King of the Savannah

Gaboon Viper

Bitis gabonica

Massive forest-floor viper with huge fangs and perfect leaf-litter camouflage.

Sightings are never guaranteed and depend on local conditions. Follow your guide and respect park rules.

Triangular head, exceptional camouflage and rapid ambush strike — never approach.

Scientific NameBitis gabonica

FamilyViperidae

DietCarnivore

ConservationVulnerable

HabitatForest & leaf litter

RangeTanzania

Quick Facts See on Safari

African Lion Quick Facts

Bitis gabonica · Viperidae

Scientific name Bitis gabonica

Family Viperidae

Habitat Forest/leaf litter

Diet Rodents, birds, frogs

Hunting Ambush camouflage

Reproduction Live-bearing

Venom Highly venomous

Conservation Vulnerable

Written by the African Majestic Adventure Wildlife Team

What Is the Gaboon Viper?

The Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica) is a massive viper of forest and woodland with a triangular head, exceptional camouflage on the forest floor and leaf litter and extremely long fangs. It is an ambush predator.

Habitat

Forest, woodland and suitable savanna and forest mosaics
Leaf litter and humid habitats where appropriate

Occurs in cover-rich forest mosaics, not open dune fields.

Diet and Hunting

Diet includes rodents, ground-feeding birds, frogs, reptiles and other small vertebrates. Hunting is patient ambush with cryptic camouflage, rapid strike, venom and swallowing of prey.

Reproduction

Live-bearing: females give birth to live young. No egg-laying or nursing with milk. Exact litter size details must be source-verified before publication.

Gaboon Viper Safety on Safari

This is a highly venomous snake. Never approach or handle. Follow guide instructions, remain in vehicle where required and keep distance on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gaboon Viper?

The Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica) is a massive, camouflaged forest-floor viper with a triangular head and extremely long fangs.

Where does it live?

Forest, woodland and savanna-forest mosaics with leaf litter and humid habitats in Tanzania.

What does it eat?

Rodents, ground-feeding birds, frogs, reptiles and other small vertebrates via ambush.

How does it hunt?

Patient ambush with camouflage, rapid strike, venom and swallowing.

Does it lay eggs?

No — live-bearing, giving birth to live young; no egg-laying or milk.

Is it dangerous?

Highly venomous. Never approach or handle; follow the safety section.

What is its conservation status?

Vulnerable globally.

Related Wildlife

Explore more: Wildlife Guide • Serengeti • Tarangire • Lake Manyara

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and remain unpredictable. Follow your guide and site rules.

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