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Gwen, thanks for those. Just look at those big eyes
The Black Mamba I saw, was a really powerfull and muscular snake. Certainly must have been as large as you can get. It was also in the hotter months.
We hardly had time to take it in, he was accross the road so quickly. Left me feeling quite chilled though at the though of meeting him on an isolated walk.

On the photos posted by Gwen that snake is definately not a Female Boomslang if you look closely you will see that it has smooth scales and not the rough keeled scales of the Boomslang. I Would with out having a closer look go for the Olive Grass Snake.

Hi,

Could somebody please help me identify this snake? I'm really battling to try and find out what it is.





Thanks,

Samantha

Hi Mant,

Where in the country did you see this snake? I assume it's in the Kruger because its under the KNP board, but.... the only snake I know of (without having my snake guide with me ) that is so yellowish in colour is the cape cobra, which does not occur in the KNP...

My guess
Olive Grass Snake

Hi LionWhisperer,

That's what I thought, but I was sure if it was.

Thanks,

Samantha

Samantha, post your pic Here and I am sure you will get an ID in no time time flat from the experts there.

Shame, looks like it was run over.

Hi all,

On our september trip, we saw a total of 3 different snakes.
One was a tiger snake, and the other one was a little silver snake.
Now the 3rd snake is a mystery to us, maybe one of you can identify it?
Here are some pictures:







Thanks!

Ralph and Lenny

Hi Ralph & Jenny

Great photos of an Olive Grass Snake (Psammophis Mossambicus)

These were previously known as Hissing Sand Snakes (I've however yet to hear one hiss - probably the reason for the name change)

Cheers
Fanki

Hi Fankie,

Thanks for clearing that up! It really was a beautiful snake, it was so quick.
Now we know what snake it was.

Many thanks for your help

Hi Ralph and Jennie

What was the size of the snake?

The large eye, head away from the ground and the fact that you mentioned it's speed give me the impression that it may be a black mamba.

Hi Joao,

Our first reaction was that it could be a black mamba. Maybe a juvenile.
It definitely was quick, but we can't compare with other snakes.
It was about 1 metre (little longer).

I did search some pictures of the Olive Grass Snake, and it does look like it.
Maybe the head of the snake we saw, was a bit smaller.

Hope this helps!

Ralph & Lenny, maybe post your pics in This Thread and I am sure one of the experts will be able to say for sure.
(not taking anything away from Fankie or Joao's opinions!)

Hi Elsa

Who says I'm not an expert - lived in Palagat and collected /caught snakes for more than 35 years (and was considered as one by everyone who knew me).

Joao - your comment about it possibly being a juvenile black mamba is exactly in line with comments made by Johann Marais in his book "Reptiles of Southern Africa". - because of its size (6 feet is not uncommon) and habit of lifting its head well off the ground, people often think its a young mamba (mamba's don't have the freckles that are very obvious in Ralph & Lenny's close-up photo).

Its definitely an olive grass snake - no doubt at all.

Happy New Year everyone

Fanki