If you are unsure of the identification of a snake you have observed, you can ask an expert for snake identification by uploading a photo to the Snakes of Namibia facebook page.

You can also get help from their amazing album of infographics of the common snake species in Namibia.

The facebook page also has contact details for snake catchers - people who are experienced in catching and removing snakes - throughout the country.

In the case of a snake bite, email "snakebite" to [email protected]. Namibia's snakebite expert - Dr Buys - will respond immediately.

Anchieta's Cobra

Naja anchietae

Distribution: North eastern to central Namibia.

Colour: Both a plain and banded variation occur. The plain variation is brown to dark grey. The banded variation has yellowish and black bands on its body. The black throat band is prominent in this snake.

Size: This is the largest cobra in Namibia, growing up 2.5m in length.

Habits: Mainly active late afternoon or early evening. Like most it will flee when provided with the opportunity, however, when provoked it will spread a broad impressive hood. This cobra does NOT spit!

Diet: Rodents, birds, amphibians, eggs and other snakes.

Venom type: Neurotoxic, meaning it affects breathing.

This is Namibia's largest cobra and is a non-spitter. The head is pointed and hardly distinct from the rest of the body. Juveniles are yellow above and below and a broad black band encircles the neck. Adults darken to light or darkish brown as they age. A banded variation also occurs with broad black and yellow bands.

This is a crepuscular snake (more active late afternoon and early morning - twilight hours). It feeds on a variety of amphibians, small mammals and other reptiles and is often encountered in or around a source of water.

They are highly venomous, however these are very shy snakes and bites are very rare.