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Puff Adder
Bitis arietansHeavy-bodied, highly venomous viper that relies on camouflage and ambush — not pursuit.
Sightings are never guaranteed and depend on local conditions. Follow your guide and respect park rules.
Savanna, scrub and semi-desert master of stillness — inflates, hisses and strikes when threatened.
African Lion Quick Facts
What Is the Puff Adder?
The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) is a heavy-bodied, highly venomous African viper that relies on camouflage and ambush rather than active pursuit. It remains still, waits for prey, then strikes rapidly with venom and swallows prey whole.
Habitat
- Grassland, savanna and scrubland
- Semi-desert, woodland and mountain edges
- Suitable open country
Not limited to open dune fields as sole habitat.
Diet and Hunting
Diet includes rodents, small mammals, birds, amphibians, lizards and other suitable prey where sourced. Hunting is ambush with exceptional camouflage, remaining still, rapid strike, venom and swallowing.
Behaviour
Mostly nocturnal; primarily nocturnal, although behaviour varies with temperature and local conditions. Not bound to fixed 6am schedules. Solitary, never group living. When threatened it inflates its body, assumes a tight defensive posture, hisses loudly and strikes when the threat persists.
Reproduction & Safety
Viviparous — live birth, approximately 20–40 young commonly reported, with records of larger litters including up to about 80, and no parental care after birth. Never approach, handle or provoke, keep clear of vegetation and ground, follow guide instructions. Potentially encountered in suitable habitat, but snakes are cryptic and sightings are unpredictable, not High. Photography focuses on camouflage and defensive display from safe distance; never provoke.
Where to See Puff Adders in Tanzania
Grassland, savanna and scrub mosaics across Tanzania where suitable. Year-round possibility influenced by temperature and rainfall, not universal June–October.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) is a heavy-bodied, highly venomous viper that relies on camouflage and ambush.
When threatened it inflates its body and hisses loudly in a tight defensive posture.
Grassland, savanna, scrubland, semi-desert, woodland, mountain edges and suitable open country in Tanzania.
Rodents, small mammals, birds, amphibians, lizards and other suitable prey.
Ambush predator with exceptional camouflage, remaining still and striking rapidly with venom.
Mostly nocturnal, though activity varies with temperature and local conditions.
Solitary, not group living.
Inflates body, hisses loudly and strikes when threatened.
No — viviparous, giving live birth to about 20–40 young, with records up to about 80.
Highly venomous and dangerous if provoked; never approach or handle and follow the safety section.
Least Concern globally.
Potentially in suitable grassland and savanna habitats, but cryptic and 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.
