Most of the reptiles seen on Safaris are small, often colorful lizards, basking or running about on rock faces and walls or along the walkways of facilities. Probably the most common are the agamas. They have rounded heads, rough scales and are usually gray or olive in color. During the breeding season, the territorial males become brightly colored with green, red-orange and purple heads. During the evening, another group of lizards becomes active. These are the geckos. Their skins are velvet-smooth, their tails are round and fleshy and their vertically slit eyes are large and bulging. Geckos display two unique adaptations. At the tip of the toes are unique tissues that allow the gecko to cling to almost any surface, including glass. Most lizards make no vocal sounds, but geckos can be highly vocal. While in other groups, male lizards rely on color, size and aggressive displays, the noctural geckos rely on their chirping or cracking calls to delineate their territories and attract mates. Some evening sounds heard around camp and which are often assumed to be calling frogs may actually be geckos being social.
There are several other common lizards including armor-plated rock Lizards, long-tailed plated lizards, chameleons and skinks (very similar to those in the U.S)
Two species of very large lizards known as monitors are commonly seen. in dry grasslands, the large grasslands, the large monitor is the savanna monitor. Around lakes and rivers the semi-aquatic Nile monitor is found. Both are predators on small animals, eggs and are also fond of carrion. When threatened, both lizards will puff up and produce a roaring hiss.
Most visitors on Safaris will not see even a snake, however, there are some poisonous snakes in the bush that you should be aware of. These include the Cobra, Mambas and various Vipers. They are all quite poisonous. Just keep in mind that, as a rule, snakes bite defensively and are not aggressive unless disturbed or threatened. Here are just a few rules that will keep you out of trouble. Watch where you walk, especially at night. Should you see a snake, keep your distance and don’t panic. Tell your guide and fellow travelers so they don’t accidentally bump into the animal. if you want to photograph the snake, be sure to have the assistance of your guide and be sure you don’t handle the animal, unless you know that the species is harmless.
The largest snake in the region is the African rock Python. They may reach lengths of 18 feet or more and can weigh more than 200 pounds. Their primary diet consists of the smaller mammals and birds, but potential prey size increases with the size of the snake. Large pythons are capable of killing and swallowing as large as a bushbuck. Pythons are constrictors. After subduing their prey by biting and holding on, the snake rapidly coils around the victim and constricts until the animal is suffocated. Soon after, the snake swallows its prey whole.
There is only one crocodilian in East Africa, the Nile Crocodile. Greatly diminished in numbers because of exploitation for hides and destruction of its nests for eggs, the once great numbers of these interesting animals have been severely diminished. Historic records tell us that Nile Crocodiles of more than twenty feet in length were not uncommon in many areas and there are stories of crocodiles exceeding 30 feet. Large crocodiles may still be found in the Mara and Uaso Nyiro Rivers, and these are potentially dangerous to humans. Although an attack from one of the large crocs is extremely unlikely, it would be unwise to swim or wade into these muddy rivers.
The following is the checklist of the East African Reptiles most likely to be seen during an East African Safari
Nile Crocodile, Leopard Tortoise, Serrated Terrapin, Savannah Monitor, Nile monitor, Flap Eared Chameleon, Three-horned Chameleon, Common House Gecko, Striped Skink, Blue-tailed Skink, Agama Lizard, Black-necked Spitting Cobra, Puff Adder, Brown House Snake, African Rock Python an Green Tree Snake.
