubs.
This snake primarily feeds on small vertebrates and insects.
Despite its harmless nature, it can still startle humans due to its quick movements and striking appearance.
The Spotted Bush Snake is just one of the many fascinating types of snakes in Africa that contribute to the diverse wildlife on the continent.
6. Stripe-bellied Sand Snake
The Stripe-bellied Sand Snake is one of Africa’s most unique and fascinating snakes.
This slender snake, with its distinct stripe pattern along its belly, is known for its exceptional ability to burrow and hide in the sand.
Found mainly in the sandy regions of southern Africa, this snake relies on its camouflage to ambush its prey, mainly lizards and small rodents.
While it is not considered dangerous to humans, its beauty and adaptability make it a remarkable snake to encounter in the African wilderness.
7. Black Mamba
One of the deadliest types of snakes in Africa is the Black Mamba. This snake can grow up to 14 feet long and is known for its speed and aggression.
The Black Mamba is often found in Africa’s savannas and rocky areas and is responsible for numerous yearly human fatalities.
Despite its name, the Black Mamba is not black. Instead, it has a dark brown or grey color on top and a lighter belly.
Its venom is extremely potent and can kill a human in as little as 20 minutes. This makes it one of the most dangerous snakes in the world.
If you ever encounter a Black Mamba in the wild, it is best to avoid it and give it plenty of space.
Do not try to approach or handle the snake, as it will likely strike in self-defense.
While these snakes may be beautiful to look at from a distance, they are not to be underestimated and should be treated with caution and respect.
8. Red-lipped Snake
One of the lesser-known but fascinating snakes in Africa is the Red-lipped Snake.
This snake, also known as the Herald Snake, is native to various regions of Southern and East Africa.
It gets its name from the distinct red coloration on its lower lip, which contrasts beautifully with its sleek black body.
The Red-lipped Snake is relatively small, typically growing to about 2-3 feet long.
Despite its size, it is highly venomous and should be cautiously approached.
However, it is not considered a major threat to humans, as it is generally shy and avoids confrontation.
This snake is a proficient climber, often found in trees or shrubs, waiting for its prey.
It primarily feeds on small vertebrates such as birds, lizards, and rodents.
Its diet, slender body, and excellent camouflage make it an efficient hunter.
Although the Red-lipped Snake is not widely recognized or feared like the Black Mamba or the Boomslang, it plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Snakes, including the Red-lipped Snake, help control populations of rodents and other small animals, thereby maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
So, while the Red-lipped Snake may not be as well-known as some other types of snakes in Africa, its beauty and importance in the natural world should be noticed.
If you encounter this snake during your African adventures, remember to appreciate its unique features and treat it with the respect it deserves.
9. Southern African Python
The Southern African Python is one of Africa’s largest types of snakes. It can reach up to 20 feet, making it a formidable predator.
These pythons are known for their impressive strength and ability to constrict their prey.
They have a distinctive pattern of dark blotches on a lighter background, which helps them blend into their surroundings.
Although not venomous, their size and power make them formidable hunters.
The Southern African Python is an iconic snake in Africa and is important in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance.
10. Ball Python
The Ball Python is a popular snake from West and Central Africa. Due to its docile nature and manageable size, it is commonly kept as a pet.
They can curl up into a ball, hence their name, when threatened or stressed.
Unlike some more deadly snakes in Africa, Ball Pythons are non-venomous and typically feed on small mammals such as mice and rats.
Their unique and beautiful color patterns make them a sought-after addition to any snake enthusiast’s collection.
11. Forskal Sand Snake
One of the lesser-known types of snakes in Africa is the Forskal Sand Snake.
These small snakes, usually only 20 cm long, are found in desert regions across North Africa and the Middle East.
Despite their small size, they are highly venomous and dangerous to humans.
Their venom is a potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and even death in small animals and humans.
However, their small size means they are not usually a significant threat to humans, and their shy and secretive nature means they are rarely encountered.
Forskals Sand Snakes are adapted to harsh desert environments, and their coloration allows them to blend in with the sand and rocks.
They are opportunistic predators, feeding on small lizards, insects, and other small desert-dwelling animals.
While they may not be as well-known as other types of snakes in Africa, Forskal Sand Snakes are still fascinating creatures that are important to their ecosystem.
12. Desert Horned Viper
Another fascinating species among the many types of snakes in Africa is the Desert Horned Viper.
As the name suggests, it is mostly found in the desert areas of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
This snake has an unusual appearance, with distinctive, horn-like scales above its eyes.
It uses these “horns” to deter predators or prey by striking outwards in a defensive posture.
Like many other venomous snakes in Africa, the Desert Horned Viper has powerful venom that can be dangerous to humans if not treated promptly.
Its presence in the wild reminds us of the importance of respecting these creatures from a safe distance.
13. Egyptian Cobra
The Egyptian Cobra is a venomous snake throughout North Africa and the Middle East.
It is considered one of Africa’s most dangerous types of snakes due to its potent venom and aggressive behavior when threatened.
The Egyptian Cobra is known for its distinctive hood, which it raises when threatened to make itself appear larger and more intimidating.
Despite its reputation, the Egyptian Cobra is an important species in African ecosystems, playing a key role in controlling rodent populations.
14. Algerian Whip Snake
Another of the many types of snakes in Africa is the Algerian Whip Snake, scientifically known as Psammophis algirus.
This non-venomous snake is common in North Africa, particularly Algeria and Tunisia.
The Algerian Whip Snake is named for its long, thin body that can reach up to five feet.
Its skin is smooth and patterned with brown or black scales that help it blend in with its surroundings.
This snake is known for its speed and agility, making it difficult to catch or spot in the wild.
While not dangerous to humans, the Algerian Whip Snake is a skilled predator that feeds on lizards, rodents, and other small animals.
It can also be kept as a pet, but only by experienced snake owners who can provide the proper care and living conditions.
Like many other types of snakes in Africa, the Algerian Whip Snake is important to the region’s ecosystems.
These snakes play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced and healthy environment by controlling populations of smaller animals.
15. Sahara Sand Viper
One of the lesser-known but equally fascinating types of snakes in Africa is the Sahara Sand Viper.
Found in the sandy deserts of North Africa, this viper has adapted to its harsh environment with its sandy-colored scales and excellent burrowing skills.
Known for its deadly venom, the Sahara Sand Viper is a formidable predator that hunts small mammals and birds.
Its unique ability to blend into the desert landscape makes it both a mesmerizing and dangerous snake to encounter in the wild.
16. Moorish Viper
The Moorish viper is one of the many types of snakes in Africa that inhabit the arid regions of the Sahara desert.
Known for its venomous bite, this snake can grow up to 70 cm in length and is recognized by its pale brown color and darker brown markings.
Like many snakes on this list, the Moorish viper poses a serious threat to humans and should be avoided at all costs.
Its venom is potent and can cause serious health complications, including respiratory failure and death.
Despite its dangerous reputation, the Moorish viper plays an important role in the ecosystem of the Sahara desert.
As a top predator, it helps control smaller animal populations and maintains a healthy balance within its environment.
Overall, while the Moorish viper may be intimidating, it serves as a reminder of the many diverse and often deadly types of snakes in Africa and the importance of respecting these creatures and their role in our world.
17. Gaboon Viper
The Gaboon Viper is one of Africa’s most impressive and dangerous snakes.
Known for its incredible size and striking coloration, this snake can grow up to six feet long and has a distinctive triangular-shaped head.
The Gaboon Viper is found throughout Africa’s central and western parts, mainly in rainforests and wooded areas.
One of the Gaboon Viper’s most unique features is its camouflage.
Its patterned scales, which vary in shades of brown, tan, and black, help it blend seamlessly into its surroundings, making it an expert ambush predator.
This snake relies on its incredible camouflage to stay hidden and surprise its prey, mostly small mammals and birds.
But what makes the Gaboon Viper truly deadly is its venom. This snake possesses one of the most potent venoms of any snake in the world.
Its fangs are incredibly long, up to two inches, and fold back when unused.
When it strikes, it injects a venom that can cause severe pain, tissue damage, and even death if left untreated.
Encountering a Gaboon Viper in the wild is rare due to its secretive nature and excellent camouflage.
However, it’s important to be cautious when exploring the African wilderness, as these snakes can be extremely dangerous.
Knowing about the different types of snakes in Africa, including the Gaboon Viper, is crucial for understanding and appreciating this amazing continent’s diverse and fascinating wildlife.
18. Central African Rock Python
The Central African Rock Python is one of Africa’s largest and most powerful types of snakes.
It is a non-venomous snake known for its impressive size, reaching lengths of up to 20 feet or more.
These massive pythons are found in the forests and savannahs of Central Africa, where they are known for their hunting prowess.
Unlike venomous snakes, the Central African Rock Python relies on its size and strength to capture its prey.
They have a remarkable ability to constrict their victims, squeezing them until they can no longer breathe.
Their diet mainly consists of small—to medium-sized mammals, but they have been known to prey on larger animals, such as antelope if given the opportunity.
These pythons are known for their beautiful and distinct patterns, which consist of dark brown or black coloration and lighter, irregular patches or blotches along their bodies.
These types of snakes in Africa are generally non-aggressive towards humans, but if threatened or cornered, they can be dangerous.
The Central African Rock Python is an important part of the ecosystem in Africa, playing a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.
While some may fear them, they are admired for their incredible size and power.
If you ever have the chance to see one of these magnificent snakes in the wild, it is an experience you won’t soon forget.
19. Rhinoceros Viper
One of Africa’s most fascinating types of snakes is the Rhinoceros Viper.
This venomous snake is known for its distinctive appearance. It has triangular-shaped scales and a horn-like projection on its nose, resembling a rhinoceros.
Found in rainforests and grasslands across Central and West Africa, the Rhinoceros Viper is a master of camouflage.
Its striking coloration and unique markings help it blend seamlessly into its surroundings, making it a true marvel of nature.
However, despite its stunning appearance, the Rhinoceros Viper should be admired from a safe distance due to its vicious nature.
20. Olive Whip Snake
Another fascinating addition to the types of snakes in Africa is the Olive Whip Snake.
This non-venomous species can grow up to six feet long and is often found in forested areas and along water sources.
Their name comes from their thin and whip-like body, which they use to maneuver quickly and catch their prey.
Despite being harmless, their striking green and yellow coloring can make them a beautiful yet intimidating sight in the wild.
21. Blanding’s Tree Snake
The Blanding’s Tree Snake is one of Africa’s many intriguing snakes.
Known for its striking appearance, this snake features a vibrant green body with yellowish stripes running along its length.
It is commonly found in forested areas, where it spends most of its time on trees and shrubs.
One interesting fact about Blanding’s Tree Snake is its diet. Unlike other snake species, this snake primarily feeds on birds and their eggs.
It uses its slender body to climb trees and surprise its prey swiftly.
This specialized diet distinguishes it from other African snakes and showcases its unique ecological niche.
Another distinguishing feature of the Blanding’s Tree Snake is its behavior when threatened.
Rather than immediately resorting to aggression, it displays a defensive tactic known as “bluffing.”
This involves flattening its body, puffing out its neck, and exposing its bright-colored scales.
By doing so, it tries to intimidate potential predators and avoid physical confrontation.
22. Emerald Snake
The Emerald Snake is a type of snake found in Africa. It is also known as the Green Tree Snake due to its vibrant green coloration.
These snakes are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees.
They are also known for their impressive agility, which allows them to move quickly through branches and other obstacles.
The Emerald Snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
These types of snakes in Africa feed primarily on small rodents and birds, which they catch by surprise while hiding in the trees.
Due to their non-threatening nature, these snakes are often kept as pets and make excellent additions to any reptile collection.
In terms of appearance, the Emerald Snake is slender and can grow up to six feet long.
They are easily recognizable by their bright green coloration, which serves as camouflage in their tree-dwelling environment.
These snakes have large, round eyes and distinctive triangular heads. Overall, the Emerald Snake is one of Africa’s many fascinating types of snakes.
Whether you encounter one in the wild or keep one as a pet, these snakes are sure to impress with their stunning appearance and unique behavior.
23. Forest Cobra
The Forest Cobra, scientifically known as Naja melanoleuca, is one of the fascinating types of snakes in Africa.
It is a highly venomous species and is found in the dense forests of Central and West Africa.
With a length reaching up to 2 meters, it possesses an elegant appearance with its dark olive-brown color and distinct yellow or white bands on its belly.
Known for its ability to climb trees, this snake primarily preys on small mammals and birds.
Its striking beauty and deadly venom make the Forest Cobra a captivating creature of the African wilderness.
