The 'most dangerous' island in Africa where women aren't allowed to live

A mysterious island located in Africa is inhabited by only men and snakes as it diligently follows sacred beliefs. Located around the serene waters of Lake Victoria, this is the island of Musambwa in Uganda which is commonly known as a snake's paradise. The island, which remains a mystery for many, does not allow any women to live on it.

Musambwa, which means spirits in the local dialect, is home to more than 150,000 birds which give the island a rather particular sound. There are around 1,000 cobras on the island which are believed to be embodied spirits or protectors. On this island, local customs and spiritual beliefs strictly prohibit women from staying for long periods, as their presence is thought to disturb the peaceful connection with the spirits-often symbolised by snakes.

Around 100 fishermen live on the island with all of them making their means by fishing. The closed-knit community of the men utilise traditional techniques to catch fish from the surrounding waters of Lake Victoria.

Mzee Emmanuel Kaberenge, who is the most experienced fishermen on the island and has lived here for more than 35 years. He retired from commercial fishing and 97-year-old man is now the custodian of long held customs, which forbid killing the snakes.

He has never seen Cobra attacking one, except once, when he was attacked himself. He told DW: "I must have angered the snake when I carried it out of the house so that I could sleep, but it crawled back in. I picked it up again and threw it out and then went to bed.

"Astonishingly, it crawled back in. This time, I picked it up and it turned its head and bit me. The snake shouldn't be harassed. Even if it means sharing a bed with them."

Musambwa Island is not just known for its snakes - it's also a special place for birds. Recognised as a Ramsar site, it's protected as an important wetland. The island is home to many bird species and hosts Africa's largest breeding colony of grey-headed gulls.

A report and documentary called Musambwa Islands, Where Snakes and Birds Live with Humans highlights the special ecological and cultural features of the islands. The research was carried out by Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Samuel Okok from Makerere University, along with Fredrick Nsibambi from the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda.

The report stated: "Musambwa islands hold a substantial tourism potential that is capable of contributing significantly to the development of Uganda through tourism-related interventions.

"With the vast bird congregation and the presence of snakes, such an ecosystem needs to be supported by promoting and popularising it and putting in place certain facilities- especially sanitary. A concerted effort of state and non-state actors ought to come into play if this place is to be boosted into a vibrant tourism destination."