Short answer: A small, docile, burrowing boa from the dry parts of East Africa that rarely bites. One adult needs at least a 24 × 12 × 12 inch enclosure with 3–4 inches of sand or sandy soil, a 93–95°F basking surface, a 78–83°F cool zone, a mostly dry setup, and a meal every 1–2 weeks when young, every 2–4 weeks as an adult.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Desert Dunes
- Home range
- Arid and semi-arid East Africa
- Adult size
- 12–24 in (some females to 36 in)
- Lifespan
- Up to 30 years
- Diet
- Rodents
- Active
- Dusk and night
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 24 × 12 × 12 in. The minimum; give more if you can, especially for large females. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 93–95°F [source] |
| Cool end | 78–83°F [source] |
| Night | Turn the heat off at night. [source] |
| Humidity | Keep it mostly dry, with a humid hide on the cool side [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | A low-intensity UVB tube about half the enclosure length, such as Arcadia Forest 6% or ReptiSun 5.0; aim for UVI 2.0–3.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Heat | Halogen flood bulbs; two 75 W bulbs for an average snake. [source] |
| Substrate | At least 3–4 in of sand or sandy soil (for example 60% topsoil, 40% play sand). [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 12–24 in (some females to 36 in) · Up to 30 years |
What to feed, and how often
Frozen-thawed mice or other small prey about as wide as the snake's widest point. [source]
| Juvenile | One prey item every 1–2 weeks |
|---|---|
| Adult | One prey item every 2–4 weeks |
Supplements: None needed for whole prey
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More Kenyan sand boas
Kenyan sand boa FAQ
What size enclosure does a kenyan sand boa need?
At least 24 × 12 × 12 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. The minimum; give more if you can, especially for large females. [source]
What temperature does a kenyan sand boa need?
A basking spot of 93–95°F and 78–83°F at the cool end. Turn the heat off at night. [source]
What humidity does a kenyan sand boa need?
Keep it mostly dry, with a humid hide on the cool side. [source]
Does a kenyan sand boa need UVB?
UVB is recommended. A low-intensity UVB tube about half the enclosure length, such as Arcadia Forest 6% or ReptiSun 5.0. Aim for a UVI of 2.0–3.0 where it basks. [source]
What do Kenyan sand boas eat?
Frozen-thawed mice or other small prey about as wide as the snake's widest point. Supplements: None needed for whole prey [source]
How often should I feed a kenyan sand boa?
Juvenile: One prey item every 1–2 weeks.Adult: One prey item every 2–4 weeks. [source]
How big do Kenyan sand boas get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 12–24 in (some females to 36 in) and live Up to 30 years with good care.
Where do Kenyan sand boas come from?
Arid and semi-arid East Africa. They are most active: dusk and night. [source]
Neighbors in the Desert Dunes
Desert DunesBeginner
Leopard geckoEublepharis macularius
7–10 in15–20+ yearsInsects
Desert DunesIntermediate
Bearded dragonPogona vitticeps
18–24 in10–15 years (20–25 possible)Insects and vegetables
Desert DunesIntermediate
Ackie monitorVaranus acanthurus
About 24 in15+ yearsInsects, some lizard prey
Desert DunesBeginner
Ocellated skinkChalcides ocellatus
7–9 in10–20 yearsInsects, some greens
Desert Dunes
Russian tortoiseTestudo horsfieldii
5–10 inUp to 50 years or moreHerbivore: greens, grasses, weeds
Sources
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.