Bio-Ken Snake Farm
Bio-Ken Laboratory & Snake Farm
A well-known snake research and rescue centre in Watamu, housing dozens of East African snake species. Guided tours are available, and visitors can handle snakes.
Bio-Ken Snake Farm is located about 2 km north of Watamu town, north of the junction of Turtle Bay Road and the Gede-Watamu road. Founded by a herpetologist, it is one of East Africa's best-known centres for snake research, rescue, and antivenom production. The farm houses dozens of species and more than two hundred snakes, including black mambas, green mambas, puff adders, and spitting cobras. Guides explain each snake's habits and first aid, and braver visitors can hold a non-venomous snake for a photo. On weekday mornings, venom extraction is sometimes on view. Part of the entry fee funds antivenom for villagers who have been bitten. Tickets cost about 1,000 to 1,500 Kenyan shillings, subject to change on site. The farm is generally open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Night snake walks and snake-spotting trips in the Mida Creek area can also be booked.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- Watamu Beach & Turtle Bay
- Watamu Marine National Park
- Local Ocean Conservation (Watamu Turtle Watch)
- Gede Ruins
- Mida Creek
- Malindi Marine National Park
- Vasco da Gama Pillar
- Malindi Old Town & Portuguese Chapel