Courses - African Reptiles & Venom

STANDARD AND ADVANCED

SNAKE HANDLING COURSES

FOR THE PUBLIC, CORPORATE AND MEDICAL FIELDS

Our Courses

Our courses are designed to give you the skills you need when encountering a potencially dangerous snake. Each of our courses are fully accredited and valid for up to 2 years upon completion. These courses will not only give you the knowledge but the conﬁdence to deal with any snake you might ﬁnd

STANDARD COURSE

Learn the essentials of snake theory and snake handling. This course is fully accredited and will
allow you to handle 4 of South Africa’s most venomous snakes

R1650 Per Person

ADVANCED COURSE

Includes everything from the Standard Course and expert training on how to neck a venomous snake as well as catch, contain, and handle a Black mamba

Snake Awareness
Snake Identiﬁcation
Snakebite First Aid
Snakebite Treatment
Venomous Snake Handling
Necking a Snake
Black Mamba Handling

R2900 Per Person

CORPORATE COURSE

We provide expert courses to the Mining, Farming and medical sector on how to deal with snakes in the workplace without disrupting operations

Quote on request

STANDARD COURSE

Our Standard Course provides a comprehensive introduction to snake awareness and safety. Designed for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of snakes, this course covers:

FULLY ACCREDITED

8 Hour Full Day course
R 1650 per Person

OUR STANDARD COURSE INCLUDES:

Learn the basics of snake behavior, habitats, and howto reduce your risk of encountering dangerous snakes.

Develop the skills to accurately identify common and dangerous snakes found in Southern Africa.

Gain critical First Aid knowledge for handling snakebites, including the correct steps to take immediately after a bite.

Understand the medical treatments for snakebites, including what to expect when seeking professional care.

Experience hands-on training with four of Southern Africa’s most venomous snakes: the Puff Adder, Snouted Cobra, Rinkhals, and Mozambique Spitting Cobra—species you’re most likely to encounter. You will learn safe handling techniques and how to interact with these reptiles under expert guidance..

YOU WILL LEARN

TO USE THE FOLLOWING SNAKE HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Snakebite protective GAITERS

Learn how to wear and use these durable gaiters to protect your legs from venomous snake bites during ﬁeldwork or handling.

Snake Handling HOOKS

Master the technique of safely lifting and guiding snakes with handling hooks to minimize direct contact.

Snake Handling TONGS

Gain hands-on experience using snake tongs to control and safely restrain venomous snakes from a distance.

Snake Spray protective GOGGLES

Learn to properly use protective goggles to shield your eyes from venom sprays,particularly from spitting cobras.

Snake Holding TUBES

Understand how to safely secure snakes in holding tubes for examination or transportation, reducing risk to both handler and snake.

THE FOLLOWING ABOUT SOUTHERN AFRICAN SNAKES

How to Identify Snakes

Learn how to accurately identify different snake species, focusing on key characteristics to distinguish venomous from non-venomous snakes.

Snake Behaviour and Temperament

Understand the typical behaviors and temperaments of various snake species to predict their reactions and ensure safe interactions.

First Aid for Snakebite & Medical Treatment

Gain essential medical knowledge on howto respond to snakebites, including First Aid, symptoms to watch for, and appropriate medical treatments.

Methods for catching Snakes

Learn different methods for catching snakes using the equipment you have available and on hand

How to Handle Venomous Snakes

Learn practical techniques for safely handling and controlling venomous snakes, minimizing risk to both handler and snake during interactions.

ADVANCED COURSE

The Advanced Course builds on the skills learned in the Standard Course, adding more in-depth training with high-risk snakes and advanced handling techniques.

FULLY ACCREDITED

9 Hour Full Day course
R 2900 per Person

OUR ADVANCED COURSE
INCLUDES:

THE STANDARD COURSE

Understand how to safely secure snakes in holding tubes for examination or transportation, reducing risk to both handler and snake.

BLACK MAMBA HANDLING

Learning to handle a Black Mamba involves mastering the use of specialized snake handling equipment, such as hooks, tongs, and holding tubes, to safely control this highly venomous and fast-moving snake. Participants will develop critical skills in handling the Mamba’s unique challenges, ensuring safety while minimizing stress to the snake.

NECKING A BLACK MAMBA

In the Advanced Course, participants will learn the highly specialized technique of necking a Black Mamba with their bare hands, a critical skill for safely controlling the snake by the head. This hands-on training provides a rare opportunity to handle one of the world’s most dangerous snakes with expert guidance,ensuring both safety and conﬁdence.

COURSE BREAKDOWN

08:00-10:00

MODULE 1:

Snake Awareness & Snake Identiﬁcation

10:00-10:15

BREAK

10:15-12:00

MODULE 2:

First Aid for Snakebite, Antivenom & Medical Snakebite treatment

12:00-13:00

FREE LUNCH

13:00-16:00

MODULE 3:

Practical Venomous Snake Handling

16:00-17:30

MODULE 4:

Black mamba handling for those who opted in for Advanced Handling

CORPORATE COURSE

Our custom-planned corporate courses are designed to meet the unique needs of industries like mining, farming, construction, and agriculture,where snake encounters are common. Tailored to your speciﬁc environment, these courses cover snake awareness, identiﬁcation, snakebite prevention, and First Aid, ensuring employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely handle venomous snakes and respond effectively to emergencies in the workplace.

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