The giraffe is one of Africa’s most iconic animals—instantly recognisable by its extraordinary height, long neck, and patterned coat. It holds the title of the tallest land mammal on Earth, using its elevated view to browse treetop leaves and survey the savannah for predators.
Scientific name: Giraffa camelopardalis (with multiple subspecies including Masai, Reticulated, and Southern giraffes)
Habitat: Savannahs, open woodlands, and dry shrublands across East and Southern Africa
Weight: Males: 1,200–1,900 kg; Females: 800–1,300 kg
Height: Males: up to 5.5 m; Females: up to 4.5 m
Lifespan: 20–25 years in the wild
IUCN Status: Vulnerable – with some subspecies endangered due to habitat loss and poaching
Giraffes are gentle browsers and social animals, forming loose groups known as "towers." Their calm, slow-moving grace, paired with incredible visibility on open plains, makes them a safari favorite.
Quick Facts About the Giraffe
Here are essential facts that make giraffes such captivating safari animals:
Neck & Height
Despite having only seven neck vertebrae, like humans, giraffes’ neck bones are greatly elongated, giving them the ability to reach high into tree canopies—especially their favourite acacia trees.
Tongue & Diet
Their 45–50 cm prehensile tongue is dark-colored to avoid sunburn and tough enough to navigate thorny branches. Giraffes are browsers, feeding on leaves, flowers, and seedpods, especially from acacia and mimosa trees.
Social Behavior
Giraffes are non-territorial and often seen in loose, mixed-sex groups. Males engage in "necking" battles to establish dominance. These can look dramatic but rarely cause serious injury.
Gestation & Birth
Females give birth standing up after a 15-month gestation, and the calf drops over 1.5 meters to the ground—a literal leap into life! Calves are vulnerable in their first weeks and remain close to their mothers.
Predators
Lions, hyenas, and leopards may target young or weak giraffes. Adult giraffes defend themselves with powerful kicks that can break a lion’s jaw, making them dangerous to approach even for predators.
Where to See the Giraffe
Giraffes are found in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and select regions in southern Africa. Their range and appearance vary by subspecies.
Top Destinations to Spot Giraffes:
Uganda
Lake Mburo National Park - Where wild whispers welcome you, home of the Nubian giraffes, and among a few areas in Uganda where you can have conducted nature walks in the wild.
Murchison Falls National Park – Home to the rare Rothschild's giraffe, also known as the Nubian giraffe, especially seen north of the Nile.
Kidepo Valley National Park – Offers sightings of Rothschild’s giraffes in a scenic, remote landscape with few other tourists.
Kenya
Lake Nakuru National Park – Excellent place to see Rothschild’s giraffes up close in acacia woodland.
Samburu National Reserve – Known for the elegant Reticulated giraffe, with striking mosaic-like coat patterns.
Nairobi Giraffe Centre – A conservation hub where visitors can learn about and interact with endangered giraffes.
Tanzania
Serengeti & Tarangire National Parks – Great places to see Masai giraffes, the tallest and most heavily patterned subspecies.
Ruaha & Selous – More remote parks where giraffes are often seen in mixed herds with zebras and wildebeest.
Rwanda
Akagera National Park – Reintroduced giraffes now thrive here, visible on game drives through open plains and lakeshores.
Botswana
1-Chobe National Park – Excellent for seeing giraffes near the riverbanks, often drinking or browsing acacia trees.
2-Moremi & Okavango Delta – Giraffes move through mopane woodlands and seasonal floodplains, offering dramatic views for photographers.
Ethiopia & South Sudan
Gambella & Boma National Parks – Sparsely visited but home to remnant populations, often seen alongside other savannah wildlife.
Top Tips for Viewing the Giraffe
- Look to the Trees
Giraffes are usually spotted feeding in or near tall trees, particularly where there are acacias or thorny shrubs.
- Best Viewing Times
Early morning and late afternoon are best when giraffes are more active and light is ideal for photography.
- Observe from a Distance
Giraffes are generally relaxed but can become wary if approached too closely. A respectful distance allows for natural behavior and better photo opportunities.
- Watch the Young
If you see a giraffe herd with calves, you may witness nursing behavior or protective herding by females—great for storytelling images.
- Be Patient
Giraffes often stand still while feeding or scanning the horizon, blending into trees. Sometimes just staying quiet and scanning slowly reveals them.
Safari Holiday Ideas to See the Giraffe
Giraffes are widespread but often overlooked in favor of the Big Five—yet they offer unforgettable encounters and stunning photography moments.
Suggested Itineraries:
- Uganda’s Giraffe Trail – Explore Lake Mburo National Park Murchison Falls and Kidepo, combining river cruises, savannah drives, and Rothschild giraffe sightings.
- Kenya’s Northern Explorer – A journey to Samburu, Laikipia, and Lake Nakuru offers views of all three giraffe subspecies in Kenya.
- Serengeti & Tarangire Combo (Tanzania) – Capture towering Masai giraffes moving through ancient baobab forests and open plains.
- Rwanda & Uganda Twin Safari – Combine Akagera’s giraffes with Uganda’s big game and gorillas for a full wildlife experience.
Wild Compass Africa offers personalized giraffe-focused safaris that can include conservation visits, off-the-beaten-path parks, and ideal photographic settings. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, giraffes bring elegance and wonder to every game drive.
