Reptiles 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 Uganda 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.
Nile Crocodiles
As the largest reptile species, Nile crocodiles are one of the commonest wild species tourist’s lookouts for during safaris in Uganda. For two to three hours’ boat ride along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls National Park, you will be able to spot these reptiles that mainly feed on mammals and fish species.
Chameleons
The forests in Uganda offer shelter to some of the rarest and difficult to spot chameleon species and are popular for their ability to camouflage with their surroundings. One of the most-sought after chameleon species by tourists on Uganda safaris include the three-horned chameleons found within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
The giant chameleons with their heavyweight and dark green color with yellow stripes and small horns feeding on insects and other smaller reptiles. The Graceful chameleons are green and yellow in color with white stripes along their flanks while the flap-necked chameleons are around 15 centimeters long, bright green color and grow to double in size, turning brown or tan under certain conditions and also inhabit the savannah and woodland areas.
Snakes
Snake is the general term but Uganda is known for numerous poisonous and non-poisonous snake species much as are sometimes difficult to spot during safaris in Uganda. The notable snake species to encounter in Uganda include;
Gabon vipers
Gabon vipers are so far the largest and heaviest vipers in Africa, measuring more than 2 meters long with black and brown skin pattern with golden spots in addition to being heavily built. Due to their skin color, they can easily camouflage in the forests, Reptiles in Uganda
The Rock Python
Rock pythons are the largest snake species in Uganda and the African continent and usually measure about 5 meters long and have gold on black mottled skin. They are generally non-poisonous but kill their prey through strangling by wrapping their bodies around the neck or stomach of the prey before eventually swallowing it completely.
After swallowing their prey, rock pythons won’t move from the same spot and go on a nap for at least two months. Their preys are normally small antelopes, large rodents and sometimes young children. The best destinations to spot the rock pythons are Lake Mburo National Park and Maramagambo Forest (especially within the Bat Cave) in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Boom slang
These tree-dwelling snake species are non-poisonous but very aggressive and toxic although there are no records of striking humans in Uganda.
Black Mambas
Black Mambas are one of the poisonous snake species that move swiftly and stealthily than humans but normally attack when threatened or even attacked, and have unfortunately killed several people. Unlike their name, they are not black in color but the interior of their mouths is black, hence the name Black Mamba. These snake species are common in Eastern Uganda.
Green Mambas
Unlike their counterparts the black mambas, green mambas are not aggressive but also poisonous. These snakes normally stay in bushes, trees and shrubs although they are sometimes seen in roofs of people’s houses.
Puff adders
Puff adders are one of the most popular snake species in Uganda much as they are rarely spotted by tourists. They mainly feed on rodents and usually inhabit the savannah Parks (Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Park). These snakes only attack humans if they feel threatened.
Other snake species in Uganda include the egg-eating snakes, the green tree snakes and mole snakes among others.
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 meter 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. 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 safari is ready to have you go through these lovely adventures with these lovely creatures and help you to understand more about them in all aspects of their life span, just make a booking now to any of the mentioned destinations where they are found and you will have a great moment in Uganda after the reptile safari
