Reptile · Monitor
Savannah monitor care guide
Varanus exanthematicus
The savannah monitor is a advanced-level monitor from Sub-Saharan Africa (savannah belt). Adults reach 90–120 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Very large. Custom enclosure with 40 cm+ of soil.
- Enclosure 240 × 120 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 50°C+, cool 26°C
- Humidity 40–60% (moist deep layer)
How much does a savannah monitor cost in Canada?
Savannah monitor quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 90–120 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Sub-Saharan Africa (savannah belt)
- Minimum enclosure
- 240 × 120 × 120 cm (94 × 47 × 47 in, ≈ 913 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 50°C+, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 40–60% (moist deep layer)
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Carnivore – roaches, snails, whole prey, eggs
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Savannah monitor enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 240 × 120 × 120 cm (94 × 47 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre28 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry. This species digs, so give it 40 cm (16 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 28 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: Basking 50°C+, cool 26°C. Humidity: 40–60% (moist deep layer). UVB: Required.
What does a savannah monitor eat?
Carnivore – roaches, snails, whole prey, eggs. Juveniles daily, adults 3–4 times a week on mostly invertebrates.
Handling, temperament & health
Wild imports are defensive; captive-bred ones tame with work.
Health watch: Obesity, gout and respiratory infection in cold, dry builds.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a savannah monitor bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (240 × 120 × 120 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 28 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Savannah monitor FAQ
Is the savannah monitor good for beginners?
The savannah monitor is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Wild imports are defensive; captive-bred ones tame with work.
What size enclosure does a savannah monitor need?
At least 240 × 120 × 120 cm (about 94 × 47 × 47 inches, roughly 913 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a savannah monitor cost in Canada?
Typically $100–300 CAD to buy, about $4610–8010 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $800–1300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a savannah monitor need?
Temperature: Basking 50°C+, cool 26°C. Humidity: 40–60% (moist deep layer).
What does a savannah monitor eat?
Carnivore – roaches, snails, whole prey, eggs. Juveniles daily, adults 3–4 times a week on mostly invertebrates.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.