Reptiles in Zambia comprise; chameleons, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, tortoises and turtles. Zambia has 153 species and they are some of the most remarkable wildlife in Zambia.

Some reptile facts

  • Most reptiles can actually see colours better than most mammals.
  • Crocodilia can breath while swallowing due to two palates, other reptiles can’t breath whilst swallowing.
  • Reptiles digest food slower at a slower rate than mammals and larger reptile can live several months on a single meal.
  • Reptiles have watertight skin.
  • Soil temperature during incubation determines the gender of reptilian hatchlings.
Reptiles chameleons

There are 6 species of chameleons, 4% of reptile species.

Chameleons primarily change colour to regulate temperature or for communication, not for camouflage.

Chameleons
Reptiles crocodiles

There are 2 species of crocodiles, 1% of reptile species.

Crocodiles have the strongest recorded bite of any animal in the world. They are the largest reptiles.

Crocodiles
Reptiles Endemic to Zambia

There are 44 species of lizards, 29% of reptile species.

Unlike snakes, lizards have eyelids and can also move them and voluntarily.

Lizards

Reptiles are found across the whole of Zambia

Reptiles 1

There are 92 species of snakes, 60% of reptile species. Learn more

Snakes do not have eyelids and use their tongues, and a Jacobson organ, to detect smells.

Snakes
Reptiles tortoises

There are 9 species of tortoises & turtles, 6% of reptile species.

Tortoises and turtles can live to be more than 100 years old. It is not easy to determine their gender.

Tortoises & turtle

Reptile farms in Zambia

<strong>Kalimba Reptile Park, Lusaka</strong>

Kalimba Reptile Park is located, in Ngwerere, to the north of Lusaka. The following reptiles can be seen at the park:

  • A massive 41.7 Kgs and 4m long, female Southern African Python
  • Giant Nile crocodiles and African slender-snouted crocodile
  • Tortoises
  • Various species of snake including the Black Mamba, the Gaboon Viper, the Puff Adder and three different kinds of Cobra

All day fishing is also available at the park and the prize is some tasty Tilapia (Bream).

Livingstone Reptile Park

Livingstone Reptile Park hosts crocodiles rescued from the Zambezi river.

Lake Kariba Crocodile Farm

This is one of the largest commercial Nile crocodile farms in the world.