South Africa's diverse landscapes make it a dream destination for holidays filled with adventure, from hiking in rugged mountains to camping under star-studded skies and embarking on thrilling game drives. However, many of these outdoor activities bring you into the natural habitats of snakes, some of which are venomous. While snake encounters are rare, it’s essential to know how to minimize risks and respond effectively to snakebites to ensure your holiday remains memorable for the right reasons.
This guide covers common scenarios where snakebites can occur during holidays, offers first-aid steps tailored to different types of venom, and provides practical tips for staying safe in snake-prone areas.
1. Common Snakebite Scenarios During Holidays
Snakes are an integral part of South Africa’s ecosystems, but they typically avoid humans and only bite in self-defence. Understanding where and when snakebites are more likely to occur can help you prepare:
1. Hiking:
Snakes often bask on warm rocks or hide in dense vegetation along trails. Hikers may accidentally step on or startle a snake, leading to defensive bites.
2. Camping:
Tents and sleeping bags left open can attract snakes seeking shelter or warmth. Food scraps left behind may also lure rodents, which in turn attract snakes.
3. Game Drives and Nature Walks:
During guided game drives or bush walks, snakes may be spotted on the road or in the surrounding grasslands. Curious tourists venturing off trails can increase their risk of encounters.
4. Rural Accommodation:
Cottages, lodges, and chalets in rural or bush areas are often close to snake habitats. Snakes may enter rooms in search of shade, water, or prey.
2. First Aid for Snakebites: Neurotoxic vs Cytotoxic Venom vs Haemotoxic
South Africa is home to snakes with different venom types, including neurotoxic (affecting the nervous system), cytotoxic (damaging tissue and cells), and haemotoxic (leads to bleeding). Your first-aid response should be specific to the type of venom involved:
Neurotoxic Snakebites
Common snakes: Black Mamba , Green Mamba, Cape Cobra, Forest Cobra, Snouted Cobra
Symptoms:
• Tingling around the mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
• Paralysis starting from the face and moving downward
• Weakness or inability to move limbs
• Incontinence
First Aid Steps:
1. Reassure the Victim: Keep them calm and still to slow venom spread.
2. Apply a Pressure Bandage: Wrap the entire limb firmly (but not too tightly using a Pressure Bandage or an Elasticated Bandage). This helps delay venom movement through the lymphatic system.
3. Immobilize the Limb: Prevent excessive movement of the arm by securing it in a sling at the level of the heart. For a bitten leg where the patient doesn’t need to walk tie one leg to the other to prevent movement and let the patient lie down.
4. Monitor Breathing: If the victim shows signs of respiratory distress, begin rescue breathing if trained to do so.
5. Seek Emergency Help Immediately: Neurotoxic bites can escalate rapidly, requiring antivenom and respiratory support.
Cytotoxic Snakebites
Common snakes: Puff Adder, Gaboon Viper, Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Black Spitting Cobra
Symptoms:
• Swelling, pain, and discoloration around the bite area
• Blistering and tissue damage
• Nausea and vomiting
First Aid Steps:
1. Reassure the Victim: Keep them calm and prevent movement.
2. Do Not Apply a Tourniquet or Ice: This can worsen tissue damage.
3. Immobilize the Limb: Keep it still and at heart level to slow venom spread.
4. Cover the Wound: Use a clean, dry dressing to protect the bite area from infection.
5. Seek Medical Help Promptly: Cytotoxic bites can lead to severe tissue damage, sometimes requiring surgical intervention.
Haemotoxic Snakebites
Common snakes: Boomslang and Vine Snakes
Symptoms:
• Blood oozing from the bite site
• Bleeding gums
• Urinating, vomiting, and passing of bloody stools
• Headaches due to bleeding in the brain
First Aid Steps:
1. Reassure the Victim: Keep them calm and prevent movement.
2. Do Not Apply a Tourniquet or Ice: This can worsen tissue damage.
3. Immobilize the Limb: Keep it still and at heart level to slow venom spread.
4. Cover the Wound: Use a clean, dry dressing to protect the bite area from infection.
5. Seek Medical Help Promptly: Haemotoxin can sometimes take many hours before symptoms start, by which time it may become too late for antivenom to have the desired effect. All snakebite victims should therefore be routinely hospitalised for a minimum of 24 hours if a haemotoxic or unknown species was responsible for the bite.
3. General Do’s and Don’ts for All Snakebites
• Do Not Attempt to Suck Venom Out: This is ineffective and can introduce bacteria into the wound.
• Do Not Cut the Wound: This can cause further tissue damage.
• Do Not Use Alcohol or Aspirin: These can worsen the effects of venom.
• Do Not Try to Catch or Kill the Snake: Focus on getting medical help rather than identifying the snake yourself. Medical personnel do not need to know what snake was responsible, they look at symptoms to classify a snakebite syndrome from where they can administer the correct antivenom.
4. How to Minimize the Risk of Snakebites
Prevention is always better than cure. By taking a few simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of snake encounters on your holiday:
• Avoid Tall Grass and Dense Vegetation - Snakes are most often found in areas where they can hide. Stick to well-marked paths and avoid walking through tall grass or thick underbrush.
• Wear Protective Clothing - When hiking or camping, wear long pants, thick socks, and sturdy boots. This can provide a layer of protection against bites.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Keep an eye out for snakes basking in the sun on trails or hiding under rocks, logs, or foliage. If you see a snake, give it space and allow it to move away.
• Check Your Gear - Before putting on shoes, boots, or clothing left outside overnight, shake them out thoroughly. Inspect sleeping bags, tents, and any gear stored on the ground.
• Avoid Handling Snakes - Even if you encounter a snake that looks harmless, resist the temptation to pick it up or interact with it. Many non-venomous snakes mimic venomous ones as a defence mechanism.
• Keep Tents and Accommodation Sealed - Ensure that your tent, chalet, or lodge is sealed at all times. Use snake-proof mesh where possible and keep the floor clear of clutter where a snake might hide.
• Learn About Local Snake Species - Familiarize yourself with the snakes native to your holiday destination. Knowing the appearance and behaviour of venomous species can help you avoid dangerous encounters.
• Travel with a First-Aid Kit - A first-aid kit packed for snakebite management is essential when traveling to snake-prone regions. Consider adding a snakebite-specific kit if venturing deep into the bush.
5. Recognizing Snake Species in Popular Holiday Destinations
• Kruger National Park: Expect species like the Black Mamba, Puff Adder, and Mozambique Spitting Cobra. Always remain vigilant during bush walks and game drives.
• Drakensberg Mountains: Snakes such as the Berg Adder and Rinkhals are common in this area. Stay on marked trails.
• Coastal Regions: Green Mambas and Forest Cobras may be found in lush coastal forests, in KwaZulu-Natal. Avoid dense vegetation near beaches or lodges.
Conclusion
While snake encounters during holidays are rare, being prepared can make all the difference. By taking preventive measures, such as wearing protective clothing, sticking to marked trails, and keeping your accommodation sealed, you can minimize your risk of snakebites. In the unlikely event of a bite, knowing how to administer first aid specific to snake venom can save lives and prevent complications.
Make your holiday safe and enjoyable by staying informed and vigilant. And remember, snakes are an essential part of South Africa’s rich biodiversity, treat them with respect, and they’ll likely do the same for you.
For more information on snake awareness and first-aid training, visit Access Professional Development at www.accesspd.co.za
Stay safe and adventure responsibly!
Also view:
What to Do when bitten by a Black Mamba
Pedestrian Safety from Snakes and Snake Bites
What to do when you find a snake in your car: A Step-By-Step Guide