Common Snakes of Zimbabwe

The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), also called the common black mamba or black-mouthed mamba, is the longest venomous snake in Africa and the second longest venomous snake in the world, behind the king cobra, averaging around 2.2 to 2.7 m (7.2 to 8.9 ft) in length, and sometimes growing close to lengths of 4 m (13 ft). It is named for the black colour of the inside of the mouth rather than the colour of its scales which varies from dull yellowish-green to a... less ↑

The rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus), also called the ringhals or ring-necked spitting cobra, is a venomous elapid species found in parts of southern Africa. It is not a true cobra in that it does not belong to the genus Naja, but instead belongs to the monotypic genus Hemachatus. However, it is closely related to the true cobras and is considered to be one of the true spitting cobras. less ↑