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The road leading to the snake village in Tanzania.

While exploring Tanzania, YouTuber Phan Thanh Quoc, known as "The Nomad," visited the Zigua people's Snake Village to learn about their cultural practice of snake dancing.

The Snake Village is located nearly 100 kilometers from the central area, accessible only via rugged dirt roads. To reach the village, Quoc rented a motorcycle and hired a local English-speaking guide.

Like many regions in Africa, the village faces a severe shortage of fresh water. Residents often trek long distances to fetch water, which is used sparingly - bathing is a rare luxury.

 

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The traditional houses of the Zigua people are made entirely from natural materials.

The traditional homes of the Zigua people are made entirely from natural materials such as branches, leaves, and mud. These modest huts are typically small; families with many children often build multiple huts to accommodate everyone.

When Quoc arrived, one of the first sights that caught his attention was children enthusiastically playing soccer with a handmade ball. Wooden bicycles, crafted by hand, are a common mode of transportation for short distances.

The village earned its name due to the residents’ long-standing tradition of snake keeping and dancing. Inside their homes, snakes are often kept in plastic containers.

According to the villagers, they capture snakes from the wild when they are young and feed them rodents or frogs. All the snakes in the village are venomous, some lethally so - bites from certain species can result in death within five hours.

The village elders, experts in handling snakes, possess knowledge of herbal remedies for snake bites, as there are no healthcare facilities nearby. The treatments primarily use local plants.

To minimize risks, the snakes’ fangs are regularly clipped - once every seven days, as fangs regrow. The number of snakes in the village fluctuates, typically ranging from 5 to 20. Everyone in the community is skilled in catching snakes and performing the snake dance.

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Venomous snakes are raised by villagers from a young age.

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The snake dance is still preserved by the Zigua people through generations.

The tradition of snake dancing has been passed down through generations and remains a vital part of Zigua culture. The dance involves the use of a traditional instrument called the Ngoma.

A "snake dance ensemble" includes multiple drummers playing differently sized Ngoma drums to produce various rhythms. The dancers form a circle, holding snakes in their hands, draping them around their necks, or placing them on the ground while dancing and singing to the drumbeats.

The Zigua people believe snake dancing allows them to communicate with spirits and can also aid in healing during rituals.

It is also believed that handling snakes, particularly during their shedding process, strengthens the bond between humans and snakes.

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YouTuber 'The Nomad' experiences the sensation of holding venomous snakes in his hands.

To fully immerse himself in the tradition, Quoc placed a snake on his body, draping it around his neck. Despite his visible nervousness, he described the experience as unforgettable:

"Holding multiple snakes in my hands gave me a shiver. Most legless reptiles evoke this reaction in me. Moreover, in our subconscious, snakes are often associated with danger. Despite my caution, it was a fascinating experience."

As one of the rare foreigners to visit the area, Quoc received a warm welcome from the villagers. In return, he willingly paid a fee to participate in the snake dance, helping support the preservation of their cultural heritage.

“The people here are kind and lead a peaceful life with minimal needs. They accept the inconveniences of their lifestyle to avoid the burdens of material pursuits. In the end, they find happiness in simplicity,” Quoc shared.

Dang Duong