BIO-KEN SNAKE FARM & LABORATORY, Home of the Black Mamba… and More

The black spitting cobra. The horned viper. The puff adder. And the black mamba.
These are just a few of the more than 200 snakes you’ll discover at the Bio-Ken Snake Farm,
the largest collection of snakes in East Africa. Known throughout the world, Bio-Ken has captivated
visitors for over 30 years with its extensive collection of Africa’s deadliest snakes.
Here you’ll find the plain-looking but deadly twig snake – for whose bite there is no cure.

You’ll get to see these infamous creatures up close, but there are also many other non-lethal snake varieties –
127 species in all. The farm also houses an immense collection of other reptiles and amphibians.
On the guided tour, you’ll find leatherback, soft-shelled, and Africa side-necked turtles and terrapins.
Look for all types of lizards, geckoes, chameleons, frogs, toads, and even crocodiles!

Located just outside Watamu, Bio-Ken Farm is also a research center and laboratory,
specializing in anti-venom research and the study of snake bites. Here you can see the snakes
being “milked” for their venom to create specific antidotes. The farm even provides emergency
care for snakebite victims throughout the area.

However, as dangerous as some snakes are, the researchers at Bio-Ken believe that these reptiles
are an important part of our ecosystem, helping to reduce vermin, which in turn controls disease
and the destruction of crops. They offer an active education program for visitors and the public
about the need to preserve snakes. Bio-Ken offers a free “remove a snake” service in the Watamu area.
Just contact the farm and they’ll come out to safely capture an errant snake and release it back into the wild.

Care to see these exciting snakes in their natural habitat? The farm also features guided tours to
nearby Jimbe and Gede where you can learn to locate and identify them.

About Bio-Ken Farm

• Climate: The temperature range in Watamu is from 24°C / 76°F to 32°C / 90°F. There are two rainy seasons – the long rains in March/April and the short rains in November/December.
• Location: A short drive of 5 minutes from Watamu, on Gede Watamu Road.
• Operating Hours: 10:00 hrs. to 17:00 hrs. (5 pm), seven days a week
• Getting there: You can book a tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris in Mombasa.
• By air: Malindi Airport is the main aviation hub serving the area.

Group photo with long Bio-Ken snake

Things to Do and See

• Guided Tours – of the hundreds of species of snakes, turtles, lizards, chameleons, and crocodiles. See the snakes being “milked” for their venom to make antidotes for snake bites.
• Local Tours – visit local sites at Jimbe and Gede to learn about snakes in their natural habitat.
• Snake Safaris – Bio-Ken offers visitors a range of safaris to discover snakes in the wild!

Tour guide, Bio-Ken snake

Discover Bio-Ken Farm

You may never get this close to a viper, mamba snake, or a cobra again!
This unique farm and laboratory offer a thrilling exploration of hundreds of snakes, reptiles, and amphibians.
See how snakes are “milked” for their venom and how the anti-toxin is produced.
You’ll be a snake expert after experiencing this tour.

Bio-Ken snake in Haller Park

Bio-Ken Farm with Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Take an Adventure In The Wild Safaris tour of Bio-Ken Farm for an exciting exploration
of its world-famous collection of snakes, reptiles, and amphibians.

We have safaris departing from Watamu to this and other special Kenya Parks and attractions for your Africa holiday.