I think a lot of people are far too paranoid about snakes. I've kicked around Africa for 30 years, slept in the bush numerous nights, including many without tent, sleeping bag or anything else except a small fire and a rifle. I've had numerous close encounters with various snakes over that period.
I once spent 7 days on the ground in what was then Zaire... We moved only at night, and as quietly as possible then... we saw no snakes and very little wildlife of any kind...
We were briefed by some brits, at an airbase in scotland, one of whom had lost most of a leg due to a bite from a gaboon viper...
