Besser

Hi all,

We are headed to Kwetsani and Jack's Camp in Botswana as well as Mala Mala in South Africa next week for safari. I am interested in photographing unusual reptiles and insects while there. Are snakes easy to find? Puffadders? Are there any chameleons around? What are the best spots to find them? Are they common? Scorpions? Any info would be great so we are sure to try to find them while we are there!

Thanks!

atravelynn

Jack's--The Bushmen may find you some scorpions. They dig them up and play with them for entertainment. The meerkats eat them too and I saw that once.

There were numerous lizards around at Jack's too.

Mala Mala--Tracker John seemed to have a habit of finding chameleons on shrubbery at night with the spotlight. He did that for me and I've seen other people mention it.

Snakes are rare almost any place in Africa.

Good luck in your reptile search.

mytmoss

Snakes are not rare, seeing them is rare. You are going at a good time of year where you have a chance to see some.

Mike

atravelynn

Mike, you are right, but there are many people who would prefer to think that the snakes are rare rather than they are ever lurking and we just don't see them.

I am not one of those people and wish my spotting skills for snakes were more astute.

almac

We visited Kwetsani in Sept. this year,and during that visit one of the managers was struck on the foot by a scorpion on the walkway to the staff quarters, resulting in a very painful and swollen foot

HariS

camps don't go out of their way to find snakes and the like .... ur best chance is to come across them crossing the track in front of the vehicle. It usually happens atleast once every safari ....

mkhonzo

I would let the lodges know in advance that you wish to photograph reptiles, knowing their great reputations for meeting guest expectations they will ensure that you get a skilled ranger and perhaps even one who is a budding herpetologist to escort your safari.

Since you'll be there in the peak of the summer I have no doubt that you will run across many species of snake particularly on the warmer nights. You will however be limited to the flap necked chameleon, which is easily found after dark with a torch.

Besser

Thanks for your insights everyone! Wish me luck on my reptile search, I leave tomorrow!

luangwablondes

Want to see scorpions? Take a black lite. It maybe more then you want to know. All depends on where you are.

afrigalah

A friend and I use black lights to look for scorpions whenever we go bush. The results ensure you're never tempted to go outside with bare feet. My friend researches scorpions and is about to contribute the Australian section of a scientific book on the world's scorpions. Hence our interest in looking for them.

John