Location: Python Park, East London, Eastern Cape
4km after the Lion Park on the N6 (If you are in East London, head out along the N6 towards Stutterheim, about 4km after the lion park you will see the Python Park and Apex Predators on your right hand side)
Apex Predators Snake Park, opened on the 5th of November 2012, it is owned and run by Mr Deon Nell, a person I have the utmost respect for in the Herpetological trade, he is also someone I have been lucky enough to meet. Deon is one of the most well known reptile breeders in SA. He is also the first person in the world to own and breed a genetic strain of the House snake (Boaedon sp), called the Butter House Snake bred in 2010 and Illumo House Snake bred in 2007. He has also managed to breed out a complete scaless Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) which is a World 2nd and a South African 1st. His latest bred mutation is the Gabino, a cross between the Gaboon Viper(Bitis gabonica) and Rhino Viper(Bitis nasicornis) although the female was gravid upon the time of arriving in his collection in SA (lucky stuff wouldn't you say). I've also been informed that among the few that do, he now breeds Spectacled Cobras (Naja naja) otherwise known as the Indian Cobra or Binocellate Cobra. Amazing!
Apex Predators Snake Park puts the health and well being of their reptiles first, over and above financial gain. They insist on the highest standards of breeding and do not mass produce their reptiles. Females are only bred once each season. They specialise in the breeding of African reptiles but also import reptiles from various exotic countries. They guarantee a healthy, parasite free reptile for every sale they make to a customer.
They also offer Reptile call outs, Educational talks, Reptile Awareness including Identification, Handling Courses and demonstrations. As well as Reptile displays, a Reptile retail shop and a Reptile party venue.
Apex Predators is a fantastic place to learn about and view more than 150 different species of reptiles, they also have a large and amazing display of Cobras from around the world. It is a must stop and visit place whenever you are in East London, on top of that Mr Deon Nell is one of the most kind-hearted people you will ever meet in your life. If you are passionate about reptiles like myself then you will get along extremely well with him.
As of 2016 Apex Predators Snake Park no longer exists as Deon has sold the park. The park is now under new management and is now called The Venom Pit.