Reptiles in Masai Mara(Snakes, Tortoises and More)

Beyond its iconic lions, elephants, and wildebeest, the Masai Mara is home to a fascinating array of reptiles and amphibians, playing a vital role in the ecosystem. These cold-blooded creatures are often overlooked by safari-goers but add an incredible depth to the biodiversity of the Mara.

As a resident of the Maasai Mara and part of the team managing Kambu Mara Camp, I’ve gained unique insights into the lesser-known animals of the Mara—those that often go unnoticed but play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Kambu Mara Camp, nestled in dense shrubs south of Naboisho and near Sekenani Gate, is home to several reptile species. A few months ago, two adult Leopard tortoises wandered into our camp, sparking a discussion about whether to create a designated space for them. However, as dedicated conservationists, we strongly oppose the idea of keeping wild animals in captivity for the sake of guest entertainment.

Out of curiosity, we briefly kept them for a day, but it quickly became evident that they were restless and desperately trying to escape. By the second day, we knew the right thing to do—set them free.

While reptile sightings at Kambu Mara Camp are rare, the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem is home to hundreds of reptile species, from tortoises and lizards to some of Kenya’s most fascinating snakes.

I reviewed a 2017 field guide by herpetologist Stephen Spawls, the first comprehensive book covering the reptiles and amphibians of the Maasai Mara.

This guide will explore tortoises, terrapins, lizards, snakes, toads, and frogs, providing insight into their habits, habitats, and potential dangers.

Tortoises and Terrapins of the Masai Mara

Tortoises and terrapins are slow-moving, long-lived reptiles that can be found in different habitats across the Mara. Unlike snakes and lizards, they have bony shells for protection and are mostly harmless to humans.

**1. Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis)**

Overview: The largest tortoise in the Masai Mara, reaching up to 40 cm in length, with a striking black and yellow pattern resembling a leopard’s spots.
Habitat: Open grasslands, scrublands, and wooded areas.
Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grasses, succulents, and fruits.
Interesting Fact: Leopard tortoises can swim and are the only tortoise species in Africa known to do so!

**2. Helmeted Terrapin (Pelomedusa neumanni)**

Description: A freshwater turtle with an oval shell, usually brown or dark green.
Habitat: Ponds, marshes, and seasonal pools in the Mara.
Diet: Opportunistic omnivore, feeding on fish, insects, and amphibians.
Interesting Fact: They are highly adaptive and can bury themselves in mud to survive droughts.

Lizards of the Masai Mara

Lizards are common and visible throughout the reserve, ranging from small geckos in camps to large Nile monitors near water sources.

**1. Afro-Tropical Ground Gecko (Hemidactylus angulatus)**

Description: A small, brown gecko, often seen hunting insects at night.
Habitat: Grasslands, rocky areas, and human settlements.
Interesting Fact: Unlike many geckos, this species prefers the ground over climbing trees.

**2. Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia)**

Description: Pale or brown gecko, commonly found inside lodges and tents, hunting insects near lights.
Habitat: Human settlements, rocky outcrops, and trees.
Interesting Fact: They make clicking sounds when communicating with each other.

**3. Nyika Gecko (Hemidactylus squamulatus)**

Description: A larger gecko species, often found in forested areas.
Habitat: Rocky terrain and tree bark.
Interesting Fact: Their skin texture resembles tree bark, providing excellent camouflage.

**4. Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus)**

Description: One of the largest lizards in Africa, growing up to 2 meters long.
Habitat: Rivers, wetlands, and open woodlands.
Interesting Fact: Nile monitors are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes!

Snakes of the Masai Mara

Are There Snakes in the Masai Mara?

Yes, snakes are present in the Maasai Mara, but they are rarely seen by visitors due to their shy and secretive nature. The Maasai Mara’s diverse ecosystem—spanning grasslands, woodlands, riverbanks, and rocky outcrops—provides the perfect habitat for a wide variety of snake species, ranging from harmless insect-eating snakes like the Black-Tipped Worm Snake to highly venomous species such as the Black Mamba, Puff Adder, and Black-Necked Spitting Cobra.

However, most snakes actively avoid human encounters and are more commonly spotted by researchers, guides, or locals familiar with their habitats. While venomous snakes do exist, they typically only bite in self-defense, making actual snakebite incidents in the Mara extremely rare.

Safari-goers are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings—especially in tall grass, near termite mounds, or around water sources—but the chances of encountering a snake on a typical game drive remain very low.

Venomous Snakes of the Masai Mara

☻ = Potentially dangerous to humans

Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) ☻ – Fast-moving, highly venomous, and defensive if provoked.
Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) ☻ – Camouflaged, responsible for most snakebites in Africa.
Black-Necked Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis) ☻ – Spits venom into the eyes when threatened.
Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca) ☻ – Large and highly venomous.
Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica) ☻★ – Rare, but has the longest fangs of any snake.
Jameson’s Mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni) ☻★★ – Rare but highly venomous.
Velvety Green Night Adder (Causus resimus) ☻ – Mildly venomous, but not lethal to humans.

Non-Venomous & Mildly Venomous Snakes

Peter’s Worm Snake (Leptotyphlops nigroterminus) – A tiny, harmless burrowing snake.
Common Slug-Eater (Duberria lutrix) – Feeds on slugs and is completely harmless.
Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp (Atractaspis microlepidota) – Mildly venomous but rarely encountered.
East African Garter Snake (Elapsoidea loveridgei) ☻ – Venomous but not aggressive toward humans.

Table Summary of Snakes in Masai Mara;

Common Name	Scientific Name	Venomous Status	Habitat	Max Length (cm)
Black-Tipped Worm Snake	Leptotyphlops nigroterminus	Harmless	Underground, under stones	18
Brown House Snake	Boaedon fuliginosus	Harmless	Savanna, near human habitation	100
Southern African Rock Python	Python natalensis	Harmless	Savanna, near water sources	500
Cape Wolf Snake	Lycophidion capense	Harmless	Savanna, woodland	60
Semi-ornate Snake	Meizodon semiornatus	Harmless	Savanna, woodland	80
Slug-eating Snake	Duberria lutrix	Harmless	Grassland, savanna	45
Battersby’s Green Snake	Philothamnus battersbyi	Harmless	Near water sources, reeds, bushes	90
Jackson’s Tree Snake	Thrasops jacksoni	Harmless	Woodlands, riverine areas	230
Spotted Bush Snake	Philothamnus semivariegatus	Harmless	Savanna, acacia trees	120
Tiger Snake	Telescopus semiannulatus	Mildly Venomous	Savanna, woodland	90
Boomslang	Dispholidus typus	Highly Venomous	Savanna, woodland, trees	180
White-lip Snake	Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia	Mildly Venomous	Near water sources, woodland	80
Kenyan Striped Skaapsteker	Psammophylax multisquamis	Mildly Venomous	Savanna, woodland	140
Northern Stripe-bellied Sand Snake	Psammophis sudanensis	Mildly Venomous	Savanna, woodland	120
Olive Sand Snake	Psammophis mossambicus	Mildly Venomous	Savanna, woodland	170
Olive Marsh Snake	Natriciteres olivacea	Harmless	Savanna, near water	45
Montane Egg-eating Snake	Dasypeltis atra	Harmless	Savanna, woodland	100
Common Egg-eating Snake	Dasypeltis scabra	Harmless	Savanna, woodland	100
Eastern Small-scaled Burrowing Asp	Atractaspis fallax	Venomous	Savanna, burrowing	100
Black-Necked Spitting Cobra	Naja nigricollis	Highly Venomous	Savanna, grasslands	230
Black Mamba	Dendroaspis polylepis	Highly Venomous	Savanna, trees, rocky areas	320
Velvety-green Night Adder	Causus resimus	Mildly Venomous	Savanna, woodlands	70
Puff Adder	Bitis arietans	Highly Venomous	Grasslands, woodlands, under cover	130

Read about snake bites on a safari and first-aid steps to take.

Toads and Frogs of the Masai Mara

Amphibians are mostly active at night and thrive during the rainy season. They are important prey for many predators, including birds and snakes.

A photographic guide to snakes, other reptiles and amphibians of East Africa, by Bill Branch

Common Toads & Frogs

Guttural Toad (Amietophrynus gutturalis) – Large, warty toad with a distinctive guttural call.
Golden-Backed Frog (Amnirana galamensis) – Found in wetlands and streams.
Bocage’s Burrowing Tree Frog (Leptopelis bocagi) – A tree-dwelling species known for its loud calls.
Common Reed Frog (Hyperolius glandicolor ferniquei) – Small, brightly colored frog found in marshy areas.
Sharp-Nosed Reed Frog (Hyperolius nasutus) – A tiny, camouflaged frog with a pointed nose.
Natal Puddle Frog (Phrynobatrachus natalensis) – A small frog found in seasonal pools.
Boettger’s Dainty Frog (Cacosternum boettgeri) – One of the smallest frogs in the Mara, often mistaken for an insect.

☻ = Potentially dangerous to humans

Red Banded Rubber Frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) ☻ – Mildly toxic, but not lethal to humans.
Lake Victoria Clawed Frog (Xenopus victorianus) – Aquatic, known for its webbed feet and unique call.

Comparison Table of Reptiles and Amphibians in Maasai Mara

Category	Common Name	Scientific Name	Size	Habitat	Activity	Diet	Venomous/Dangerous
Tortoises & Terrapins	Leopard Tortoise	Stigmochelys pardalis	Up to 50 cm	Savanna, grassland	Diurnal	Herbivorous	No
	Helmeted Terrapin	Pelomedusa neumanni	Up to 30 cm	Temporary pools	Diurnal & Nocturnal	Carnivorous	No
Lizards	Afro-Tropical Ground Gecko	Hemidactylus angulatus	Up to 15 cm	Savanna, woodland, buildings	Nocturnal	Insectivorous	No
	Tropical House Gecko	Hemidactylus mabouia	Up to 15 cm	Savanna, houses, trees	Nocturnal	Insectivorous	No
	Nyika Gecko	Hemidactylus squamulatus	Up to 9 cm	Rocky areas	Nocturnal	Insectivorous	No
	Blue-headed Tree Agama	Acanthocercus atricollis	Up to 37 cm	Savanna, trees, ground	Diurnal	Insectivorous	No
	Mwanza Flat-headed Agama	Agama mwanzae	Up to 32 cm	Rocky hills, outcrops	Diurnal	Insectivorous	No
	Nile Monitor	Varanus niloticus	Up to 2.5 m	Near water, trees, burrows	Diurnal	Carnivorous	No, but strong bite
Toads & Frogs	Guttural Toad	Amietophrynus gutturalis	Up to 12 cm	Grassland, pools	Nocturnal	Insectivorous	No
	Bocage’s Burrowing Tree Frog	Leptopelis bocagei	Up to 6 cm	Burrows, trees	Nocturnal	Insectivorous	No
	Golden-backed Frog	Amnirana galamensis	Up to 7 cm	Pools, rivers	Nocturnal	Insectivorous	No
	Red-banded Rubber Frog	Phrynomantis bifasciatus	Up to 7 cm	Ground, termite mounds	Nocturnal	Insectivorous	Yes (Toxic skin secretion)
Snakes (Harmless & Mildly Venomous)	Black-tipped Worm Snake	Leptotyphlops nigroterminus	Up to 18 cm	Underground, under rocks	Nocturnal	Termites & ants	No
	Brown House Snake	Boaedon fuliginosus	Up to 1 m	Woodland, near humans	Nocturnal	Rodents & lizards	No
	Southern African Rock Python	Python natalensis	Up to 5 m	Savanna, woodland, near water	Nocturnal & Diurnal	Mammals & birds	No, but constricts prey
	Cape Wolf Snake	Lycophidion capense	Up to 60 cm	Woodland, savanna	Nocturnal	Lizards	No
	Semi-ornate Snake	Meizodon semiornatus	Up to 80 cm	Savanna	Diurnal	Lizards & frogs	No
	Slug-eating Snake	Duberria lutrix	Up to 45 cm	Grassland	Diurnal	Slugs & snails	No
	Battersby’s Green Snake	Philothamnus battersbyi	Up to 90 cm	Near water, trees	Diurnal	Frogs & fish	No
	Spotted Bush Snake	Philothamnus semivariegatus	Up to 1.2 m	Acacia trees, savanna	Diurnal	Lizards & frogs	No
Rear-fanged Venomous (Non-lethal to Humans)	Boomslang	Dispholidus typus	Up to 1.8 m	Trees, savanna	Diurnal	Chameleons & birds	Yes (but not aggressive)
	Tiger Snake	Telescopus semiannulatus	Up to 90 cm	Trees, savanna	Nocturnal	Lizards & mammals	Mildly venomous
	White-lip Snake	Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia	Up to 80 cm	Near water, savanna	Nocturnal	Frogs	Mildly venomous
	Kenyan Striped Skaapsteker	Psammophylax multisquamis	Up to 1.4 m	Savanna	Diurnal	Small vertebrates	Mildly venomous
Highly Venomous Snakes	Black-necked Spitting Cobra	Naja nigricollis	Up to 2.3 m	Savanna, termite mounds	Diurnal & Nocturnal	Small mammals & reptiles	Yes (Spits venom)
	Eastern Small-scaled Burrowing Asp	Atractaspis fallax	Up to 1 m	Underground	Nocturnal	Snakes & lizards	Yes (Venomous)
	Puff Adder	Bitis arietans	Up to 1.3 m	Grasslands, bush	Nocturnal	Small mammals	Yes (Highly venomous)
	Black Mamba	Dendroaspis polylepis	Up to 3.2 m	Savanna, rocky areas	Diurnal	Birds & rodents	Yes (Extremely venomous)
	Velvety-green Night Adder	Causus resimus	Up to 70 cm	Savanna, near water	Diurnal & Nocturnal	Frogs	Yes (Mildly venomous)

This table provides a structured overview of the reptiles and amphibians found in the Maasai Mara, with a focus on their habitat, behavior, and potential danger

How to Stay Safe Around Reptiles & Amphibians

While encounters with dangerous species are rare, here are some safety tips:

Wear boots and long pants when walking in bushy areas.
Use a flashlight at night to check your surroundings.
Do not handle or disturb reptiles—most will avoid humans unless provoked.
Watch where you step, especially near water sources and thick vegetation.
If you see a snake, stay calm, back away slowly, and inform your guide.

If you experience a snake bite during your safari, remain calm and immediately inform your guide, insisting on seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Avoid panicking or moving excessively, as this can spread the venom faster through your bloodstream. If the safari vehicle has a first-aid kit, use it to apply a pressure bandage—wrapping the affected limb firmly but not too tightly, similar to how you would treat a sprained ankle—to slow venom absorption.

Do not cut the wound, suck out the venom, apply ice, or use a tourniquet, as these can worsen the situation. Keep the bite area immobilized and below heart level, and if possible, take a photo of the snake from a safe distance to help doctors identify the species. If venom has been spat into the eyes (from a spitting cobra), rinse them immediately with copious amounts of water or milk for at least 20 minutes to reduce damage.

Additionally, you can contact Bio-Ken Snake Farm in Watamu, Kenya, which specializes in snakebite emergencies and can provide guidance on first aid and medical treatment. In case of an emergency, reach them at +254 718 290324.

Final Thoughts

The reptiles and amphibians of the Masai Mara are often overshadowed by the Big Five, but they are vital to the ecosystem. From colorful frogs to elusive snakes, these creatures add another layer of intrigue to this world-famous reserve.

Next time you’re in the Mara, keep an eye out for these fascinating species—you might just spot a monitor lizard sunning itself or hear the croaks of reed frogs after a rain shower!