Ever heard of the Big 5 Snake Safari- in reference to the popular term for the 5 most popular African Big Game species- Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant.
In this case- this Safari goes in search of the most impressive species of African snake- the Python, Boomslang, Puff Adder, Cobra and the Mamba. Some people may react with absolute horror at the very thought of actually devoting a safari to tracking down wild snakes, some of them deadly.
This trip is run by some of Kenya’s top reptile experts and professional snake catchers. The aim of the entire venture is to promote education and awareness of snakes, and to demonstrate through firsthand experience that these creatures play an important and fascinating role in African eco-systems, and rarely live up to their maligned and mythologized reputations as aggressive killers.
Anyone joining the safari will discover that snakes are extremely shy of humans, and will go to great lengths to avoid people.This makes finding the “Big 5” species in a single safari a genuine challenge. In fact, it’s this challenge that makes this safari what it is: an adventure- it involves a lot of travel through a range of habitats and landscapes, tracking down snakes through forests, dry river beds, rocky cliffs and mangroves. The safari takes in plenty of other wildlife along the way as well, as well as village visits, wild camping, rafting and time off on one of the world’s best beaches.
If you are looking for a wildlife safari that doesn’t involve taking photos from the safety of a vehicle, and would like to get out and explore and interact with wild animals up close and personal, and have a genuine adventure, then this is the trip for you. The genesis of Kenya Snake Safaris lies in the quiet coastal town of Watamu, about 2 hours North of Mombasa. Sheltered from the beach near the Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the home of James Ashe- one of the world’s leading experts on East African Snakes. James, 78, has devoted many years to the scientific study of reptiles, and runs Bio-Ken, a snake farm dedicated to the production of snake venom for medicinal purposes, and also to active education and conservation.
So what does a snake safari entail? First and foremost this is not a purely reptilian safari designed only for the obsessive herpetologist or snake fan. The safari passes through some spectacular landscapes, and you can be sure you’ll encounter plenty of big game- with legs- along the way.
The safari is mostly spent camping under canvas, but always with available showers and latrines, and excellent meals prepared by a camp cook.
A typical safari begins in Nairobi and winds its way to the coast over 12 days. The search for the Big Five Snakes takes clients through the Selenkay/Le’ngesem Maasai conservancy- a beautiful region known for its large elephant herds and views of Mt Kilimanjaro, into the Rift Valley through Lake Naivasha and Kigio- home to brilliant birdlife, on to the world famous Maasai Mara game reserve- where you may well see the original Big Five Mammals, then to the arid North East, and on to the Coast. Along the way, visits are made to spots specifically known as snake country.
Searching for snakes means plenty of time on foot. When snakes are spotted they are captured and restrained safely using grab sticks, and shown to the guests. Their biology, habits and habitats are explained and the guests have a chance to touch the snakes, and ask questions. All snakes are released back into the wild.
For many of the guests, this is their first chance to physically touch or hold a snake in hand most are suprised to find that they are neither slimy nor particularly cold, and not wildly aggressive.
ETT- Kenya Safaris Desk
Etton Travel and Tours
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