+1 The vast majority of snakebites are from people stepping too close to them or on them. Leave them alone and they almost always leave you alone. Just watch where you step. If you can't see the ground where you're walking making noise usually makes the snakes flee. Having no experience in Africa I don't know if that method is advised there (might scare the snakes but attract something bigger)
Unfortunately many people kill snakes as they come across them because they are "dangerous"...which can be true...but then so are bears, rhinos, hippos, and many, many more animals. The world may be safer place if all the dangerous animals are exterminated but I don't see it being a better place. As a former snake owner I always try to get people to leave them alone.
The recommendation to shake out your boots is a good one. A few days ago my apprentice got bit by a venomous centipede when he was changing into his work clothes here. The thing was hiding in his shirt when he put it on. I think I will start shaking out my clothes in addition to my shoes from now on.