Reptiles Tour in Uganda

Uganda is a den of all kinds of wildlife, making it ideally the best destination for any kind of safari. Uganda is home to different types of reptile; both venomous and non-venomous. These include; crocodiles, snakes, lizards, chameleons, tortoises, terrapins and several others. Most of these reptiles can easily be seen in the major Ugandan national parks spread out across the country including Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park among several others. You can also see them in the wildlife reserves like Pian Upe, Matheniko, Bokora, Tooro-Semuliki among several others.

Most of these reptiles; snakes in particular are very shy to attack and only do so when provoked. Just like humans, reptiles too are calm and only become wild, uncontrollable and harmful when prevailing circumstances around put them in tension. In most cases, snakes, crocodiles, lizards tend to run away after on hearing a shout. However, when followed, they will stand back to defend themselves, eventually causing harm to the person provoking it. There is more to learn about these reptiles however, it is best to learn on the ground so kindly book your trip to the Pearl of Africa for a reptile safari and explore and learn about the different kinds of snakes and other reptile species found in the country. Uganda is home to most of the world’s celebrated and embraced reptiles like:

Crocodiles:

Crocodiles are mostly found in the water bodies and can easily be seen during boat launches in Murchison Falls National Park, Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and in rivers and wetlands all over the country. Crocodiles are primarily aquatic animals and sometimes called the Nile crocodile because they mostly feed on fish.

Snakes

When it comes to snakes, Uganda has a variety of them; both venomous and non-venomous. As earlier said, snakes are shy reptiles and will try as much as possible to stay away or hide upon hearing a shout or sensing movement towards their direction. They will only attack when they are provoked. For any Ugandan safari you will undertake, there are higher chances of coming across at least one of the species of snakes especially the python. The different snake species in Uganda include.

The Puff Adder:

The Puff adder is among the venomous viper species found in Uganda. A few visitors to Uganda have been lucky enough to see it. It’s more common in the savannah parks and enjoy feeding on rodents.

The African Rock Python:

This is the largest snake in Africa. It is usually over 4 meters in length and has gold on black mottled kind of skin. African rock pythons are non-venomous constrictor snakes but will attack and kill their prey by strangulation. They wrap their bodies around the prey to suffocate it and eventually swallow it whole. After this mean, they can go off and nap for as long as two months when they can have the next meal. They feed on large rodents, small antelopes and could kill a small child. The best places to see the rock python are; the bat caves in Maramagambo forest, Reptile Village in Entebbe and Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Entebbe zoo). 

Black Mambas:

Black Mambas are Africa’s longest venomous snakes, reaching a length of up to 14 feet. They are also known to be among the fastest snakes in the world and therefore one of the greatest threat to human beings. They are not black, as their name would suggest but the interior of their mouth is. Black mambas are both terrestrial and arboreal and are mostly found in the eastern part of Uganda. Black mambas mainly prey on birds and small mammals. Book your safari with Jewel Safaris LTD and come to explore more about this deadly reptile.

Eastern Green Mambas:

Though not as aggressive as the black mambas, Eastern green mambas too are very venomous snake species, native to the coastal regions of Southern East Africa. They are a shy and elusive species, usually seen in arboreal habitats and green colouration of trees, shrubs and bushes. The Eastern green mamba preys on birds, eggs, bats and small rodents such as mice, rats and gerbils.

Gabon Viper:

The Gaboon viper is a venomous viper species and the largest member of the genus Bitis. They have the longest fangs of any venomous snake (2 inches) and the highest venom yield of any snake. Gaboon vipers can grow to a length of over 5 feet, have a heavily built, black and brown skin pattern with some gold on it. A perfect mix for camouflage in the rain-forests of Uganda. Gaboon vipers are also commonly found in the rain forests and savannahs of Sub-Saharan Africa. Adult Gaboon vipers have no trouble eating prey as large as fully grown rabbits.  Are you in love with exploring reptiles, be with us on the next trip. Reach out to us through info@jewelsafris.com

Boom Slang:

Though no scenarios and reports have been written and spoken about this snake species, it is very toxic. However, boom slangs have got no fangs and not aggressive as well. It is mostly spotted on top of trees.

Green Tree Snake: A non-venomous and friendly kind of a snake found on trees. They have no fangs and venom. 

Mole Snake:

This snake measures up to 2 meters in length and is native to much of Southern Africa. In Uganda, it is commonly found in the savannah parks and feeds on moles and other rodents as the name suggests.

Egg Eating Snakes:

These snakes feed on bird eggs as their name suggests. They swallow the egg whole and regurgitate the shell.

Lizards

In Uganda, you can spot different types of lizards, both aquatic and terrestrial. Monitor lizards, both the water monitor and the Savannah monitor are mostly seen in Kazinga channel and Murchison Falls National Park. respectively.

Monitor Lizards:

These can with ease be spotted in Murchison Falls National Park for savannah monitor lizards, and water monitor lizards are best sighted at Kazinga channel. They are harmless and there should be no need to cause an alarm when you come across them. However, you should take precaution as they may strike using their tails. Their bite is also deadly. The tail strike is said to cause a wound believed to take long to heal although medics have not ascertained the truth about this myth. They always raid crocodile’s habitats and eat their eggs. You can spot these during your game drive or launch cruise. There are also other types of lizards that are small in size and you can have a great time in case you book a safari to Uganda.

Chameleons:

In Uganda, there are many chameleons but a few are seen because they camouflage from potential threats hence keep your eyes wide open. These can be sighted in many of the forested areas of Uganda like Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest as well as other savannah and forest parks in Uganda.

While on a safari to Uganda, you may come across one along a path or a road as you travel or take a walk such as on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Flap-Necked Chameleon:

This kind of chameleon can be spotted in all the savannah and wooded areas.  It can grow to a length of 15 cm, bright and green in colour, and will turn tan or brown under certain conditions. 

Graceful Chameleon: It is yellow and green in colour, with a white stripe along its flanks.

Giant Chameleon:  It is bulky and dark green in colour, with yellow stripes and a small horn.  It feeds on small reptiles and insects.

Other reptiles include;

House Gecko:

This reptile species are mostly found in the houses looking for insects to feast on and are generally harmless to humans with exception of their saliva which if gets in contact with personal items like toothbrushes may have health repercussions.

Tortoises:

Uganda is full of diversity and tortoises are among them. Book with Jewel Safaris and let your safari begin in the Pearl of Africa.

Terrapins:  Somewhat flatter than tortoises, they are mostly common on rocks near water for example the Nile soft-shelled Terrapin. A wide flat shell can be 1 metre in length in some cases.

If you are a visitor on a safari to Uganda, there are more chances of you seeing most of the reptiles mentioned are quite higher especially if you visited some of the national parks. Some of these reptiles include the Nile crocodile, monitor lizards, chameleons, and occasionally a turtle. After the reptiles’ tour, don’t miss out on the most fascinating and adventurous thrill of trekking gorillas, vising the source of the Nile or tracking the chimpanzees in the primate capital of the world-Kibale National Park. It is a lifetime experience being in any of Uganda’s national parks for wildlife safaris, Uganda gorilla tracking safaris or chimpanzees and primates trekking.  For further inquiries about any safari of your choice to Uganda, kindly contact us through info@jewelsafaris.com and our team will attend to you as soon as possible.