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Black Mamba
Dendroaspis polylepisLarge, fast and highly venomous — but shy and quick to retreat.
Sightings are never guaranteed and depend on local conditions. Follow your guide and respect park rules.
Mostly terrestrial mamba that is brown-olive, not jet black — the name refers to the dark mouth interior.
African Lion Quick Facts
What Is the Black Mamba?
The Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is a large, highly venomous mamba that is mostly terrestrial, can climb, is very fast and agile, but generally avoids humans and becomes defensive when cornered. The body is usually brown, grey or olive rather than jet black; the name refers primarily to the dark interior of the mouth.
Habitat
- Savanna, wooded savanna, scrub and rocky hills
- Open woodland and thickets
Occurs in savanna mosaics, not open dune fields.
Diet
Rodents, other small mammals, squirrels, hyraxes and birds.
Behaviour & Reproduction
Diurnal and highly alert. Shy and quick to retreat when given an escape route; defensive displays occur when cornered. Oviparous. Approximately 6–17 eggs, incubation about 80–90 days. No parental care after laying.
Black Mamba Safety on Safari
Never approach, corner, handle, provoke or block retreat. Keep distance, follow guide instructions and remain in the vehicle where required. Specialist and opportunistic reptile sighting; sightings are never guaranteed.
Where to See Black Mambas in Tanzania
Savanna and wooded mosaics where the species occurs. Sightings are rare, opportunistic and never guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is a large, fast, highly venomous but shy mamba of savanna and woodland.
The body is usually brown, grey or olive; the name refers mainly to the dark interior of the mouth seen in threat displays.
Savanna, wooded savanna, scrub, rocky hills, open woodland and thickets in Tanzania.
Rodents, small mammals, squirrels, hyraxes and birds.
Oviparous, laying about 6–17 eggs with about 80–90 days incubation and no post-laying parental care.
Highly venomous and potentially dangerous if cornered, but generally avoids people. Never approach or provoke.
Opportunistic reptile sighting in suitable habitats; sightings are never guaranteed.
Related Wildlife
Explore more: Wildlife Guide • Serengeti • Tarangire • Lake Manyara
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and remain unpredictable. Follow your guide and site rules.
African Majestic Adventure — Established in 2019.
