Herping on our Kenya & Tanzania Safaris

Enjoy unique Herping Safaris in Kenya & Tanzania...

Kenya & Tanzania are the ideal destinations for an African Herping Safari.  They are home to a unique and diverse array of reptiles and amphibians including a variety of snakes, lizards, worm lizards, crocodiles, tortoises & turtles and frogs.  There are over 400 species of reptiles in East Africa and over 275 of these occur in Tanzania; many of these are endemic.  Amphibian species in Tanzania number around 130.   These numbers are likely to rise as the herpetofauna in the region is still poorly known.

What reptiles will I see
on my Herping Safari?

Northern Tanzania Safari
Southern Tanzania Safari
Zanzibar Safaris

Over 400 reptile species in Region

Chameleons... Dragons... Geckos... Cobras... Vipers... Pythons... and more!

East Africa is a land of vast, dramatic landscapes and spectacular wildlife.  The landscapes range topographically from the low-lying coastal regions up to 5825m at the peak of the highest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro.  Habitats within these landscapes range from lush forests, woodlands, bush & grasses, to semi-arid country & deserts to freshwater lakes & rivers, soda lakes, coastal beaches & reefs.  Reptiles occur throughout these diverse landscapes, apart from above the snow line.

Join us on a unique African Safari where we look for & appreciate all the animals, big AND small.  We incorporate herping within all our safaris, taking extra time on our guided bush walks to discover what Tanzania has to offer for the keen Herper. 

Arusha Nat Pk
Tarangire
Ngorongoro
Serengeti

Part of a Herping Group?

Then contact us to discuss extra special rates for a private Herping Safari,
exclusive to your group...

... PLUS a donation to your society or favorite charity!

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park lies to the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley and encompasses the eastern slopes of Mt Meru.  Spend the first day of your Tanzania Safari exploring the forests of Arusha National Park & wetlands of Ngurdoto Crater, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Some of the reptiles and amphibians that occur in the area are listed on the right.

Frogging in wetland areas

Chameleons in evergreen forests

 

 

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is situated to the east of the Rift Valley escarpment.  The semi-arid park and surrounding region consists of baobabs and acacia trees making for excellent wildlife viewing. 

Southern African rock pythons are often seen resting in acacia trees in the park’s swampy areas.  Enjoy exploring the diverse range of habitats in this region.  Some of the reptiles that occur in the area are listed on the right.

Southern African Rock Pythons in acacia trees

Semi-arid habitat

 

 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is World Heritage listed and a Biosphere Reserve.  The area is comprised of the famous Ngorongoro crater – the world’s largest unbroken caldera – the Crater highlands; a chain of extinct and collapsed volcanoes and the eastern part of the Serengeti Plains. 

Explore the diverse range of habitats occurring here, from wetlands and alkaline lakes to forests and open plains.  Some of the reptiles that occur in the area are listed on the right.

World Heritage listed

Ngorongoro Crater

Extinct & collapsed volcanoes

 

Serengeti Plains

This most famous and celebrated National Park in Africa is Tanzania’s largest at almost 15,000km².  The Serengeti consists of vast, seemingly endless grass plains in the south-east of the park, punctuated by twisted, solitary acacia trees and large kopjes.  In the western corridor where the Grumeti River runs, there are riverine forests, hills, valleys and plains. 

The Serengeti is famous for its million strong Great Wildebeest Migration, and the great river crossings.  Nile crocodiles occur in these rivers and are able to feast to their heart's content during these periods. Other reptiles also occur in the Serengeti and some of the reptiles that you should see during your time here are listed on the right.

Vast Grass Plains

Large kopjes (granite outcrops)

Riverine Forests, Hills & Valleys

 

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Ruaha National Park

Despite being Tanzania’s second largest National Park, Ruaha is rarely visited and remains a relatively untouched wilderness.  It is located on a dry central plateau, and is bounded by the Mzombe River to the north and the Ruaha River to the south. 

The wildlife and vegetation found in this transition zone is a unique combination of Eastern (Acacia-Combretum) and Southern (Crachystegia) African species.  The park includes riverine vegetation and baobabs.  During your time in the park you should see some of the reptiles listed on the right.

Untouched wilderness

Vegetational transition zone

Stately Baobabs

Selous Game Reserve

Although Selous Game Reserve is little known, it has been World heritage listed and is one of the largest protected areas in Africa at over 50,000km². The park consists of plains punctuated by hills and occasional rocky outcrops cut by the mighty Rufiji River; the banks of the river gradually give way to the rocky cliffs of the spectacular Stieglers’ Gorge.  The myriad of tributaries form a network of lakes and lagoons, connected by channels of water.

The highlights of a safari in this park include the boat and walking safaris, both of which allow for wildlife-observation from a different perspective.  Some of the species of reptiles we should see are listed on the right.

Largest African Game Reserve

Mighty Rufiji River

Network of Lakes & Lagoons

Unusual Boat Safari

Rocky cliffs of Stiegler's Gorge

Coastal Forests

The coastal region of East Africa is ecologically rich, highly diverse and home to a diverse range of reptiles.  The coast includes thick forests, thickets, mangroves, river inlets, saltpans, tidal mudflats and offshore islands. The region is thus of major importance for many animals.  During your time on the mainland coast, some of the reptiles you should see are listed on the right.

Ecologically Rich & Highly Diverse

Forests & Mangroves

River Inlets, Saltpans, Tidal Mudflats

Offshore Islands

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Zanzibar

Zanzibar Island is famous throughout the world for its spices and for its outstanding coral reefs.  Less well-known is  the range of terrestrial fauna on the island - reptile species include 2 endemic species.  The indigenous Jozani Forest Reserve is the last remaining forest and is home to a number of reptile species.  During your time in Zanzibar, you should see some of the species of reptiles listed on the right.

Spice & Coral Island

Indigenous Forests

2 Endemic reptile
species

Pemba

Pemba lies to the north of Zanzibar Island and about 50km off the mainland.  Despite its proximity to Zanzibar, it is rarely visited by tourists and remains relatively remote.  The largest remaining patch of forest, Ngezi forest, has a lush jungle-like canopy with thick cover on the forest floor and is home to five endemic reptile species.

The nearby Misali island is covered in forest and our secluded beach retreat is surrounded by mangrove forests.  During your time on Pemba island, you can explore these habitats and should see some of the reptile species listed on the right.

Lush jungle-like canopy

5 endemic reptile species

Marine turtle nesting beaches

 

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