Kidepo Valley National Park is found in the Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda. It is home to several snake species. These snakes are rarely seen by tourists because they are shy. The chances of seeing them are very low. Some are venomous while others are not, but they all play an important role in the park’s ecosystem.
Some of the known snake species in Kidepo include the black mamba. This snake is highly venomous and very fast, moving at speeds of up to 20 km per hour. Black mambas live in wooded Savannah and rocky places. Their bite can kill in a short time.
Another venomous snake found in the park is the puff adder. It lives in grasslands and rocky areas, moves slowly, and uses camouflage to hide. Puff adders are more common and are more likely to be seen by visitors compared to black mambas.
The Egyptian cobra is found in bushy places and near water. When it feels threatened, it lifts its head and hisses. It can also spit venom, which affects the nervous system.
Boomslangs are usually found in shrubs and trees. They are very shy and rarely bite unless disturbed. Their venom affects blood clotting and can cause internal bleeding.
Kidepo also has some non-venomous snakes, such as:
- African rock pythons: These snakes live near rivers, grasslands, and forests. They can grow up to 5 meters long. They are not venomous but are strong constrictors.
- Brown house snakes: These are often found near houses or under rocks. They are harmless and feed on rats and mice.
- Striped-bellied sand snakes: These snakes live in sandy areas and dry Savannah. They move quickly and do not harm people.
If you are hiking in Kidepo, wear closed and comfortable shoes. Avoid walking through tall, bushy grass. Most snakes in the park are active at night, so use a headlamp when walking after dark. Always check the place carefully before sitting down.
If you see a snake, do not try to kill or disturb it. Step back slowly and give it space. If you are bitten, stay calm. Panic causes the heart to beat faster, which spreads the venom. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near the bite and get medical help immediately.
Snakes in Kidepo help balance the ecosystem by controlling the number of rodents.
