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-   -   Venomous Snakes (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/venomous-snakes-387571/)

1441 Jul 1st, 2008 05:53 PM

Venomous Snakes
 
Planning a trip to Kruger, Victoria Falls and Capetown this summer, but read tha you can see poisonous snakes while on a Safari. I'm horrified and thinking of changing my plans.

ShayTay Jul 1st, 2008 06:17 PM

When you are on safari, you are in the wilderness. Of course there are snakes, but, frankly, they are rarely seen. They have no interest in getting anywhere near you. Count yourself lucky if you see one!

Dana_M Jul 1st, 2008 06:34 PM

I have a phobia of snakes, venemous or not. And I mean phobia. I am not afraid of much, but for some reason snakes are at the top of my list of fears.

The only time I saw snakes on safari was while walking with guides who stopped to point them out. They were tucked away in hiding spots, under rocks, on a tree, etc. I never encountered one unexpectedly, and was never concerned with thier presence. Please do not change your plans.

divine54 Jul 2nd, 2008 03:11 AM

with reference to the other thread on that topic i redirect you there.

div

lbj Jul 2nd, 2008 04:12 AM

It all depends on the time of year that you visit. During the June-August timeframe, is is rare. Though as it warms up, especially in wet season, they are often seen.

spartac Jul 4th, 2008 03:19 AM

I was in Sabi Sands last September and we saw only one snake while driving.

Rangers confirmed that snakes are not common, and even less so in cold season. I think September is great for a variety of reasons. Having less snakes is an additional bonus.

travelingtish Jul 4th, 2008 08:09 AM

In April 2002 I went on safari in Kenya (Masai Mara and Nakuru). Never saw a snake.
In August 2005 I did safaris in Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe--2 tented camps and two not tented. But again, I never saw a snake. Not in camp. Not on safari.
The other half of our group saw one large snake when out on a game drive and our half saw the track of a snake in the dirt as we were driving. That's it.
Don't cancel because of snakes. Chances are small that you'll see any snakes at all.

atravelynn Jul 5th, 2008 12:32 PM

It is very rare to see poisonous snakes. I don't know where you live, but there is a chance you could see them in your hometown, especially if you venture into fields or woods.

Changing your plans would be a terrible mistake.

Let your guides know immediately of you aversion to snakes to help avoid them.


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