Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: 20th Century to present

Geographic Range: Mangrove forests in Gambia

Diet: Anything that crosses its path

Horde: West African

Lurking in the mud and mangrove forests along the Gambia River, the frightening Ninki Nanka is truly a sight to behold. Its serpentine body can reach up to 30 feet in length and it has lizard-like legs. It is green and black, meaning it can blend in easily with its surroundings in spite of its monstrous size. It has a giraffe-like neck with a crocodile head and in one case was described as “a giant crowned serpent.”

If you’re not utterly terrified by this point, it is also worth noting that locals say that just to look upon the Ninki Nanka is a bad omen. If you catch a glimpse of the body, you can expect to be struck ill very soon. And if you see the head, particularly its horrible eyes, death is coming for you. Sightings are most common during the rainy season so we recommend staying indoors if the skies are looking gray.

The only way to stay safe from the Ninki Nanka is to make it take a good hard look at itself. And we mean that literally. Locals protect themselves by carrying mirrors as a key tool for defence against the beast. So make sure you pop a pocket mirror in your pack when seeking it out.