Seoding · Kuruman · Northern Cape

Welcome to Reptile Galaxy

A conservation and education centre for snakes on the edge of the Kalahari. Meet the residents, learn how they live, and leave a little less afraid than when you arrived.

Meet the snakes Read the house rules

16resident snakes on show

5continents represented

6.5 mlongest species: reticulated python

24 hsnake-rescue service

The collection

Meet our snakes

None of the snakes on show is dangerous to people: all are non-venomous except the Asian vine snake, whose mild venom is harmless to humans. Tap a snake to see how it lives, how big it grows and one myth worth busting.

Search snakes

Our story

From a feasibility study to a galaxy of opportunity

Reptile Galaxy began with a simple observation: the Northern Cape is rich in reptiles, yet the region had no dedicated place to learn about them. Fear and misinformation meant that snakes were routinely killed, often needlessly.

The John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust set out to change that. Seoding was chosen for its position on the tourist routes to Botswana and Namibia, its closeness to the Kalahari and the support of local government and residents. The community asked for three things: local jobs, a safe home for the snakes of the surrounding veld, and practical learning for its schools.

Today the park is a purpose-built facility run by local handlers Bokamoso “Buru” Ntehelang and Gregory Molefi. Buru’s snake videos are popular across the district.

2019The Trust sponsors a feasibility study that identifies wide knowledge gaps about snakes and high rates of human–snake conflict.
2019 – 2022Community consultations in Seoding confirm demand for jobs, conservation of local reptiles and hands-on science learning.
Building the parkThe Trust commissions the building and brings together the community, the district and local municipalities and other partners.
October 2025The Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation issues the exhibition and education permit for the park.
29 October 2026Reptile Galaxy opens its doors to the public.

Why snakes matter

The quiet guardians of the veld

Snakes sit in the middle of the food web. Remove them and the balance tips quickly, usually in favour of pests.

Natural pest control

A single rat snake or python can eat dozens of rats and mice a year, protecting grain stores, pasture and crops without poison.

Healthier homes

Fewer rodents means less spread of rodent-borne disease such as plague, leptospirosis and hantavirus around homes and farms.

Food for others

Snakes are prey too. Secretary birds, eagles, mongooses and honey badgers depend on them, so snakes carry energy up the food chain.

Balance among predators

Kingsnakes and racers eat other snakes, including venomous ones, which keeps any single species from dominating an area.

Indicators of a healthy land

Snakes react quickly to habitat loss, pollution and pesticides. When they disappear, it is an early warning that the land is under stress.

Science and medicine

Snake venoms underpin antivenom and have inspired medicines for blood pressure and blood clotting. Studying snakes advances human health.

Found a snake at home, school or work? Do not kill it and do not try to catch it. Keep people and pets away, watch where it goes and call the Reptile Galaxy 24-hour snake-rescue service. Most snakes in the Kuruman area are harmless and will leave if given space.

During your visit

House rules

These rules keep you, your family and our animals safe and calm. Our handlers will guide you throughout.

Do not tap the glassSnakes feel vibration through their whole body; tapping causes stress.

No flash photographyPhotos are welcome, but flash disturbs the animals.

Hands stay outside enclosuresNever open, lean into or put fingers through any enclosure.

Handle only with a handlerTouch or hold a snake only when a handler offers and stays with you.

Wash or sanitise your handsBefore and after any contact with an animal.

Keep children closeChildren must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Do not feed the animalsEach snake has a planned diet and feeding schedule.

No food or drink in the exhibit hallPlease eat and drink in the designated areas only.

Use quiet voices and walkNo running, shouting or loud music near the enclosures.

No smoking, vaping or petsSmoke harms reptiles, and pets can stress them. Assistance animals are welcome.

Follow staff instructionsIn an emergency, follow the handlers to the marked assembly point.

Report anything unusualIf you see an open enclosure or an animal outside one, step back and tell a staff member at once.

Tell us how we did

Share your visit

The visitor questionnaire takes about three minutes. Your answers help us improve the park, plan new shows and programmes, and measure how attitudes to snakes change.

Open the questionnaire