Mamba’s
are
the
largest
venomous
snakes
in
Africa,
with
adults
reaching
average
length
of
8
feet
(2.5m).
Oddly,
the
black
mamba
is
not black at all, but brown/olive in colour. The
name comes from the inky black mouth they show
when threatened. It can reach speeds of up to 12
mph (20km/hr) when attacking, which means you
probably couldn't outrun it. The black mamba can
strike up to 12 times in quick succession –
delivering enough neuro and cardio-toxic venom
to kill over a dozen men within an hour. The toxin
starts to take effect in only a few minutes and can
cause paralysis, vomiting and loss of
consciousness. They have been known to take
down lions and other large predators when
defending their territory. What does all this add up
to: an extremely aggressive snake when cornered,
that's probably faster than you and with only one
strike can kill you in 30 minutes.
<image source: Bill Love>
2. The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
This
snake
kills
the
most
humans
in
Africa,
and
is
thus
known
to
be
the
continent’s
deadliest.
Adders
only
reach
around
1
metre
in length but are extremely wide snakes. Colour
patterns vary according to habitat, which is
extensive. The puff adder has large fangs and
releases a cytotoxic venom which attacks the body
cells or tissues causing major inflammation and
extreme pain. If untreated, death can result within
25 hours.
<image source>
3. The Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
Found
only
in
Sub-
Saharan
Africa,
this
snake
derives
its
name
from
its
habitat
–
boomslang
means
“tree
snake”
in
Afrikaans.
A
shy
but lethal predator, this snake’s weapon is its
venom, which is haemotoxic, meaning that it
affects the body’s natural blood clotting
mechanism resulting in the bleeding of the internal
organs. What complicates matters is that the
venom is often slow acting which makes victims
underestimate the seriousness of the bite.
Symptoms can take up to 24hrs to show, with the
gruesome end of a victim bleeding to death from
every orifice.
<image source: William Warby>
4. The Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje)
As
the
name
suggests,
this
aggressive
snake
is
most
commonly
found
in
Egypt
but
also
resides
in
other
parts
of
North
Africa.
Legend
has it that Cleopatra used the venom of this snake
to commit suicide, which would certainly do the
job. The glands of this cobra are found behind its
eyes, and they produce a deadly neurotoxin just
like the mamba that is released through its fangs.
The neurotoxin attacks the central nervous system
and causes paralysis and respiratory failure. The
speed and effectiveness of the toxin is unmatched
and can cause death in only 10 minutes.
5. The Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
The
Cape
Cobra
is
endemic
to
Southern
Africa
and
is
notoriously
irritable
and
aggressive.
When
disturbed
the
cobra
famously
raises
its
forebody
off
the ground, spreads a wide hood and hisses
loudly. While on the defensive, it strikes without
hesitation with its neurotoxic venom. If the threat
remains motionless, the snake will quickly attempt
to escape, but at any sign of movement will adopt
its defensive posture again. Death from a bite can
result in as little as 60 minutes.
<image source: Marius Burger>
6. The Gaboon Viper (bitis gabonica)
Found
in
the
rainforests
and
savannas
of
sub-
Saharan
Africa,
this
snake
makes
the
list
for
having
the
longest
fangs
(up
to
2
inches) and the highest venom yield of any
venomous snake. This one of the more heavy
snakes, weighing up to 10kg. It is the ultimate
ambush snake as it is so well camouflaged,
blending in easily with leaf cover and surrounding
vegetation. It strikes its prey by standing still, and
attacks by surprise. A bite can cause blistering,
convulsions, shock and internal bleeding.
7. The Mozambican Spitting Cobra (Naja
mossambica)
This
is
definitely
one
of
Africa’s
most
feared
snakes
after
the
black
mamba.
When
needed,
it
can
elevate
as
much
as
two
thirds
of its total body length, and has been known to
simulate death to avoid further attack. As the name
suggests, the snake “spits” its neurotoxic venom
up to 3 metres (8 feeet) away with pinpoint
accuracy. If it manages to hit you in the eye
permenant blindness can occur.
<image source: Chris Eason>