Egyptian cobra (Naja haje)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) (origin: Northern and north-eastern Africa, the Sahel, dry savannah). Adult size around 1.5–2.0 m (max. ~2.5 m). Life expectancy 20–22 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Egyptian cobra: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 375×190×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cobras).
Egyptian cobra: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 22–24 °C.
Egyptian cobra: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (dry and desert-grade UVB).
Egyptian cobra: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–22 years.
Egyptian cobra: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–40 °C
- Humidity
- 40–50 %
- UVB
- Recommended (dry and desert-grade UVB)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 375×190×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cobras)
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix, heavy rock structures and caves
Feeding
- Food
- Mice or rats (frozen-thawed)
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 1.5–2.0 m (max. ~2.5 m)
- Life expectancy
- 20–22 years
- Origin
- Northern and north-eastern Africa, the Sahel, dry savannah
- Protection status
- A permit is required (dangerous-animal regulations, varying by German state); registration and proof required
- Brumation
- None (a slight drop is possible)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
VENOMOUS – a highly dangerous, neurotoxic elapid whose bite is potentially fatal. Only for specialists with official authorisation, a secure terrarium (hook handling) and access to antivenom.
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Related species
- Indian cobra (Naja naja) – Expert
- Chinese cobra (Naja atra) – Expert
- Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) – Expert
- Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix) – Expert
- Cape cobra (Naja nivea) – Expert
- Monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) – Expert
- Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) – Expert
- Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 375×190×190 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, cobras)), substrate (A sand-loam mix, heavy rock structures and caves), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: EUR-Lex VO (EU) 2026/1383, Gutachten Mindestanforderungen Reptilien, BML 1997 (lokal), Wikipedia EN, eu_annex.txt (lokal), genomics.senescence.info (AnAge)
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).