Snake Park in Durban – you’re likely thinking of the famous old Fitzsimons Snake Park (also just called Durban Snake Park or Fitzsimons Snake Park), a classic Durban attraction on the beachfront!
It was located on the Golden Mile (Lower Marine Parade/North Beach area), right near what’s now called Snake Park Beach (a popular surf spot and grassy picnic area that kept the name even after the park closed). The park opened way back in the early 20th century (around 1918–1950s era under the Fitzsimons family, who were big in herpetology and venom research), and it housed over 100–120 species of South African snakes like black mambas, cobras, puff adders, plus crocs, tortoises, and some exotics. It was a big hit for tourists and locals – snake shows, venom milking demos, the works.
Sadly, it closed down in 2008 to make way for beachfront upgrades ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and it’s never reopened. The site is now just part of the promenade/beach area – no snakes there anymore, but the beach still carries the name as a nod to history.