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Arushsa
Snakefarm |
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During our safari in Kenya, with the exception of
Hell's Gate, it was strictly forbidden to step out of the vehicle without
permission from the guide. At first I thought this was because of danger from
big animals, or maybe for environmental reason. While these issues do play
their part in this draconian traveler's code of conduct, one of the main
reasons is because of snakes. East Africa is crawling with some of the
deadliest vipers around. We even had a spitting cobra hurl at us in our van at
Lake Nakuru, and with many of these serpents, your life can end with one bite.
As I said earlier, I decided at the very last minute to dedicate an
entire page to this but I decided to simply because I liked these close up
pictures of all these snakes. I stumbled upon Arusha's snake farm by complete
surprise. The story goes like this... my Kilimanjaro trek got put back a day at
the last minute so I insisted on being put up for a night in Arusha. My tastes
towards of hotel were not picky - any backpackers joint would have done but my
agency decided to put me up in the rather fancy Colobus Mountain Lodge -
located some ways outside of Arusha city at the gates of Arusha National Park.
As the city of Arusha is a rather unappealing place with little to offer
travelers, I was quite delighted at this. The lodge was still under
construction however and located in the middle of nowhere so I had one of the
friendly staff members show me around the area. He showed me the nearby snake
farm which is where I took the photos. There was also a crocodile pit and
insect sanctuary. There was also an accompanying bar, which came in handy
later.
Here are some pictures I took. I'm just guessing what types of
snakes these are so if anyone can clarify with me - that would be great. |
| I think this one is called a green mamba. This snake
makes a great household pet and likes to be touched. Only problem is that if it
bites you, you are dead within minutes. |
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| The girl working at the snake farm said that this
was supposedly THE most dangerous snake in the world (or something to that
effect). I think it's a puff adder. A bite from this kills you even faster than
the green mamba. |
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| Avove: the spitting cobra - also makes a good
household pet |
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Above: I found this snake in my bag. Apparently it
was called a "black mamba"
Right: After playing around with the black
mamba for a couple of minutes, this woman told me to put it away. |
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| Below: the soft shelled
turtle |
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