Table Mountain is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, and that includes snakes. It is a question we are occasionally asked by hikers, understandably, given how common a fear of snakes is. The good news is that snakes are rarely seen on Table Mountain’s hiking trails, and genuine encounters are uncommon.
How Many Snake Species Live on Table Mountain?
Table Mountain National Park is home to around 22 snake species. Of these, 10 are non-venomous, though they can still deliver an unpleasant bite if provoked. Only five species are considered genuinely dangerous: the Cape cobra, puff adder, boomslang, rinkhals, and berg adder. The remaining species are mildly venomous at most and pose little real risk to hikers.
Snakes are naturally shy and avoid confrontation where possible. Most retreat long before a hiker even notices them, drawn away by the vibration of footsteps on the trail. They generally only strike when they feel cornered or directly threatened.
The Dangerous Snakes of Table Mountain
The Cape cobra is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa, with venom capable of affecting the nervous system, heart, and respiratory system. It typically grows between 1.2 and 1.6 meters in length, and when threatened, raises its forebody and flares its hood before striking. It is often mistaken for the harmless mole snake.
The boomslang, meaning tree snake in Afrikaans, is highly venomous, with a slow acting venom that affects blood clotting. Despite this, it is a notably timid snake and very rarely bites unless handled directly. Boomslangs are primarily tree dwelling, with large adults reaching lengths of over 1.8 meters.
The puff adder is responsible for more snakebite deaths than any other snake in Africa, due to its wide distribution, potent venom, and tendency to lie quietly near footpaths rather than flee. On Table Mountain specifically, however, the puff adder is considered rare, found mainly on the lower slopes around the 12 Apostles and Karbonkelberg, rather than on the mountain’s more frequently hiked routes.
The rinkhals and berg adder round out the mountain’s five dangerous species. Bites from these two are less likely to be fatal, but can still cause significant pain, swelling, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Non-Venomous Snakes on Table Mountain
The most commonly encountered snake on Table Mountain is the harmless mole snake, frequently mistaken for a venomous species due to its size and coloring. The russet backed garden snake and gopher snake are two other non-venomous species found on the mountain. While these snakes can still bite if handled, they pose no serious risk to hikers.
When Are Snakes Most Active?
Snakes on Table Mountain are most active during the warmer summer months, when they bask on rocks and open trail sections to regulate their body temperature. This is also when encounters with hikers are slightly more likely, so a little extra awareness on the trail is worthwhile during this period.
What to Do If You See a Snake
Encountering a snake on Table Mountain is unlikely, particularly if you stay on the marked trail and avoid stepping into long grass or reaching into gaps between rocks. If you do come across one, stay still and give it space to move away on its own, rather than approaching or attempting to handle it. Most snakes will retreat without incident if left alone.
Snakebite First Aid
A snakebite on Table Mountain is extremely rare. If a bite does occur, keep the person calm and still, and get them to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to cut, suck, or apply a tourniquet to the wound, these outdated methods do more harm than good. For detailed first aid guidance, the African Snakebite Institute is South Africa’s leading authority on snakebite treatment.
When Are Snakes Most Active?
Snakes are a natural, fascinating part of Table Mountain’s ecosystem, and genuine encounters remain rare for the vast majority of hikers. Hiking with an experienced guide familiar with the mountain’s trails and wildlife adds an extra layer of safety and reassurance, particularly for hikers who are nervous about the possibility of an encounter. Browse our guided Table Mountain hikes or get in touch to find out more.
