Snakes are some of the rare animals you may not easily see during your Mount Rwenzori safari, but it is always important to be careful. Only follow the path shown by your guide because some snakes can camouflage in the environment. Poisonous snakes use venom to kill their prey, while non-poisonous ones kill by wrapping tightly around the neck or body before swallowing it.
Some snakes in Mount Rwenzori National Park include the Great Lakes bush viper and Thrasops jacksonii, which are often found in the forest zone. This is why you should never walk alone. Since activities like hiking, nature walks, and birding take you deep into the park, it is advised never to remove your boots, as they protect you from snake bites. Also, avoid touching tree branches without your guide’s advice, since snakes may hide above and strike unexpectedly.
Some snakes are poisonous and others are not, but all can be dangerous. If bitten, seek first aid immediately and get medical help, as venom from some species can be deadly.
Uganda has many snake species. Gabon vipers, which can grow up to two meters long, have black and brown patterns with golden spots. Their body is heavy, and their skin allows them to blend well with the environment. The rock python is the largest snake, growing up to five meters long. It is not poisonous but kills its prey by strangling before swallowing it whole.
Other snakes include the boomslang, which is very aggressive but rarely attacks humans. Black mambas are among the most dangerous; they are faster than humans and usually attack when threatened, causing many deaths. Green mambas are also poisonous but less aggressive, often living in bushes, trees, shrubs, and sometimes in old houses. Puff adders are well-known in Uganda, though they are rarely seen by tourists. They are found in the Savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley National Parks, and they mainly feed on rodents.
