EXPEDITIONS
For some, the necessity is obvious. For others, it clambers and slithers into their consciousness not unlike a welcomed, yet complicating virus. A little thought in the back of your head, that grows from a pipe-dream into a want, a want into a necessity. Sometimes, a necessity into an unapologetically unhinged lifestyle.
We seem closer than ever, physically. Yet, many apprehensively whisper that we’ve entered an unprecedented era of utter complacency, begrudgingly complimented by a lackadaisical acceptance of mediocrity.
Humanity is a nomadic species which has spent the vast majority of its time here on Earth exploring beyond the horizon, relishing in the hazy smoke of the unknown and the clarity of community. We expanded from Africa to every corner of the globe through sheer instinctual will; we are today modern humans with ancient minds. That voice inside of your head saying “go” isn’t an annoying inconvenience designed to inhibit productivity. It is, literally, the dying breath of individuality and creativity being crushed by the oppression of self.
In other words, let’s explore the world together!
Embark on an enriching herping journey through Suriname, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Amazon. Offering a unique haven to naturalists, herpers, and explorers, we’ll delve into the untouched wilderness where Serpentine’s most productive and popular herping tour ponders the secrets of South America’s ancient, teeming primary rainforests.
The mountains of East Sonora mark a rare ecological boundary — a place where the arid north gives way to the tropics. Around Yécora and Álamos, desert thornscrub yields to pine-oak forest, and the herpetofauna reflects that transition with striking diversity. Nights here can bring the soft calls of treefrogs and the dry buzz of cicadas, or the slow movement of montane vipers and vibrant coral snakes along a roadside still warm from the day’s heat. Here, we are working with smooth logistics, high herp diversity and density (Mexico holds the title for the most snake species in the world), access to private, pristine land and 4 additional days of adventuring; in comparison to 2025’s previously six day rocket run.
Calling all students, researchers, citizen scientists, budget travelers and those have “seen it all”. IMPORTANT: this is not an “ecotourism” or standard field herping expedition. It is a scientific collection permitted, rugged, 3-week deep dive through 4 different exceptionally under-surveyed regions of Northern Peru; alongside and supported by the internationally recognized Peruvian Institute of Herpetology (IPH).
Our most ambitious and unique expedition to date. Join us in the cradle of Humanity & one of the most under-surveyed regions of Africa as we target one of our planet’s most cryptic and mesmerizing species of viper, the Ethiopian mountain viper (Bitis parviocula). We will spend as many nights as necessary in an exclusive, proven and pristine region for parviocula- this approach affords more than enough time for a small group of dedicated, experienced herpers to strike gold, as well as some incredible bycatch. This is an expedition for the highlands enjoyers!
Five days under the sprawling canopy of Earth’s oldest extant rainforest, Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser ecosystem; followed by 5 days in Sumatra’s breathtaking highlands. This novel experience boasts a variety of high-profile targets (King cobras, dragon snakes, coral snakes, Gunalen’s pit viper, leaf-nosed vipers & kraits). The expedition is also operated in tandem with a local wildlife rehabilitation NGO and anti-poaching team, and remains our most impactful project towards conservation! If you haven’t had enough of Indonesia afterwards, consider joining our herp & dive “add-on” to Komodo, Rinca & surrounding islands.
Southern Africa is ripe with untouched, under-surveyed, and severely threatened habitat home to a nearly incalculable host of herpetofauna. We’ll first explore the Victoria Falls region, traveling via 4x4 to a remote lodge situated on a seemingly endless expanse of private land. The second half of the expedition will take us to a tropical rainforest deep in the Eastern Highlands, where we launch our search for the infamous Gaboon Viper.
Join our quintessential search for the world’s largest lizard- the Komodo dragon. On this optional addition to the Sumatra trip (Dec. 1-10), our group will jump on a homey liveaboard boat bound for Rinca, experiencing truly world-class scuba diving along the way. On Rinca and Komodo, we’ll search for treasures such as the blue phase Trimeresurus insularis (a vibrantly blue viper found nowhere else on Earth), Timor pythons, Komodo dragons, and Siamese Russel’s vipers. Underwater, expect white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays, octopus, and cuttlefish; among so, so much more.
The expansive island nation of Madagascar is, without a doubt, on of the most unique environments on our planet. Throughout tens of millions of years in isolation, Madagascar has generated exceptionally high herpetofaunal endemism—roughly 90–95% of reptiles and ~99% of amphibians are endemic (found nowhere else on Earth)—reflecting extensive in situ diversification across lineages such as chameleons, geckos, snakes, and mantellid frogs; making the island a textbook system for studying adaptive radiation and niche specialization.
We will spend 13 days tracking down the rarest of the rare and the most iconic of umbrella species- all while directly supporting the conservation and study of these animals before it’s too late.
Straddling the Albertine Rift between the Congo Basin and East Africa, Uganda supports an exceptional concentration of herpetofauna within a relatively small area. Its montane forests hold endemic chameleons, puddle frogs, and high-elevation reptiles adapted to cool, wet conditions, while the lowland rainforests support diverse leaf-litter frogs, arboreal snakes, and large vipers such as gaboon and rhinoceros vipers.
Beyond the forests, papyrus wetlands, savannas, and woodland systems add their own distinct assemblages of lacertids, skinks, cobras, and aquatic species. Uganda provides access to one of the most varied reptile and amphibian communities in Africa. And don’t you dare forget about gorillas and chimpanzees!
Known as the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda spans a tight mosaic of ecosystems; from cool, mist-laden montane forests supporting gorillas and chimpanzees to warmer lowland rainforests rich in leaf litter (home to large populations of gaboon and rhinoceros vipers), then outward into papyrus wetlands and open savanna–woodland systems, each with distinct structure, microclimates, and herpetofauna communities.
On this expedition alongside the Tooth & Claw team, we’ll deep dive into the rich ecology of Uganda’s reptiles, amphibians, apes, birds, and ancient landscapes. Plan to search for the snake with the longest fangs on Earth, share quiet moments with endangered mountain gorillas, observe a living velociraptor (the shoebill stork), and as always- much more.
Join us in one of the most unique, ancient and extreme environments on Earth! The island of Sulawesi has been separated from all other surrounding landmasses for more than 25 million years, allowing for a mouth-watering level of endemism and unchecked evolution to take hold. Expect volcanology, beautiful vipers, pristine old growth forests, and crystal clear blue waters.
We will spend 11 days targeting one of the most striking vipers on Earth (Tropidolaemus laticinctus), exploring the reality & conservation challenges behind bush meat hunting, scuba diving the world-class Lembeh muck-dive sites, hiking active volcanos, targeting pacific ground boas (Candoia carinata) on Siau island, and diving an active underwater volcano.
Are you searching for something else? We cater to everything from providing resources for production companies (including BBC, Apple TV, & Carbon TV) to family/friends expeditions, research projects, private endeavors, and more. Our logistics capabilities reach all across the planet.
