Reptiles Safaris in Uganda: Uganda is known to be home to numerous attractions and some of these attractions include reptiles which are some of the rarest wildlife species in the country, while on a reptile safari in the country, sightseers can get to visit the reptile village in the country located in Entebbe and also other national parks which are known to be home to the reptiles.
Uganda is home to different types of reptiles; both venomous and non-venomous. These include; crocodiles, snakes, lizards, chameleons, tortoises, terrapins, and several others. Most of these reptiles can easily be seen in the major Ugandan national parks spread out across the country including Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park among several others. You can also see them in wildlife reserves like Pian Upe, Matheniko, Bokora, and Tooro-Semuliki among several others.
Most of these reptiles; snakes in particular are very shy to attack and only do so when provoked. Just like humans, reptiles too are calm and only become wild, uncontrollable, and harmful when prevailing circumstances around put them in tension. In most cases, snakes, crocodiles, and lizards tend to run away after hearing a shout. However, when followed, they will stand back to defend themselves, eventually causing harm to the person provoking it.
There is more to learn about these reptiles however, it is best to learn on the ground so kindly book your trip to the Pearl of Africa for a reptile safari and explore and learn about the different kinds of snakes and other reptile species found in the country. Uganda is home to most of the world’s celebrated and embraced reptiles like:
Crocodiles
Crocodiles are mostly found in water bodies and can easily be seen during boat launches in Murchison Falls National Park, Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and in rivers and wetlands all over the country. Crocodiles are primarily aquatic animals and are sometimes called the Nile crocodile because they mostly feed on fish.
The Puff Adder
The Puff adder is among the venomous viper species found in Uganda. A few visitors to Uganda have been lucky enough to see it. It’s more common in the savannah parks and enjoy feeding on rodents.
Eastern Green Mambas
Though not as aggressive as the black mambas, Eastern green mambas too are very venomous snake species, native to the coastal regions of Southern East Africa. They are a shy and elusive species, usually seen in arboreal habitats and green coloration of trees, shrubs, and bushes. The Eastern green mamba preys on birds, eggs, bats, and small rodents such as mice, rats, and gerbils.
Boom Slang
Though no scenarios and reports have been written and spoken about this snake species, it is very toxic. However, boom slang has no fangs and is not aggressive as well. It is mostly spotted on top of trees.
The African Rock Python
This is the largest snake in Africa. It is usually over 4 meters in length and has gold on black mottled kind of skin. African rock pythons are non-venomous constrictor snakes but will attack and kill their prey by strangulation. They wrap their bodies around the prey to suffocate it and eventually swallow it whole. After this mean, they can go off and nap for as long as two months before they can have their next meal. They feed on large rodents, and small antelopes and could kill a small child.
Black Mambas
Black Mambas are Africa’s longest venomous snakes, reaching a length of up to 14 feet. They are also known to be among the fastest snakes in the world and therefore one of the greatest threats to human beings. They are not black, as their name would suggest but the interior of their mouth is. Black mambas are both terrestrial and arboreal and are mostly found in the eastern part of Uganda. Black mambas mainly prey on birds and small mammals.
Egg Eating Snakes
These snakes feed on bird eggs as their name suggests. They swallow the egg whole and regurgitate the shell.
Gabon Viper
The Gaboon viper is a venomous viper species and the largest member of the genus Bitis. They have the longest fangs of any venomous snake (2 inches) and the highest venom yield of any snake. Gaboon vipers can grow to a length of over 5 feet, have a heavily built, black and brown skin pattern with some gold on it. A perfect mix for camouflage in the rainforests of Uganda. Gaboon vipers are also commonly found in the rainforests and savannahs of Sub-Saharan Africa. Adult Gaboon vipers have no trouble eating prey as large as fully-grown rabbits.
Green Tree Snake
A non-venomous and friendly kind of snake found on trees. They have no fangs and venom.
Mole Snake
This snake measures up to 2 meters in length and is native to much of Southern Africa. In Uganda, it is commonly found in the savannah parks and feeds on moles and other rodents as the name suggests.
Lizards
In Uganda, you can spot different types of lizards, both aquatic and terrestrial. Monitor lizards, both the water monitor and the Savannah monitor are mostly seen in the Kazinga channel and Murchison Falls National Park. respectively.
Monitor Lizards
These can with ease be spotted in Murchison Falls National Park for savannah monitor lizards, and water monitor lizards are best sighted at Kazinga channel. They are harmless and there should be no need to cause an alarm when you come across them. However, you should take precautions as they may strike using their tails. Their bite is also deadly. The tail strike is said to cause a wound believed to take long to heal although medics have not ascertained the truth about this myth. They always raid crocodile’s habitats and eat their eggs. You can spot these during your game drive or launch cruise. There are also other types of lizards that are small in size and you can have a great time sighting
House Gecko
This reptile species is mostly found in houses looking for insects to feast on and are generally harmless to humans with the exception of their saliva which if it comes in contact with personal items like toothbrushes may have health repercussions.
