Nevertheless, one should never go for a walk without tough and high shoes, particularly not in high grass. One should also avoid reaching into holes in rocks or in the ground. Who follows these simple safety rules, doesn't need to fear a snake bite. The risk to be bitten by a snake, is then much smaller than to sustain an injury in a traffic accident.

Snakes

In all areas of South Africa, there are different species of snakes, most of them harmless, but some extremely venomous.

The Cape Cobra on the right is one of the more dangerous kinds. Its bite paralyses the muscles, respiration and eventually heart failure. One can recognize the snake by its flat throat. If disturbed, it raises its upper body and takes on a threatening posture. The probability of encountering such a poisonous snake is very small, since they all, except the puffadder, quickly disappear as soon as they sense the slightest movement.