REPITILES IN UGANDA

Thursday, 14 August, 2025

REPITILES IN UGANDA

OVERVIEW
A wide variety of reptiles, such as crocodiles, snakes, lizards, chameleons, tortoises, and
terrapins, can be found in Uganda. Various chameleons, Nile monitor lizards, and Nile crocodiles
are among the most often seen reptiles in Uganda. Although they exist, tourists on safaris are
less likely to observe snakes.


The four orders of living conventional reptiles are Rhynchocephalia, Squamata, Crocodilia, and
Testudines. The Reptile Database contains information on over 12,000 extant reptilian species.
Herpetolog is the study of the traditional reptilian orders, usually in conjunction with the study
of contemporary amphibians and ossicones safaris has got your back.


1. The Nile crocodiles
These are only a handful of the most amazing reptiles that Uganda has to offer. They live in
bodies of water and eat fish and certain types of mammals. You will have the opportunity to see
these amazing animals if you are on safari with Ossicones safaris in Uganda, especially if you are
taking a boat tour. They are primarily found in the Nile at Murchison Falls National Park, the
Kazinga Channel coastlines at Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo.

Monitor lizards


During a game drive or launch cruise in Uganda, you can see both savanna and aquatic monitors.
The Kazinga Channel is the primary habitat for aquatic monitor lizards, while Murchison Falls is
the perfect location for savanna and water monitor lizards on the Nile. Sometimes confused for
little crocodiles, the savanna monitor lizards can grow to a length of two meters and are
frequently sighted.

 

2. Snakes


Uganda is home to numerous snake species, including the gabon viper, black mamba, puff
adder, and rock python. They usually feed on large rodents, small mammals, and other
creatures. They can be seen close to the bat cave in the Maramagambo woodland of Queen
Elizabeth National Park.


The Gabon viper, the largest African viper, is weighty, about two meters long, and has a black
and brown skin pattern with a touch of gold. This species is mostly found in Ugandan jungles.

Black mambas are the deadliest snakes; they attack when they are assaulted. Eastern Uganda is
where they are mostly found. Other snakes include the green mamba, boom slang, green tree
snake, mole snake, and snakes that eat eggs.


Although tourists rarely see it, the puff adder is one of the most prevalent snakes in Uganda. It is
typically found in savannah parks and primarily eats rodents, but if it feels threatened, it will
attack a human.


The largest snake in Africa is the rock python. Its skin is mottled and gold on black, and it is
typically more than five meters long. Although they are not poisonous, they will strangle their
victim to death. They round the prey with their bodies, consuming it whole. They can then take
a nap for up to two months. They might murder a tiny child and eat small antelopes and huge
rodents. A bat cave in Queen Elizabeth National Park's Maramagambo forest is the ideal location
to find rock pythons.


Black Mambas: According to reports, numerous individuals have been murdered by the
extremely deadly black mamba snake. They move far more quickly than people do, and they
typically only attack when they are attacked. Contrary to what their name implies, they are not
black, but the inside of their mouth is. The eastern region of Uganda is where they are primarily
found.


Although they are venomous, green mambas are not as violent as black mambas. They are
typically found in bushes, trees, and occasionally even people's roofs.
The largest African viper is the Gabon Viper. It is more than two meters long, heavy, and has a
pattern of brown and black skin with a hint of gold. An ideal blend for hiding in Uganda's woods.


Boom Slang: Boom Slang is a non-fang tree snake that is extremely poisonous while not being
aggressive. In Uganda, no fatalities from this snake have been reported.

 

3. Chameleons

Jackson's chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii)


Uganda is home to a variety of chameleons. In particular, the three-horned chameleons can be
seen while strolling in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Among them is the flap-
necked chameleon, which is found in forested and savanna grasslands. The graceful chameleon
has a white stripe and is yellow and green in colour. The giant chameleon has yellow stripes and
is large and dark green in colour. 


Types of chameleons include:
 

  1. The Flap-Necked Chameleon: typically found in woodland and savannah regions. They are bright
    and green, about 15 cm long, but under some circumstances, they can double in size and turn
    tan or brown.
  2. The Graceful Chameleon: It is green and yellow in hue, with a white stripe running along its
    sides..
  3. Giant Chameleon: It has a little horn, yellow stripes, and is large and dark green in colour. It
    consumes insects and tiny reptiles.
  4. House geckos, tortoises, and terrapins are just a few of the reptiles that can be seen during a
    safari with ossicones safaris in Uganda.

 

BEST PLACES TO SPOT REPTILES IN UGANDA
The Entebbe Reptile Village and Murchison Falls National Park are great places to see reptiles in
Uganda. While Murchison Falls is well-known for its Nile crocodiles at the base of the falls, the
Entebbe Reptile Village provides up-close interactions with a variety of reptiles, including
snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. Another place to see snakes, agama lizards, and monitor lizards is
Ngamba Island, which is also home to chimpanzees.


Murchison Falls National Park is home to monitor lizards, a variety of snakes, and Nile
crocodiles.
Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, and other reptiles can be found at Queen Elizabeth National
Park.


A wide range of reptile species can be found in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve: A place where reptiles may be seen.

 

CONCLUSION
Ossicones Safaris has you covered with the unveiled experience as Nature Uganda continues to
find unexpected amphibian and reptilian species while conducting surveys in isolated regions of
the nation.


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By Kalibbala Arnold


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