Points

30

per confirmed sighting

ReptileConservation status: Least ConcernRare to spot
reptiles • Pythonidae

African Rock Python.

A

Python natalensis

Southern Africa's largest snake, a non-venomous constrictor of riverine bush.

Category

reptiles

Family

Pythonidae

Size

3–5 m

Points

30 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding african rock python in its natural range.

Overview

Southern Africa's largest snake, a non-venomous constrictor of riverine bush.

How to identify it

Heavy-bodied with irregular brown blotches and a spear-shaped head marking.

Habitat

Strongly associated with water as well as terrestrial habitats; it swims well and can remain submerged for long periods. The checked account does not provide a complete vegetation-level habitat profile.

Diet

Mammals and birds

Behaviour

—

When to look

Primarily nocturnal, with daytime basking.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaNamibia flagNamibiaBotswana flagBotswanaZimbabwe flagZimbabweZambia flagZambiaMozambique flagMozambiqueEswatini flagEswatiniMalawi flagMalawiAngola flagAngola
  • Kruger National ParkZA
  • South Luangwa National ParkZM
  • Gorongosa National ParkMZ

Safety and etiquette

Non-venomous but capable of serious bites. Keep well back and never handle.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.