There is something magical about that resting time in-between game drives. Over the years of frequenting lodges across Southern Africa, I have learned to appreciate this special time and love those lodges that offer a comfortable private deck from the room. During our visit to Varty Camp in June 2015, I was revelling in my down time on deck, when my eye was drawn to movement in the bushes just below the plunge pool.
Grabbing my camera from the side table I rushed over and lay down on my stomach to capture one of the most exciting and riveting scenes I have ever witnessed. At first it was difficult to see exactly what was happening as I had to find my focus between the leaves, but when I had locked on, my jaw dropped from absolute awe.
I managed to get there just in time to see a Southern Vine Snake grab a Western Stripe-Bellied Sand Snake around the neck. In previous trips to the bush I had been fortunate enough to see both species before. Just a year earlier we had a Vine Snake in one of the shrubs just outside our room at another lodge. What amazed me was how camouflaged it was and that even upon our approach it didn’t move a muscle, simply remaining motionless relying on its superb camouflage to remain undetected. We had seen Sand Snakes a few times in the Kruger National Park and in every instance were only allowed a fleeting glance as they move with an incredible pace when disturbed.
This Vine Snake, which I assumed to be rather slow, had miraculously managed to capture a lightning fast meal! The Southern Vine Snake produces a potent haemotoxic venom which in addition to killing the victim also assists in breaking down proteins and aiding in digestion. It was amazing to watch the Sand Snake struggle and within a few minutes to see the venom eventually taking effect and the life ebb out of its body.
Although the Sand Snake put up a valiant effort and even tried twisting to bite the Vine Snake, it was all in vain as the potency of the Vine Snake’s venom subdued it with extreme efficiency. The Vine Snake seemed to now have a dilemma on its scales as, from my perspective, it seemed an impossibility to swallow the Sand Snake from the killing position around the neck. After about 10 minutes all problems were solved as the Vine Snake simply began to swallow and the head folded up against the neck. Once the head and neck were ingested I watched in wonder as I could clearly see the backward facing fangs of the Vine Snake assist in getting the Sand Snake down.
The entire process took about one hour and in the end the Vine Snake had pretty much doubled its weight as the Sand Snake was the same size as it. By the time it was all over I was pinching myself to confirm whether or not I had just dreamed the sequence of events and couldn’t believe my luck!
So often we are focused on the big things in life that we forget to take a breath and simply observe the incredible moments happening under our noses. We came to Londolozi with the big things on the menu and although we enjoyed all our courses, this one stands out as one of the biggest bush highlights ever.
Written and Photographed by: Sean de la Harpe-Parker, Londolozi Guest
Wow! Incredible experience. Amazing images. Great capture. Really a once in a life time sighting. It is the little things we must look out for in the bush.
Thank you Marinda. Indeed a sight to behold.
Amazing and good pictures, thanks for sharing, I saw something similar a while ago in Punda Maria- we were busy pitching our tents and heard a scuffle in the grass under a small mopani tree, a grass snake caught a lizard and ate it – what was really amazing was the speed at which it happened – all was over in about 3 minutes.
Thanks Jan. I really love the North because one appreciates all the little things as well as the solitude.
OMG! I can’t believe your steady hand in taking those magnificent photos! My mouth was agape from beginning to end! Fabulous. I felt as if I were there!
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Merle. I must confess most my 250 pictures were a fail! At least I managed a few!
That was an amazing set of photies – well done Sean & so cleverly spotted – yes there is never a dull moment in the bush – on the wagon or on the deck! I hope we get to see many more of your sightings 🙂
Thanks Wendy. I must confess my partner alerted me to the movement and only then did I manage to adjust my eyes to what was going on.
What amazing photos. Fascinating watching the killing and digesting process unfold through these shots. Though the subject is gory, the photos are sheer artwork. I think they should make it into the next londolozi book. Thx
Thank you for the high praise Janice. I am not in any way a pro photographer so not sure the quality is up to book standard, but thanks for your vote of confidence.
Your storytelling’s impressive but your shots are absolutely brilliant. Now many people would’ve had the presence of mind to make such outstanding photos.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Deji. I love telling a good story especially when the bush writes the script so beautifully. Thank you Londolozi for doing what you do! These magical experiences are attracted to your property!
What an incredible event to witness and to photograph so vividly! Thank you for sharing it. You have helped me to relive my own fond memories of resting on my deck, observing the smallest wildlife.
Thanks Rebecca. I really cannot explain in words how I appreciate that down time between drives. When searching for a lodge I always look for a private deck overlooking a river in order to enjoy the wildlife to the full. One never knows what manner of creatures one may see that will put on a show. Londolozi ticks all the boxes being situated on the Sand river with the most fantastic decks off the suites.
I was clearing out emails and found this Londolozi one. Very luckily I opened it before deleting. Amazing photos Sean, and wonderful story telling. I was with you every minute! Good spot by your partner!