Although Carpets can be nippy as hatchlings, I'd say they're one f the best starter python species.
I say that because they are nippy as youngsters but calm down as adults, they are smaller pythons, they are pretty forgiving when it comes to husbandry and they're super easy to care for.
They are quite abundant on the market, so probably if you attend the Reptile expo in Durbs on the 17thand 18th of December (
http://www.sareptiles.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=26776&start=15) you will find some awesome animals at great prices!
I kept Carpets for many years and I guarantee you wont be disappointed!
If I had to thumb suck a price, I'd say R1500 for a hatchling Jungle, but at these expos you can bargain and if you take a pair, you can get discount.
"I am dying by inches from not having anybody to talk to about insects." - Charles Darwin