Kruger National Park café staff shocked by python spotted behind coffee machine

A surprising incident occurred at the Mugg & Bean café in Kruger National Park when a massive python was discovered coiled behind the coffee machine.

The event took place on Saturday, November 1, just before the café opened for the day.

According to reports, a waitress at the Lower Sabie Rest Camp mistook the three-metre-long African Rock Python for a moving cable.

Upon realising her mistake, she reportedly screamed and froze in shock.

A post from Latest Sightings Kruger shared her experience: “Our waiter almost passed out when she spotted an African Rock Python behind the coffee machine, trying to help her make coffee that morning! 😂 A glass of sugar water to the rescue.”

SANParks rangers were promptly called to the scene and safely removed the python, later releasing it back into the wild.

African Rock Pythons are non-venomous and are the largest snake species in Africa.

Their presence near human areas is not uncommon during the hotter months, as they seek cooler spots to rest.

Netizens reacted to the incident with a mix of humour and fascination.

Letix Tlhapane commented, “If it can get into the restaurant, it can get under the bed to cuddle at night 😉.”

Louise Vinson Van Oordt added, “He just would drink a cup of coffee. In Pythonsland, there are no coffee shops. Give him what he wants, and after he will go away.”

Cody Dennison quipped, “I guess even reptiles want a little caffeine now and then. That, or it liked the heat from the coffee machine.”

While Anneline Lochan expressed her admiration, saying, “Just love it ❤ ️ I wish I was there to see this spectacular creature and the drama that unfolded. Hope he was hushed away safely.”

Kruger National Park is home to 54 species of snakes, with only nine being deadly poisonous.

While the black mamba is often portrayed as the most dangerous snake in Africa, it is worth noting that 90% of snake bites to humans are actually caused by the Mozambique spitting cobra and the puff adder.

The African Rock Python, although common, is rarely seen.

It can grow up to five metres in length and kills its prey by constricting its body around the victim.

Encounters with snakes in Kruger are infrequent, even during guided wilderness walks.