Giraffes on Safari – Where to See Giraffes in Africa
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the world's tallest mammal and one of Africa's most iconic and easily recognizable animals. These gentle giants are found across sub-Saharan Africa and are a highlight for many UK travellers on their first safari. With their long necks, distinctive spotted coats, and graceful movements, giraffes are among the most photogenic animals on safari.
Giraffes are widespread and common in most major safari destinations, making them one of the easier animals to spot. They are browsers, feeding on leaves high in trees, and are most active during early morning and late afternoon. Understanding giraffe species, behaviour, and the best places to see giraffes can enhance your safari experience.
About Giraffes on Safari – Species and Physical Characteristics
Masai Giraffe
The Masai giraffe is found in Kenya and Tanzania and is the most commonly seen giraffe on safari in East Africa. They have irregular, jagged spots that are darker than other subspecies. Masai giraffes are the largest subspecies, with males reaching up to 5.5 meters tall. They are commonly seen in the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and other East African parks.
Reticulated Giraffe
The Reticulated giraffe is found in northern Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia and has a distinctive geometric pattern of polygonal spots separated by white lines. They are commonly seen in Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. Reticulated giraffes are slightly smaller than Masai giraffes but are equally impressive and photogenic.
Giraffes are easily identified by their long necks, which can be up to 2 meters long and contain only 7 vertebrae. They have long, prehensile tongues (up to 45cm) that are dark blue-black in colour, helping protect them from sunburn while reaching for leaves. Giraffes have distinctive spotted coats that provide camouflage in dappled light. Males are larger than females and have thicker, hairier ossicones (horn-like structures on their heads).
Giraffe Behaviour on Safari – Understanding These Gentle Giants
Giraffes are social animals that live in loose groups, though group composition changes frequently. They are browsers, spending most of their day feeding on leaves high in trees. Understanding giraffe behaviour can help you appreciate these magnificent animals and spot interesting behaviours on safari.
Feeding Behaviour
Giraffes are browsers, feeding primarily on leaves, flowers, and fruits from trees, especially acacia trees. They use their long necks and prehensile tongues to reach leaves high in trees that other animals cannot access. Giraffes spend most of their day feeding, consuming up to 34kg of vegetation daily. They have a unique way of drinking, spreading their front legs wide to reach water.
Social Structure
Giraffes live in loose groups that change composition frequently. Groups typically consist of 6-12 individuals, though larger groups may form, especially at water sources. There is no strong hierarchy, and individuals may join or leave groups freely. Males establish dominance through "necking" - swinging their necks and heads at each other in ritualized combat.
Drinking Behaviour
Giraffes need to drink water every few days, though they can go longer if necessary. Drinking is a vulnerable time for giraffes, as they must spread their front legs wide and lower their heads to reach water, making them more susceptible to predators. Giraffes often drink in groups, with some members keeping watch while others drink. Watching giraffes drink is a fascinating sight on safari.
Best Places to See Giraffes on Safari in Africa
Masai Mara & Serengeti
The Masai Mara and Serengeti support healthy Masai giraffe populations, and sightings are common throughout both parks. Giraffes are often seen feeding on acacia trees in the open grasslands, creating iconic safari scenes. The combination of open terrain and good giraffe populations makes sightings frequent and photogenic. Giraffes are part of the Great Migration, moving with wildebeest and zebra.
Learn more about the Masai Mara →
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Samburu is one of the best places to see Reticulated giraffes, with their distinctive geometric spotted pattern. The reserve's dry, acacia-dotted landscape provides ideal giraffe habitat, and sightings are frequent. Reticulated giraffes are well-habituated to vehicles, allowing for excellent close-up viewing and photography opportunities. The reserve's unique northern species make it a special destination for giraffe viewing.
Learn more about Samburu →
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park has healthy Southern giraffe populations, and sightings are frequent throughout the park. Giraffes are found in various habitats, from open savannahs to woodlands. The park's excellent road network and high wildlife density mean giraffe sightings are common. Giraffes are often seen feeding on acacia trees or moving through the landscape, creating excellent photographic opportunities.
Learn more about Kruger →Best Time to See Giraffes on Safari – Viewing Guide
Giraffes can be seen year-round in most safari destinations, but certain times offer better viewing opportunities. Understanding seasonal patterns and optimal viewing times can help you plan the best time to see giraffes on safari.
Time of Day
Giraffes are most active during early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Early morning game drives (6-9am) offer the best chances of seeing giraffes feeding, moving, or engaging in social behaviours. Late afternoon drives (4-7pm) often catch giraffes at water sources or feeding before nightfall. Giraffes may rest in the shade during the heat of the day but are still visible.
Seasonal Viewing
Giraffes can be seen year-round, but the dry season (May-October) often offers better viewing as sparse vegetation improves visibility and animals concentrate around water sources. However, giraffes are less dependent on water than other animals, so seasonal differences are less pronounced. The key is choosing a destination with good giraffe populations and open terrain for easy spotting.
Viewing Tips
Giraffes are tall and easily visible, making them one of the easier animals to spot on safari. Look for them feeding on acacia trees, especially in open grasslands. Giraffes often gather at water sources, especially during the dry season, creating excellent viewing opportunities. Watch for interesting behaviours like necking (male dominance displays) or drinking, which requires giraffes to spread their legs wide.
Giraffe Conservation Status – Threats and Protection
Conservation Status
Giraffes are classified as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List, with populations declining across much of their range. Approximately 117,000 giraffes remain in Africa, down from 140,000 in 1999. Some subspecies, like the Northern giraffe, are critically endangered. Giraffes face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
Threats and Protection
Major Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching for meat and body parts, and human-wildlife conflict. Giraffes are also vulnerable to disease and have low reproductive rates, with females giving birth to one calf every 2-3 years.
Conservation Efforts: Protected areas provide crucial habitat for giraffes. Tourism plays an important role by providing economic incentives for conservation. Responsible safari tourism funds habitat protection and community-based conservation programs that help protect giraffe populations.
Seeing giraffes in the wild supports conservation efforts. When choosing a safari operator, look for those that support giraffe conservation and work with local communities. Your visit helps fund the protection of these magnificent animals and their habitats, which is critical for their survival.