If you are unsure of the identification of a snake you have observed, you can ask an expert for snake identification by uploading a photo to the Snakes of Namibia facebook page.

You can also get help from their amazing album of infographics of the common snake species in Namibia.

The facebook page also has contact details for snake catchers - people who are experienced in catching and removing snakes - throughout the country.

In the case of a snake bite, email "snakebite" to snakebitedoc@gmail.com. Namibia's snakebite expert - Dr Buys - will respond immediately.

Horned Adder

Bitis caudalis

‎Horned Adders are small, sturdy snakes with triangular head shapes. A soft horn is usually present above each eye. Colour is extremely variable ranging from blue to grey above with a series of red-brown oval blotches on the back. The pictures below illustrate the colour variation found.

They occur throughout Namibia except for Okavango and Zambezi regions.

These terrestrial (ground dwelling) snakes bury themselves in sand, leaving only the eyes and the top of the head and horns exposed. They will lie in ambush and strike any prey that passes by, such as small rodents, birds and lizards.

This snake will inflict a painful bite, however venom poses no real threat and life threatening symptoms have not been recorded. The cytotoxic venom causes swelling, severe pain and necrosis. An experienced physician should be consulted whenever any snakebite occurs.