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World Snake Day at Jock Safari Lodge

Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

The creatures that occur in a landscape do so for special reasons resulting from a combination of climate, geology, soils and vegetation. The reptiles on the Jock Concession are no different, the landscape provides a set of unique conditions for a habitat in which they thrive. So, apart from a good chance of spotting the Big Five, as well as 500 species of birds on safari at Jock Safari Lodge, you are also likely to spot one of the 54 different species of snakes that call the Kruger National Park home.

Only half of these are venomous with 9 being potentially deadly.  30 are non-venomous and 7 can give painful bites.

World Snake Day was on Tuesday 16th of July 2019 and is celebrated by passionate wildlife enthusiasts all over the world.  Society has always been fascinated by these beautiful and mysterious creatures. Some cultures in South Africa believe you are privileged if a snake reveals itself to you. It is believed that the snake is a sign of change and is telling you to expect change in your life. However, for most of us, the initial reaction on finding a snake remains fear- shortly followed by an unnecessary need to kill it. World Snake Day is used as a tool to educate the public and inform people about the type of snakes in your vicinity, how best to deal with an encounter, whom to call in case of an emergency and various other interesting and useful information.

Snakes live on every continent except Antarctica and vary from 32 feet long pythons to tiny vine snakes. Only about one-fourth of all snakes are venomous, but all of them would rather avoid human contact if they could.  Many harmless snakes have cleverly taken on defence mechanisms whereby they imitate the behavioural and physical characteristics of venomous snakes. When in doubt, do not approach or touch the snake. Most snake bites occur when you try to pick up, move or kill a snake. Observe from a safe distance or walk around them slowly if they are blocking a trail. As we always remind our guests: when you visit a natural area, you are a visitor to the wildlife who live there. As visitors to their territory, we must respect their space and life. Their well-being is our top priority.

Snakes have many ecological benefits, one of them being feeding on several pests, such as: insects and rodents. Most of the time, snakes hide out under rocks, in old logs and in the branches of trees. We cross paths with them when they are looking for a mate, soaking up the sun on a beautiful day or readying themselves to ambush other reptiles and rodents.

Familiarizing yourself with our native snakes can help you feel more comfortable out in nature and spare the life of a harmless snake. Read on for some interesting facts on the deadliest and the harmless snakes in the Kruger National Park.

The Puff Adder is a seemingly slow and lazy snake, however, don’t let this fool you.  This is the fastest striking snake in Africa, the only one able to strike backwards and it can be aggressive.  It is responsible for the most snake-related human deaths in Africa. The Puff Adder is a master of camouflage with its beautiful patterns and many bites have been dealt when people unwittingly step on them.  They are very fond of lying in the sun; found in all Kruger habitats – one of the most widely distributed snakes in Africa.

 

The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is a nervous and highly-strung snake and when confronted, can rear up to as much as two-thirds of its length.  Its venom can be ejected at a distance of 2-3 metres. After the Puff Adder, it is considered as one of the most dangerous snakes on the continent.  They are found in mixed savanna woodland; favours hollow trees and abandoned burrows near water.

 

The highly venomous Black Mamba has a near-mythical status on the continent – one legend tells of a Black Mamba finding itself at a cocktail party in the bush and biting 11 people before it was caught! The Black Mamba is, in fact, not an aggressive snake and bites from this snake are quite rare. It isn’t black either, typically grey or dark brown in colour, the name gives reference to the inside of its mouth which is typically dark inky black. It can slither up to a speed of 15km/hour!  They are found in dry bush; lives in abandoned termite hills, animal holes and among rocks; they love basking in the sun.

 

 

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The African Rock Python is the largest snake on the continent, with significant specimens approaching or exceeding 6m. It is generally nocturnal but is seen during the day. This non-venomous snake kills its prey by constricting its heavily muscled coils. Death is usually caused by cardiac arrest rather than asphyxiation or crushing. Though it typically targets large rodents, small mammals and the like, pythons will often hunt animals of great size, like antelope or even crocodiles.  Find them in mixed woodlands near water; they are very good tree climbers

 

The Boomslang is a large, venomous, arboreal snake.  They are generally shy snakes and reach a length of 1.5m long. They have exceptionally large eyes with very good eyesight and characteristically egg-shaped heads. Coloration varies; males are light green with black or blue scale edges, while adult females may be brown.

 

The non-venomous Mole Snake can grow to an impressive 2m long.  It has a characteristically small head and pointed snout, with a firm, tubular body with mature individuals varying in colour from yellow to brown and grey. Mole Snakes hiss loudly when threated and can deliver a nasty bite.  They live mostly underground but can be seen basking in the sun.

 

The Brown (or Cape) House Snake is a non-venomous snake that is usually dark brown on top, but the colour varies greatly from almost black through brown to olive green. The stripes that stretch from the rostral scale through the eye to the back of the head are typically thick and bold.  It is completely harmless and relies on muscle power to constrict its prey.

 

Some cultures in South Africa believe you are privileged if a snake reveals itself to you.  It is believed that the snake is a sign of change and is telling you to expect change in your life.

 

Snakes might not be on the top of your “must see” list, but hopefully it helps to know that snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them.  The guides at Sanbona spend countless hours on training, learning how to handle snakes and snake encounters. View from a safe distance, ensure the snake has a clear exit and most importantly- enjoy the sighting!

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Our best experience of Kruger was at Jock’s. You can feel the love for nature in the heart and soul of the wonderful owners. The rooms are practically in the wild. We saw elephants just passing in front of the room. Sleeping in matras under the stars (if you want), amazing food in the river bed. Will never forget this experience!

-Jacob Yavin Vermeulen

We recently stayed here for 3 nights. We had read about Jocks and the strong recommendations. This place is better than ever expected, truly a magical place. The staff were exceptional, food 5 star and location amazing. The safari drives were also amazing and our guide IKE looked after us and was an amazing tracker. There are only 12 rooms so max 24 guest so you get to know the other guest without being overcrowded – the rooms are private and sit on-top of the river bank – you can watch the animals walking past from your day bed. Honestly this place is first class. We were self drive so easy access for Skuska airport or main Kruger gates. As it it a private lodge you get the added bonus of private areas as well as direct access to Kruger – truly amazing place and highly recommended. We were sad to leave and will return.

-John Smith

Jock Safari Lodge is located in the heart of the Kruger national park. It’s amazing location gives you a unique and real safari vibe. The lodge itself looks so amazing, stunning rooms, restaurant and relax areas. When you arrive at the lodge you will be welcomed by the amazing staff, that will tell you what the planning looks like. The planning is really amazing, you will get so much food and drinks, on top of that 2 amazing safaris with the best rangers! The safaris are really something else, private routes and amazing storys. The staff and everyone is really amazing at the lodge, this is a must do experience!

-Teuni D

The lodge is advertised as 5 star but I’d happily give it 6. Everything was perfect for the 3 night stay myself and my wife had, The room was spacious, clean and had everything you could want. The double shower cubicle was huge.There was an outside shower and bath, sunbeds, plunge pool, patio table with chairs and even a meshed tented area on the end of the platform overlooking the river bed with a made up double bed in case you wanted to sleep under the stars. The lodge staff were amazing, friendly and nothing was too much for them, Evening meals were fantastic, two of which were Brais (BBQ’s) on the river bed. The game drives were brilliant and our guide (not Driver!!) David, was really friendly and knowledgeable. We got the big 5 twice over. Will definitely be returning for a stay in the winter. Have done previous lodges in Kruger, Zimbabwe and Kenya but this tops them all.

-R. Davie

We spent several days here in early March — simply, the best! Very comfortable room and excellent food, with a warm staff. Highlights are the twice a day game drives. This definitely is not “pre-packaged” stuff — your guide (ours was Jacob) has a keen sense of where to find the animals, and drives over river beds and down back trails to find them -in a respectful way. We eagerly anticipated this part of our trip, and it exceeded expectations. You must go to have this experience.

-Robert D

I visited Kruger and Jock Lodge in 2017 and all I wanted to do is come back. That happened in Jan 2022 and once again it was wonderful in every way. The location is on a normally dry river bed so you can see wildlife from your window or terrace. The staff is so gracious and helpful. The wildlife guides are the most knowledgable and enthusiastic I have ever met. I come for the beauty and the animals and Jock Lodge delivers every time.

-Eva Fellner

Our best experience of Kruger was at Jock’s. You can feel the love for nature in the heart and soul of the wonderful owners. The rooms are practically in the wild. We saw elephants just passing in front of the room. Sleeping in matras under the stars (if you want), amazing food in the river bed. Will never forget this experience!

-Jacob Yavin Vermeulen

We recently stayed here for 3 nights. We had read about Jocks and the strong recommendations. This place is better than ever expected, truly a magical place. The staff were exceptional, food 5 star and location amazing. The safari drives were also amazing and our guide IKE looked after us and was an amazing tracker. There are only 12 rooms so max 24 guest so you get to know the other guest without being overcrowded – the rooms are private and sit on-top of the river bank – you can watch the animals walking past from your day bed. Honestly this place is first class. We were self drive so easy access for Skuska airport or main Kruger gates. As it it a private lodge you get the added bonus of private areas as well as direct access to Kruger – truly amazing place and highly recommended. We were sad to leave and will return.

-John Smith