Venomous Snake Handling Bootcamp – Free State – Bloemfontein – 2025-05-18

This is a full-day course that starts at 09:30 sharp.

We kick off with a brief theory session discussing the correct handling techniques, safe removal protocols, and the importance of crowd control.
We then move onto the practical session where we recap the practical experience taught in the Venomous Snake Handling course – the use of snake hooks, snake tongs, buckets, and tubes. Following the tea break at approximately 10:45, the various methods of hooking and tailing venomous snakes is demonstrated and
delegates practice these extensively. We break at 13:00 for a light lunch (provided), and we then top off the training with real-life removal scenarios.

Snakes used for the handling session vary but we usually make use of the following species: Puff Adder, Snouted Cobra, Cape Cobra and Rinkhals.

The course usually concludes at around 16:00. Kindly note that these are suggested times and may vary.

The course starts at 09:30 am sharp.

We break for a light lunch at around 13:00 and snake handling takes place from around 14:00.00

The course usually finishes by 15:00 (suggested and not exact time)

Our minimum age requirement for this course is 14 years of age.

All course fees include coffee/tea refreshments and a light lunch.
Venomous Snake Handling Bootcamp R 1 450.00 per delegate.

The full amount will have to be paid prior to the course to secure your attendance.

Cancellation policy: There are no cancellation fees for changes or cancellation to your booking 48 hours prior to the course date. For cancellations or changes within 48 hours of the course date, we charge a 50% cancellation fee and for non-attendance on the day of the course we charge a 100% cancellation fee.

Cancellation policy: There are no cancellation fees for changes or cancellation to your booking 48 hours prior to the course date. For cancellations or changes within 48 hours of the course date, we charge a 50% cancellation fee and for non-attendance on the day of the course we charge a 100% cancellation fee.

PLEASE NOTE. Occasionally we need to cancel courses. In this event, you will be notified at least 48 hours in advance, you will then have the option of moving the course to another date or for a full refund to be done.

Each delegate will receive a course certificate, First Aid for Snakebite booklet as well as a full colour A3 Dangerous Snakes of Southern Africa poster.

PLEASE NOTE: All delegates who book and pay 3 days prior to the course date, will receive a printed certificate on the day. Please ensure that you supply the correct name and surname on sign up, as it will appear on the printed certificate. If details are provided incorrectly another certificate will have to be issued and sent by courier and will cost R250.00.

Digital certificates will be sent to all successful delegates on the Monday after the course.

1. Delegates should wear long trousers and closed shoes and are advised to bring a hat.
2. The African Snakebite Institute will supply all equipment needed for delegates to use during the snake handling session (hooks, tongs, buckets, and tubes).

1. Prior attendance of an ASI Snake Awareness, First Aid for Snakebite and Venomous Snake Handling course is a prerequisite for anyone wishing to attend this course. Please forward a copy of your certificate to us on courses@asiorg.co.za when making your booking.
2. No spectators are allowed during the indoor session, and this includes children. Spectators are welcome to watch the Venomous Snake Handling sessions from a safe distance but are not to interfere with the training in any way.
3. Mobile phones: The use of mobile phones for text messages and calls is not permitted during the awareness or handling courses and may only be left on for emergency calls.
4. Photographs that are taken by the ASI team during the course will be made available via Dropbox. Participants and spectators are also welcome to take photographs of the handling session but video recording is not permitted.
5. Our minimum age requirement for this course is 14 years of age.
6. Delegates that do the venomous snake handling will have to sign an indemnity prior to the practical session. Parents/guardians must sign for delegates under 18 years of age.
7. Should a delegate have any specific dietary requirements, they are welcome to bring their own lunch.

Our courses are presented by Johan Marais, Luke Kemp, Tim Brammer or Sake van Wyk

Johan Marais is one of Africa’s leading herpetologists with over 40 years of experience. Johan is a prominent author of snake books in Africa and has written the best sellers A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa, Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa and First Aid for Snakebite. He is also the snake expert for the Tygerberg Poison Centre and the Red Cross Poison centre, as well as an advisor on snakes and snakebite to various hospitals and clinics throughout Africa.

Luke Kemp graduated from Rhodes University with a BSc and Honours Degree and has been working for the African Snakebite Institute for the past five years. Luke is a passionate herpetologist, avid photographer, and has been presenting courses with Johan Marais not just in South Africa, but elsewhere in Africa also. He currently runs the reptile Virtual Museum with ADU, Cape Town University and is co-authoring a book on the reptiles and amphibians of southern Africa with Johan Marais.

Tim Brammer is an avid herpetologist who has been based in Malawi for the last few years, where he started presenting snake awareness and handling sessions. He also developed identification posters for the country and is working on a book of snakes of Malawi. Tim is a keen reptile photographer and assists on field surveys in various African countries, when possible.

Sake van Wyk has been associated with the African Snakebite Institute for many years and has been trained by Johan Marais. He has presented snake awareness, first aid for snakebite and venomous snake handling training to various companies and institutions throughout South Africa. He is a keen herpetologist, an avid reptile photographer and assists with snake identifications and graphic design for our educational content.