African Snakebite Institute

06/09/2026

Last day of the 4x4 & Outdoor Show Gauteng . Next snake demo at 13:30.

06/09/2026

Last day of the The South African 4x4 & Outdoor Show today. Next snake demo at 13:30.

06/09/2026

Snouted Cobra (Naja annulifera) - highly venomous.

The Snouted Cobra is largely a moist and dry savannah inhabitant but is also found in lowveld and bushveld areas where it actively hunts its prey during the day or at night.

It feeds on rodents, birds, their eggs and especially toads, but is fond of eating snakes, including the Puff Adder. It is not an aggressive snake, but if cornered, will stand its ground and form an impressive hood. It may exceed 2.5 m in length.

It is usually different shades of brown, but some individuals have broad light brown and purplish-black bands on the back. The venom of this snake is both neurotoxic and cytotoxic and may cause some tissue damage. Polyvalent antivenom is effective, but luckily bites are rare.

05/09/2026

Marbled Tree Snake (Dipsadoboa aulica) - Mildly venomous.

This attractive nocturnal snake averages 50 – 60 cm but may reach 85 cm in length. Adults are red-brown to light brown with faint whitish crossbars, but juveniles may have very dark crossbars. It is an excellent climber that often shelters in hollow trees or under loose bark, as well as in thatched roofs. It hunts for lizards, especially geckos, and frogs at night.

When threatened it puts up quite a show, not unlike a Herald snake. It will coil loosely into a striking position with the head flattened, the mouth agape and vicious yet ineffective strikes. Its venom is mild and poses no threat to humans.

05/09/2026

Our next live snake demo is at 3pm!
At the The South African 4x4 & Outdoor Show - Zwartkops raceway.

05/09/2026

05/09/2026

Busy day at the The South African 4x4 & Outdoor Show at Zwartkops raceway.

04/09/2026

Swing past our stand this weekend at the The South African 4x4 & Outdoor Show and come say hi!

04/09/2026

It’s Fact Friday! 🐍

While we share factual information throughout the week, today we’re continuing with our new ASI Snake Facts series.

You can see the full list of southern African species here: https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/.../snakes-of.../

Follow along as we uncover the truth, bust common myths, and challenge some of the ingrained misconceptions and inaccuracies surrounding snakes.