12 Fascinating Types of Snakes in Egypt

Egypt is home to a variety of interesting and unique snakes.

Many of these species are only found in this region, making them a fascinating group of creatures to explore and learn about.

In this post, we will take a look at 12 of the most interesting types of snakes in Egypt that you need to know about.

From venomous vipers to non-venomous sand boas, these snakes offer a range of fascinating characteristics that make them worth learning about.

So, let’s dive in and discover some of the most fascinating types of snakes in Egypt

 1. Tesselated Water Snake

One of Egypt’s most unique types of snakes is the Tesselated Water Snake, also known as the Common Water Snake.

This species can be found throughout the country but is most commonly spotted near bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and marshes. 

This snake stands out because of its beautiful pattern of dark brown and light yellow scales arranged in a tesselated or mosaic-like design.

They can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and are non-venomous, feeding on fish and other small aquatic animals. 

While they may look intimidating, Tesselated Water Snakes are quite docile and typically only bite if provoked.

They are also important to the ecosystem as they help regulate the population of their prey. 

So if you happen to come across a Tesselated Water Snake during your travels in Egypt, remember to appreciate their beauty from a safe distance and let them go about their important role in the ecosystem.

2.  The Sand Viper

The Sand Viper is one of the most venomous types of snakes in Egypt and is commonly found in the deserts and dry regions of the country.

These snakes have distinctively triangular-shaped heads, and their body can grow up to one meter in length.

The Sand Viper is well adapted to its environment, with its sand-colored scales blending in perfectly with its surroundings. 

Although the Sand Viper is venomous, it rarely attacks humans unless provoked. Its venom is neurotoxic and can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis, and even death.

These snakes usually hunt at night and feed on small rodents and insects. 

If you happen to come across a Sand Viper in Egypt, it’s important to stay calm and keep your distance.

Do not attempt to handle or disturb the snake in any way. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a Sand Viper or any other venomous snake in Egypt.

Knowing the different types of snakes in Egypt is crucial to ensure your safety when exploring the country’s beautiful natural landscapes.

 3. Egyptian Sand Snake

The Egyptian Sand Snake is a non-venomous species that can be found throughout Egypt and other parts of North Africa.

This species of snake can range in size from 50 cm to 120 cm in length. Their bodies are covered in scales that allow them to easily blend into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot.

The Egyptian Sand Snake is primarily active during the day and preys on small rodents and insects.

They are known for their incredible speed and agility, making them highly effective hunters.

Although they are not venomous, the Egyptian Sand Snake will still bite if provoked, so it’s best to admire them from a safe distance.

Despite their relatively common presence throughout Egypt, the Egyptian Sand Snake remains a mystery to many people.

However, they are a fascinating and important part of the local ecosystem. By learning more about this species of snake, we can better appreciate and protect the biodiversity of Egypt and the surrounding regions.

4. Moila Snake

The Moila Snake, also known as the Bicolored Spitting Cobra, is one of Egypt’s most dangerous and venomous snakes.

This highly venomous species can grow up to six feet long and has a distinctive black-and-white coloration. The Moila Snake is mainly found in northern Egypt, especially around the Nile Delta.

As its name suggests, the Moila Snake can spit venom into the eyes of its prey or predators. The venom can cause blindness and severe pain.

This snake is known to be extremely aggressive when provoked and will not hesitate to attack. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution around this snake.

If you come across a Moila Snake in the wild, do not approach it. Instead, try to maintain a safe distance and seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten.

The Moila Snake’s venom can be lethal and should not be taken lightly. The Moila Snake is a fascinating yet dangerous species that should be respected and avoided at all costs.

5. The African Egg-Eating Snake

One of the most unique types of snakes in Egypt is the African Egg-Eating Snake. As its name suggests, this snake has a specialized diet of bird eggs.

They are able to swallow eggs whole thanks to their hinged jaws, and they are also able to regurgitate the shells afterward. 

This snake has a distinctive appearance, with a small head and a slender body that can grow up to three feet in length.

Their scales are brown or gray with black spots, making them excellent at blending into their surroundings. 

Despite their specialized diet, the African Egg-Eating Snake is not considered dangerous to humans.

They are non-venomous and typically shy, only biting in self-defense if they feel threatened. 

It’s important to note that while the African Egg-Eating Snake may be fascinating to observe in the wild, it’s important to maintain a safe distance and avoid handling any type of snake in Egypt without the proper knowledge and training.

 6. Desert Horned Viper

The Desert Horned Viper, also known as the Horned Desert Viper, is a unique and intriguing snake found in the deserts of Egypt.

This venomous species has a distinct appearance; its horn-like scales above its eyes give it its name. These “horns” serve as a defense mechanism, helping to deter potential predators.

The Desert Horned Viper is well-adapted to its harsh desert habitat. Its coloration ranges from pale yellow to gray, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the sandy surroundings. It can grow up to 80 cm in length, making it a relatively small snake.

This snake is primarily nocturnal, hunting for prey during the cooler hours of the night. It mainly feeds on small rodents, lizards, and other desert-dwelling creatures.

The Desert Horned Viper relies on its venom to immobilize and kill its prey.

Encountering a Desert Horned Viper in the wild can be dangerous, as it possesses venom that can cause severe pain and tissue damage.

It’s essential to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance if you happen to come across this snake.

It’s advisable to avoid any unnecessary interactions with the Desert Horned Viper to ensure your safety.

Despite its venomous nature, the Desert Horned Viper plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the desert ecosystem.

It helps control the population of small mammals and reptiles, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.

7. Brahminy Blindsnake

The Brahminy Blindsnake is a small and unique species of snake that can be found in Egypt.

This snake is part of a group known as the blindsnakes, which are characterized by their reduced eyes and burrowing behavior.

The Brahminy Blindsnake is particularly interesting because it is entirely subterranean and spends its life underground.

It has a cylindrical body with smooth scales and a dark brown or black coloration. Unlike many other snakes, it does not have fangs or venom.

Instead, it feeds on ant and termite larvae, using its small mouth to extract them from the soil. Due to its subterranean lifestyle, the Brahminy Blindsnake is rarely encountered by humans.

However, it is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps control the population of insects and contributes to soil health.

8. The Kenyan Sand Boa

One of the most unique types of snakes in Egypt is the Kenyan Sand Boa. This snake is named after the country it originates from, but can also be found in sandy regions throughout Egypt.

As its name suggests, the Kenyan Sand Boa has a fondness for sandy environments, where it can easily bury itself and remain camouflaged from prey. 

What sets this snake apart from others in Egypt is its ability to produce offspring without mating.

This process, known as parthenogenesis, means that a female snake can produce young without the need for a male partner. 

Despite its non-threatening nature, the Kenyan Sand Boa is often feared by locals due to its resemblance to the venomous Sand Viper.

However, it is important to note that the Kenyan Sand Boa is a harmless species and can even be kept as a pet by those who appreciate its unique traits and characteristics. 

Overall, the Kenyan Sand Boa is a fascinating addition to the diverse types of snakes in Egypt, and its parthenogenesis reproduction makes it a particularly intriguing species.

9. Sahara Sand Viper

The Sahara Sand Viper is a venomous snake that can be found throughout Egypt’s desert regions.

This species is typically smaller in size, growing to an average length of only 20-30 cm. Their unique sand-colored pattern allows them to blend into their desert surroundings, making them difficult to spot. 

Despite their small size, Sahara Sand Vipers are known for their potent venom, which can cause serious health complications if not treated quickly.

However, these snakes are not usually aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened or cornered. 

Sahara Sand Vipers are also known for their unique hunting technique. They will often bury themselves in the sand, leaving only their eyes exposed, and wait for prey to pass by. Once the prey is within striking distance, the viper will quickly emerge and attack. 

It’s important to exercise caution when exploring Egypt’s desert regions to avoid any dangerous encounters with these fascinating snakes.

If you do come across a Sahara Sand Viper, it’s best to give it plenty of space and not attempt to handle it. Remember always to respect wildlife and observe from a safe distance.

 10. Forskal Sand Snake

The Forskal Sand Snake, also known as the Arabian Sand Boa, is a type of non-venomous snake found in Egypt and other countries in the Middle East.

These snakes are known for their unique appearance, which includes a pointed head, short tail, and brown or yellowish-brown scales that blend in with the desert sand.

While the Forskal Sand Snake is non-venomous, it is still a formidable predator, using its sharp teeth to capture and devour small animals such as lizards and rodents.

These snakes are primarily nocturnal, which helps them avoid the intense heat of the desert during the day.

Like many other species of snake in Egypt, the Forskal Sand Snake is often seen as a symbol of power and protection in local cultures.

However, it is important to remember that all snakes, including the Forskal Sand Snake, should be treated with caution and respect.

If you happen to encounter one of these fascinating creatures in the wild, keep your distance and admire from afar.

11. Diadem Snake

Another interesting snake on the list of types of snakes in Egypt is the Diadem Snake. Also known as the Spiny-necked Racer, this non-venomous snake is typically found in desert and rocky areas.

It is recognizable by its distinctive black and white bands around its neck, resembling a diadem or crown. 

The Diadem Snake is an agile hunter, preying on small mammals, lizards, and birds. It is also known for its speed and ability to escape from potential predators, such as birds of prey and larger snakes. 

Despite being non-venomous, the Diadem Snake can still pose a threat to humans due to its sharp teeth and tendency to bite when feeling threatened.

However, it is generally not aggressive towards humans and will often flee when encountered. 

While not as well-known as some of the other snakes on this list, the Diadem Snake is still an important member of Egypt’s diverse ecosystem and is an intriguing species for those interested in wildlife.

12. Egyptian Cobra

The Egyptian Cobra is one of Egypt’s most iconic and venomous snakes. Also known as the Asp, this species is famous for its hooded appearance and deadly venom.

It can grow up to two meters in length and has a distinctive brown or olive-colored body with dark bands or spots.

The Egyptian Cobra is typically found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, forests, and farmlands.

This snake is known for its aggressive behavior and will strike if it feels threatened. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death.

The Egyptian Cobra primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using its venom to immobilize its prey.

Encountering an Egyptian Cobra in the wild can be dangerous, so it’s important to exercise caution and keep a safe distance.

If bitten, seek immediate medical attention as the effects of its venom can be life-threatening.

Despite its dangerous reputation, the Egyptian Cobra is important to Egypt’s ecosystem.

Understanding and respecting this species can contribute to its conservation and ensure its survival for future generations.

Conclusion

Egypt is home to a diverse and fascinating array of snakes. From venomous vipers to non-venomous sand boas, these snakes offer a unique glimpse into the biodiversity of this region.

We have explored just a handful of the most interesting types of snakes in Egypt, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations.

Whether it’s the beautiful pattern of the Tesselated Water Snake, the Moila Snake’s deadly venom, or the Brahminy Blindsnake’s underground lifestyle, each species plays a vital role in the ecosystem and deserves our respect and appreciation. 

By learning about and understanding these snakes, we can better appreciate the delicate balance of nature and work towards conserving and protecting these important species.

Whether you encounter these snakes in the wild or study them from afar, it’s important to remember always to exercise caution and respect their habitats.

Egypt’s snakes are not only intriguing and beautiful, but they are also an integral part of the country’s natural heritage.

Let us continue to celebrate and learn from these amazing creatures, ensuring their survival for generations to come.