Updated
The green mamba found in Uganda is Jameson’s mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni), a slender, bright green tree snake of moist forests that can reach 2 metres or more. It lives in the forests of western and central Uganda, including Kibale, Budongo, Kalinzu and Mabira. It is highly venomous but shy and rarely seen, and bites on visitors are almost unheard of. The eastern green mamba of the Kenyan and Tanzanian coast does not occur in Uganda.
Venom and behaviour
Jameson’s mamba spends most of its time in the canopy and vines, hunting birds, bats, rodents and lizards. Its venom is mainly neurotoxic and a bite is a medical emergency, but the snake almost always flees when disturbed. It is far less often encountered than the black mamba, a grey-brown savannah snake that also lives in Uganda and is a different species.
Staying safe on forest walks
On chimp treks and forest walks, stay on trails, watch where you put your hands and wear closed shoes and long trousers. If you see a snake, stand still, then back away slowly and let it leave. After a bite, keep the person calm, immobilise the limb and get to a hospital quickly; do not cut, suck or apply a tourniquet. Rangers usually spot snakes long before visitors do.
Where it lives
Kibale, where most visitors go chimp trekking, is classic green mamba habitat, though sightings are rare. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Kibale Forest, chameleons, the Uganda Reptile Village and a medical kit for Uganda.
Frequently asked questions
Jameson’s mamba, a forest species.
Both are highly venomous, but it is shyer and encountered far less often.
In forests such as Kibale, Budongo, Kalinzu and Mabira.
Stand still, back away slowly and let it move off.
