Most of the snake species in South Africa are non-venomous and fairly harmless. There are, however, a few dangerous species that one should look out for.   The Cape Cobra is very dangerous. It’s bite causes muscle paralysis, which in turn causes suffocation and heart failure. One can recognize this snake by its flat, hooded neck. If it feels threatened it will stand up into the attack-position.   The possibility that you will encounter snakes is very slim as they are shy and will hide at the slightest possibility of someone being in the vicinity. One should never walk through bushes without closed shoes and should never reach into a hole without being absolutely sure that there are no snakes inside.     Snakes in South Africa       Snakes in South Africa     Snakes in Cape Town   Reptiles in South Africa - Cape Town