Editor’s Note: Monthly Ticket is a CNN Travel series that spotlights some of the most fascinating topics in the travel world. In October, we shift our focus to the offbeat, highlighting everything from (allegedly) haunted spaces to abandoned places.
Hong Kong
CNN
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William Sargent, a police-approved snake expert, leads nocturnal “Snake Safaris” in the biodiverse terrains of Hong Kong. These tours aim to combat stigma, improve awareness, and build appreciation for snakes.
Sargent, during one of the tours, encounters a many-banded krait, a highly venomous snake covered in black and white stripes. This snake is known for causing respiratory failure and death if untreated.
Snakes are a common sight in Hong Kong due to the city’s variety of habitats, including mountains, coastal areas, and wetlands. However, snake bites are rare, and the city boasts a high level of safety and access to quality healthcare.
Hong Kong is home to over 50 snake species, including the potentially deadly King Cobra and the Burmese Python. These snakes, along with other wildlife, can be encountered during the Snake Safaris.
The tours not only focus on snakes but also allow participants to observe other wildlife such as deer, cats, and birds of prey. The unique contrast of towering skyscrapers and exotic nature is a highlight of the Hong Kong experience.
Sargent’s efforts, including giving talks at schools and creating a Facebook group called Hong Kong Snakes, aim to change the perception and fear surrounding snakes. Many members of the group have transformed from being repulsed by snakes to actively appreciating and looking out for these creatures.
The tours also encounter other wildlife, including various species of frogs and fire-bellied newts. The adventure takes participants through rocky paths, bamboo-lined trails, and across babbling brooks.
Despite the cultural context in which snakes are viewed as a menace or used in traditional Chinese medicine, Sargent’s efforts have played a vital role in changing the perception and increasing appreciation for snakes in Hong Kong.
The snake encounters on the Snake Safaris provide an opportunity for participants to learn about and observe the diverse wildlife in Hong Kong, including snakes, deer, cats, and birds of prey.
The tours also highlight the unique contrasts the city offers, where towering skyscrapers give way to tropical jungles and natural landscapes.
The Snake Safaris take participants through a variety of habitats in Hong Kong, including mountains, wetlands, and coastal areas. These habitats support a rich diversity of snake species and other wildlife.
The adventures on the Snake Safaris provide not only snake encounters but also opportunities to spot other wildlife such as deer, cats, birds, frogs, and newts in their natural habitats.
During one encounter, Sargent is bitten by a baby diamondback water snake while demonstrating its behavior to the participants. However, the snake’s venom is not harmful, and Sargent assures everyone that he will be fine.
The Snake Safaris offer a unique experience where participants can explore the city’s natural beauty, observe snakes and other wildlife, and appreciate the contrast between urban skyscrapers and lush green landscapes.
Hong Kong Snake Safari, starting from $550 HKD ($70 US) per person.
