Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am serioulsy thinking about taking a trip to Africa next year, 2007, and doing some herping, as well as other exploration. Does anyone know of a good, reputable agency to help facilitate certain aspects of a trip, mainly the logistics in-country? As far as which part of Africa, that depends. I would prefer the interior, like the Congo and Uganda, but with the unstable, waring factions, I'm not certain I can trust anyone there. I like the thick, heavy tropics as opposed to the thorn forests of, let's say, Zambia. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Safari Club International features a number of outfitters that in addition to big game hunts also guide photo-safaris. Some of those outfits are bird-savy too. You might try some leads thru SCI. Those outfitters are keenly aware of the various and ever-changing political realities the continent in any event. Good luck!

This has always looked like it would be a fun trip. Wish I could afford it.
http://www.magicalkenya.com/default.nsf/features1/976592D3B6E7F36A43256DA3002F78F0?opendocument&l=1
KENYA SNAKES SAFARI

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>>http://www.magicalkenya.com/default.nsf/features1/976592D3B6E7F36A43256DA3002F78F0?opendocument&l=1
>>KENYA SNAKES SAFARI

These guys are excellent, I highly recommend them! I went on a morning walking safari with them around Watamu, on the Kenya Coast, in 2004, and on that one morning, we found 1 black mamba, 2 green mambas, 1 spitting cobra and 1 red-spotted beaked snake. The black mamba capture is not something I will forget in a hurry. Beats a day in the office anytime!

Cheers,

WW
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WW Home

If you don't mind sharing....

How long was the black mamba and what would you care to relate some more of the experience?

Thankyou.

Hey Hammer:

Contact Mike..He gives herp tours, plus he produces all of the Venom for SAVP to make A/V.

Best,

Al

African Reptiles & Venom

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Confidence is what you feel before you comprehend the situation.

..I used a company called Roy Safaris LTD for a Serengeti Safari and Kilimanjaro Climb. We saw Chameleons on Kili and a Naja nigricollis along with crocs, agamas, etc. They are a very affordable company. Do a web search, you;ll find their site.

Matt

Thanks everyone... I've already checked out the sites and have asked for information. They all sound like good, solid recommendations. Thanks again...

Hi! I just came back from 2 months in Kenya and Tanzania (working - unfortunately not herping full time. The region has experienced a drought for the last 2 years and even the rain forest on East Usambara in Tanzania was dry! The lack of rain has had a dampening effect on all herps. I only saw two snakes. Fortunately, I found several species of Chamaeloens on Usambara though. So if you plan to go next year keep an eye on the weather and rainfall situation ( lack of rain has also had the side effect of severe electricity shortage in Tanzania with frequent day-long black outs.

Given that the rains come back to normal I recommend you go during one of the rainy seasons when most species are active and can be most easily found. Bear in mind that the rainy seasons differ duration and mothns in deifferent parts of East Africa.

The Bioken snake safaris at Watamu Beach in Kenya are highly recommende dif they still do them. In general it is very difficult to find reptiles in east Africa compared to many places in the United States and if you dont want to spend weeks on wild goose chases you should have a guide such as those provided by Bioken. In the Amani Nature Reserve in East Usambara (Tanzania) there are also excellent guides who can help you with morning and night excursions.

Another good place to visit in Kenya is the Kakamega forest close to the Uganda border where many interesting forest species can be found at night.

If you have any questions I would be glad to answer them to the ebst of my ability.

Tom