Corporate Snake Training – South Africa

The African Snakebite Institute (ASI) is Africa’s leading authority on Snake Awareness, First Aid for Snakebite, and Venomous Snake Handling.

With decades of experience and a proven track record, ASI has become the trusted training provider for industries, conservation groups, government bodies, and individuals across the continent.

We offer accredited, science-based training led by some of the most respected herpetologists and snakebite experts in Africa.

Our courses are designed to equip your team with the critical knowledge and practical skills to stay safe in snake-prone environments—minimising risk, improving response times, and potentially saving lives.

As the largest supplier of professional-grade snake handling equipment in Africa, we also ensure that clients have access to the safest, most effective tools for dealing with venomous snakes. Our gear is field-tested, durable, and trusted by professionals.

Whether you’re operating in remote locations, managing biodiversity-sensitive areas, or simply prioritising safety and awareness, the African Snakebite Institute delivers unmatched expertise, equipment, and support.

Being the leading training provider in Africa, our clients include the likes of Sasol, Eskom, Department of Water Affairs, Umgeni Water, Master Drilling, Group 5, Anglo American, De Beers, Wilderness Safaris, Singita, Wind and Solar Farms, Siemens, Cape Nature and various mines and construction companies throughout Africa.

Snake Awareness, First aid for Snakebite and Venomous Snake Handling

It is a 2 – 3 hour program that includes; snake awareness, what to do in snake encounters, snake biology and behaviour, myths and superstition, identification of snakes in the area, basic first aid for snakebite (we also include first aid for scorpion stings and spider bites) and a discussion on the medical treatment of snakebite.

The practical snake handling session lasts about two hours (depending on the size of the group) and delegates are taught how to safely capture and contain venomous snakes using snake tongs, snake hooks, snake tubes and snake buckets.

The purpose of this segment is to teach delegates safe protocols on how to cope with and safely remove venomous snakes in an emergency situation.

At no stage do any of the delegates make physical contact with any snake and both ‘necking’ and ‘tailing’ are not allowed. Necking and tailing both dramatically increase the chances of the handler getting bitten, and as such, this unnecessary risk goes against the health and safety policy for most corporate sites.

Snake Awareness courses fall under the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), Section 8 (1) and (2) E and it is imperative that such training is provided by an accredited service provider.

Venomous snakes are provided for the training and will include species appropriate for the region, such as the Puff Adder, Snouted Cobra, Rinkhals and Cape Cobra (but will vary).

Our theoretical awareness session covers:

Snake Awareness

How to handle snake envounters on-site

Snake Identification

Snake Behaviour and Biology

Myths and Superstitions

Prevention of Snakebite

First Aid for Snakebite (Spider bite and Scorpion sting is also covered)

Discussion on the Use of Antivenom

Discussion on Medical Treatment of Snakebite

Our practical venomous snake handling session covers:

Correct protocols for snake sightings on-site

Introduction to snake handling equipment and using the correct equipment for the snake removal

Learning how to use snake hooks

Learning how to use snake tongs

Handling a selection of local venomous snakes with appropriate equipment

Safely working with snake containers

Teamwork for snake removals

Implementing crowd control

Choosing suitable release sites

Advice on required permits for snake removal

Each delegate receives both a digital and hard copy course certificate, which is valid for 24 months from date of issue.

The delegates also receive a Snakes in the Workplace booklet and an A3 Dangerous Snakes of Southern Africa poster.

The African Snakebite Institute provides all the necessary snake handling equipment for the duration of the training.

Recommendations will be made as to what equipment is required when capturing and relocating snakes.

The African Snakebite Institute is the leading provider of quality snake handling equipment in Africa and we stock a full range of snake handling equipment as well PPE, books, posters, scorpion torches and comprehensive first aid kits for snakebite.

Our Snake Awareness, First Aid for Snakebite and Venomous Snake Handling course is registered with the following bodies:
HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) – registered health professionals earn 4 CPD points.
SAIOSH (South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) – registered participants receive 2 CPD points.
PCIPC (Pest Control Industry Professional Council) – registered members receive 3 CPD points when completing this course.
Our courses are accredited by the ISZS (the International Society of Zoological Sciences) and recognised by the AFGA (African Field Guides Association) and the NFTGA (National Federation of Tourist Guides & Affiliates).

Our courses are presented by one of our highly qualified and experienced trainers.

Johan Marais is one of Africa’s leading herpetologists with over 45 years of experience. Johan is the most prominent author of snake books in Africa and has written the best-sellers A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa, Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa and First Aid for Snakebite, to mention just a few.

Luke Kemp is a keen herpetologist and photographer who has been working for the African Snakebite Institute since 2018. In addition to presenting both corporate and public courses, Luke develops much of the ASI course material. He develops a large amount of our educational graphics work, and does the identification of snakes from all over Africa on the ASI App. He is also co-authoring a new a book with Johan on the Reptiles & Amphibians of southern Africa.

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.

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 has recently published his first book “My Guide To Common Snake of Malawi”. Tim is a keen reptile photographer and assists on field surveys in various African countries, when possible.

Tim Vorster is based in the Western Cape and has been assisting the African Snakebite Institute for many years with public courses, kids courses and more recently, corporate training. Tim has been a snake enthusiast since his youth and presented thousands of awareness sessions throughout Southern Africa.

In order for us to present on-site training, we require a lecture venue large enough to accommodate the delegates, and a white screen for projection of the presentation. Delegates are asked to bring their own pens and note pads should they wish to take notes.

For the snake handling session we require an area outside (preferably in shade) about a quarter the size of a tennis court. The African Snakebite Institute will provide all the snake handling equipment required for use on the day.

Delegates who are doing the venomous snake handling are to wear closed shoes and long trousers.

We require an official purchase order and completed course booking form, in order for us to reserve training dates.

Advanced First aid for Snakebite.
This training is not part of the Snake Awareness and Venomous Snake Handling course and includes training on how to apply pressure immobilisation bandages and the use of a bag valve mask reserve with and/or without oxygen.

It is a half-day course and successful delegates receive a certificate in Advanced First Aid for Snakebite.

Our pricing depends on various factors, including: training type required, number of deleages, and the training location. For official quotations, please email Michelle on courses@asiorg.co.za or contact her on 064 704 7229.

For on-site corporate training enquiries, please email Michelle on courses@asiorg.co.za or call her on +27 64 704 7229.