The Maasai Mara is home to a diverse range of snake species, from harmless and beneficial snakes to highly venomous ones. While many visitors to the Mara focus on its large mammals, its snake population plays a vital role in the ecosystem, controlling rodent populations, serving as prey for birds of prey, and helping maintain the balance of the natural world.
As a resident of the Maasai Mara and having extensively researched local snake species, I have encountered many of these fascinating reptiles firsthand. Drawing from Stephen Spawls’ field guide, this overview covers non-venomous, mildly venomous, and dangerously venomous snakes you may encounter in the Mara.
1. Non-Venomous Snakes of the Maasai Mara
These snakes pose no threat to humans and are crucial for controlling pests like rodents, insects, and amphibians.
Black-Tipped Worm Snake (Leptotyphlops nigroterminus)
- Size: 12-18 cm
- Appearance: Slim, worm-like, black-speckled body with a blunt tail that resembles its head.
- Habitat: Underground burrower, found in savannas and woodlands.
- Behavior:
- Emerges at night, especially after rains.
- Often found under rocks, logs, or loose soil.
- Diet: Primarily feeds on termites and other invertebrates.
- Interesting Fact: Often mistaken for an earthworm due to its size and burrowing nature!
Brown House Snake (Boaedon fuliginosus)
- Size: 50-80 cm, can grow up to 1 meter.
- Appearance: Brown with light stripes on the head.
- Habitat: Common in human dwellings, savanna, and woodlands.
- Behavior:
- Nocturnal hunter, active at night.
- Hides in holes, under logs, and in dense vegetation during the day.
- Fast-moving but harmless.
- Diet: Feeds on rodents and lizards, making it beneficial for pest control.
- Interesting Fact: It is one of Kenya’s most common snakes and is frequently seen near homes.
Southern African Rock Python (Python natalensis)
- Size: Can grow up to 5 meters, though 2-4 meters is more common.
- Appearance: Large, heavy-bodied snake with mottled black, yellow, brown, and grey scales.
- Habitat: Found in savannas, woodlands, and near water sources.
- Behavior:
- Active both day and night.
- Often shelters in burrows, hollow logs, or dense thickets.
- Excellent swimmer and can remain submerged for long periods.
- Diet: Eats rodents, monkeys, small antelope, and even birds.
- Interesting Fact: Unlike venomous snakes, pythons kill their prey by constriction, squeezing them before swallowing whole.
Cape Wolf Snake (Lycophidion capense)
- Size: 20-40 cm, can grow up to 60 cm.
- Appearance: Grey or brown, speckled pattern.
- Habitat: Found in savannas and woodlands.
- Behavior:
- Nocturnal hunter, very slow-moving and harmless.
- Hides under rocks, logs, and loose soil during the day.
- Diet: Feeds on lizards, mostly skinks.
- Interesting Fact: Despite being harmless, it flattens its body to appear larger when threatened.
2. Mildly Venomous Snakes of the Maasai Mara
These rear-fanged snakes have venom that is not dangerous to humans, though some species may cause mild reactions if bitten.
Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
- Size: 1.2 – 1.8 meters.
- Appearance: Can be bright green, brown, or grey.
- Habitat: Prefers trees and bushes, found in woodlands and savanna.
- Behavior:
- Arboreal (tree-dwelling), rarely seen on the ground.
- Inflates its body when disturbed.
- Diet: Primarily chameleons, lizards, and birds.
- Interesting Fact: Though highly venomous, boomslangs rarely bite humans due to their shy nature.
Tiger Snake (Telescopus semiannulatus)
- Size: 50-90 cm.
- Appearance: Orange with black bands, giving it a tiger-like look.
- Habitat: Found in savannas and woodlands.
- Behavior:
- Slow-moving, nocturnal hunter.
- Can climb trees but prefers hunting on the ground.
- Diet: Primarily lizards and small mammals.
- Interesting Fact: When threatened, it flattens its head and strikes repeatedly, though its bite is harmless to humans.
3. Dangerously Venomous Snakes of the Maasai Mara ☠️
These snakes have potent venom and should be treated with extreme caution.
Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)
- Size: 1.8 – 3.2 meters, Africa’s longest venomous snake.
- Appearance: Grey to olive, black mouth interior.
- Habitat: Found in woodlands, savanna, and rocky outcrops.
- Behavior:
- Extremely fast (can move at 20 km/h).
- Highly defensive, will strike repeatedly if threatened.
- Venom:
- Neurotoxic – causes paralysis, respiratory failure, and death if untreated.
- Interesting Fact: A bite can be fatal within 6 hours without antivenom.
Black-Necked Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis)
- Size: 1.2 – 2.3 meters.
- Appearance: Black or grey body, juveniles are banded black and reddish.
- Habitat: Common in grasslands, woodlands, and near water sources.
- Behavior:
- Can spit venom up to 2 meters when threatened.
- Mostly active at night.
- Venom:
- Causes severe eye irritation and tissue damage if it enters the eyes.
- Interesting Fact: If venom gets into the eyes, rinse with large amounts of water immediately.
Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
- Size: 70 cm – 1.3 meters.
- Appearance: Thick body with zigzag patterns, highly camouflaged.
- Habitat: Found in grasslands, bushy areas, and woodlands.
- Behavior:
- Relies on camouflage, often stepped on by accident.
- Strikes rapidly when threatened.
- Venom:
- Cytotoxic, causing intense pain, swelling, and tissue destruction.
- Interesting Fact: Responsible for the most snakebites in Africa due to its tendency to stay still when approached.
Final Thoughts
Snakes of the Maasai Mara rarely pose a threat to visitors unless provoked. Most avoid human interaction and play an essential role in the ecosystem. When exploring the Mara, it’s always wise to stay alert, especially in grassy areas, woodlands, and near water sources.
If you encounter a snake:
✅ Remain calm
✅ Back away slowly
✅ Never attempt to kill or handle it
Understanding and respecting these reptiles enhances your safari experience while promoting wildlife conservation.