By Staff Reporter
LOWER SABIE—A waitress at Mugg & Bean, located inside the Kruger National Park’s Lower Sabie Rest Camp, nearly fainted on Saturday morning, November 1, after discovering a massive African Rock Python coiled up behind the coffee machine.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred just before the morning rush when staff were preparing to open the restaurant.
The unsuspecting waitress noticed what she thought was a cable moving behind the coffee machine, only to realize moments later that it was a large snake.
“She screamed and froze in shock. We thought she had been burned by hot coffee until we saw the snake’s body slithering,” said one of her colleagues.
Restaurant staff immediately called rangers from the South African National Parks (SANParks), who arrived promptly to safely remove the python.
Authority confirmed the incident, saying the python, estimated to be around 3 meters long, was safely captured and released back into the bush far from the rest camp.
African Rock Pythons are non-venomous but are the largest snake species in Africa, capable of constricting and swallowing large prey. Their presence near human areas in the park is not unusual, especially during hot summer months when they seek cooler, shaded spots.
No injuries were reported, though the waitress reportedly needed a few minutes to recover from the shock before continuing her shift.
Visitors to the Kruger National Park are reminded to remain alert and report any wildlife sightings in or around public facilities to park staff immediately.
