Another layer of thrill to the wild in Kenya comes from the deadliest snakes, in addition to the incredible wildlife and Africa’s iconic Big 5. These silent and fascinating predators lurk in tall grasses, coil in bushes, glide over rocky paths or climb trees, making every safari and game drive more exciting. Spotting one of these venomous snakes, perfectly camouflaged in its habitat, is a reminder of just how wild Kenya truly is.
It is Important to know which snakes are deadliest and where to see them during your safari in Kenya. Below is a guide to Kenya’s most dangerous snakes and habitats where you are likely to spot them.
The Black Mamba
The black mamba is the most dangerous and feared snake in Kenya. It is long and slender, usually grey or olive with a black mouth. It moves extremely fast, is aggressive and highly venomous. The Black Mamba’s speed, large size and powerful venom make it the deadliest snake in Kenya.
During game drives, Black Mambas are often found in dry bushland, savannahs and rocky areas, seeking shelter in termite mounds, tree hollows or rock crevices. The Black mamba is often seen during safari in Tsavo National Park, Samburu Reserve and Laikipia’s dry savannahs.
The Puff Adder
Puff Adder is one of the most widespread and dangerous snake in Kenya with cytotoxic venom. It has a thick, heavy body with bold brown, yellow and black zigzag patterns, helping the puff adder blend perfectly into dry grass, sandy areas and bushland. This camouflage characteristic makes it hard to spot, especially on footpaths or near farms.
They are common in almost all habitats except true deserts and rainforests. The puff adder is commonly found in Kenya’s game reserves, including the Masai Mara.
The Spitting Cobra
Spitting Cobra is one of the most well- known and widespread venomous snakes in Kenya. They have several species found in the region, including the Red spitting cobra and the Black-necked spitting cobra. Spitting cobras are medium in size with slender bodies and usually brown, reddish, grey and black, with highly neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom. They are highly recognized by their ability to raise their head and spread their wide hood when threatened.
The spitting cobra is commonly seen in Tsavo East, West and Meru National Park.
The Eastern green mamba
The Eastern Green Mamba is one of the striking and beautiful snakes in Kenya, with its bright green, glossy scales that help it blend perfectly into leaves and branches. It is a slender and a fast-moving snake that spends most of its time high in the forest canopy, making it difficult to spot and is one of the most venomous snakes in Kenya.
The Eastern green mamba is found in Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Shimba Hills and lush forests near Diani Beach.
The Jameson’s mamba
The Jameson’s Mamba is a highly venomous and fast-moving snake found in parts of western Kenya, especially in forests, woodlands and thick bush. It has a bright green upper body and pale green or yellowish belly, which gives excellent camouflage in leafy environments. It is similar in appearance to the Eastern Green Mamba and generally slenderer and can grow up to 2.5 meters long.
The Jameson mamba is commonly seen in Kakamega Forest, Mount Elgon and densely vegetated riverine areas.
The Gaboon and Rhinoceros Vipers
The Gaboon Viper is one of the largest and most impressive venomous snakes in Kenya. It has a thick, heavy body and is known for having the longest fangs. The Gaboon Viper is known for its stunning pattern of brown, cream and black markings, helping blend with fallen leaves and forest debris.
The Gaboon and rhinoceros viper stay in forests, woodlands and moist savannas. Places to spot the Gaboon and Rhinoceros Vipers include: Aberdares National Park, Mount Kenya forest and Kakamega Forest.
The Rhinoceros viper
The rhinoceros viper prefers a humid environment such as forests, swamps and areas near rivers. The Rhinoceros viper is slow-moving and relies on camouflage to avoid threats and ambush prey. In Kenya, it is occasionally seen in Kakamega Forest and riverine forests in the west.
The Carpet Viper
The Carpet Viper is one of the most dangerous snakes in Kenya due to its highly toxic venom and tendency to live close to human settlements. It is small in size, usually around 30 – 90 cm long, extremely aggressive when disturbed and is responsible for a high number of snakebite deaths in Kenya.
This viper has a rough, sand – colored body with dark, triangular patterns, helping it blend into dry, rocky and arid environments. It is commonly found in savannas, dry scrublands, farms and rocky hillsides. The carpet viper is commonly found in northern Kenya – Marsabit, Samburu, dry hillsides of Laikipia and Lake Baringo.
The snakes above are the deadliest and highly venomous in Kenya, each with special features and found in different places during a safari in Kenya.