[2][3] The specific name, schinzi, is in honor of "Herr Dr. Hans Schinz", who collected the first specimens in 1884 and 1885 in the Kalahari Desert.

[4] He should not be confused with Swiss naturalist Heinrich Rudolf Schinz (1777-1861).

Adults may attain a total length (including tail) of 28 cm (11 inches).

[5] The snout is strongly hooked, with the nostrils located below the sharp cutting edge.

A preocular is present, which is narrower than the nasal or the ocular, and in contact with the third upper labial.