“That’s a Monster Python”: Western Cape Giant Snake Scales Dry Tree, Leaving Bystanders in Disbelief
- A massive African python shocked onlookers as it climbed straight up a dry tree in the Vryburg area
- Professional snake catcher @Bolandsnakeremovals from Paarl captured the incredible moment that left children screaming
- The viral video gained over 1.4 million views as South Africans expressed their amazement and fear at the enormous reptile's size

Source: Facebook
A colossal African python left Western Cape bystanders completely stunned when it scaled a dry tree with ease, demonstrating the incredible strength these giant snakes possess.
Professional snake catcher @Bolandsnakeremovals, who operates in the Paarl area of the Cape Winelands, shared the jaw-dropping footage on 20 July 2025 with the simple Afrikaans caption:
"Luislang [python]."
The video shows the massive serpent, estimated to be four to six metres long, lifting its enormous head from the dry grassy ground and moving upward toward a tree. What shocked viewers most was watching the python almost stand completely upright until its head reached a high branch before pulling its thick body up onto the tree with surprising agility.

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The snake catcher revealed the location as the Vryburg/Delareyville area, confirming this was an African python encounter that had locals calling for professional help. Children can be heard screaming in the background as adults watch in amazement at the sheer size of the reptile making its way up the tree.

Source: Facebook
SA viewers react with shock and humour
The viral footage accumulated over 8,400 reactions, 1,200 comments, and an impressive 1.4 million views, with South Africans expressing everything from terror to fascination.
@Zelda Robertson was terrified:
"No, thank you... Turned off my phone just now, in case it comes here."
@Snake Rescue With Kingfrey and Family acknowledged:
"That's a massive one!"
@Elsje Van Niekerk Bussell felt relieved:
"Thank goodness Paarl is FAR from Vryburg! 💩"
@Michelle Vaughan expressed gratitude:
"Dear Thursday. Luckily, I don't even know where Vryburg is."
@Lesley Sandra Stirling was amazed:
"That's a monster python. Eish!"
African rock python behaviour

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According to Wikipedia, the Central African rock python is Africa's largest snake species and one of the world's biggest, with specimens capable of reaching over six metres in length. These powerful constrictors can weigh between 55 and 65 kilograms, with exceptional specimens potentially exceeding 91 kilograms.
African pythons are non-venomous but kill their prey through constriction, coiling around victims and tightening every time they breathe out. They possess between 10,000 and 15,000 muscles compared to humans' 700 to 800, explaining their incredible climbing abilities.
These reptiles are excellent climbers, using their muscular bodies to scale trees when hunting or seeking shelter. Their heat-sensitive pits around the lips help detect warm-blooded prey even in darkness, making them formidable predators.
Watch the TikTok clip below:
What to do if you see a snake?
If you come across a python such as a python, the best approach is to stay calm and keep your distance. According to Nature Reserve, most snakes will avoid humans unless provoked.

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Stop immediately and assess the snake’s behaviour. Many will simply slither away when given space. If it rears up or shows a defensive posture, slowly back off without sudden movements. Do not attempt to touch, provoke, or handle the snake.
If the snake is on a path or near human activity, give it room to exit. Use indirect methods like gently tapping the ground close by to encourage movement in a safe direction. If indoors, such as in a home or campsite, exit the area and call local wildlife removal services or a reptile rescuer. They will safely relocate the snake.
Other unexpected animal encounters
- Briefly News recently reported on a massive Southern African python discovered beside the M19 highway in KwaZulu-Natal, sparking theories about whether it was an escaped pet or wild snake.
- An American woman's terrifying wake-up call involved finding a large snake in her bed after her boyfriend's dangerous prank that nearly ended in disaster.
- A university student's residence room invasion by a stubborn monkey required dramatic intervention involving flying shoes and other projectiles to remove the unwanted visitor.
Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News, contributed to this article.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News