It turned out to be a Gaboon viper. I still thank my lucky stars I didn’t linger — had I stayed even a second longer or tried to reach for it out of curiosity, things could’ve taken a deadly turn.So, what exactly is a Gaboon viper?
The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa — and the heaviest venomous snake on Earth. Its natural camouflage is almost supernatural, allowing it to vanish among fallen leaves. You’d never know it was there until it was too late.