Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The giraffe is the world's tallest animal and one of Africa's most iconic sights. Watching these gentle giants move gracefully across the savanna, their long necks swaying like ship masts, is quintessential safari magic. Giraffes are surprisingly common across African parks, yet they never fail to inspire wonder. Their unique biology (from a heart that weighs 11 kilograms to a tongue that can grasp branches like a hand) makes them fascinating subjects. Best of all, giraffes are curious and often approach safari vehicles, offering incredible photo opportunities.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Giraffa camelopardalis
- Family
- Giraffidae
- Diet
- Herbivore: acacia leaves, shoots, fruits
- Social Structure
- Loose herds (towers) of 10-20
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Lifespan (Wild)
- 25 years
Best Parks to See Giraffes
Top safari destinations for giraffe sightings
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
Guaranteed
Masai giraffes are abundant and often approach vehicles. Excellent for photography.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
Guaranteed
Large populations throughout. Seronera has excellent concentrations with kopje backdrops.
Kruger National Park
South-africa
Guaranteed
South African giraffes are common. Often seen crossing roads offering great photo ops.
Etosha
Namibia
Excellent
Giraffes at waterholes are magical. Watch them awkwardly splay legs to drink.
Samburu
Kenya
Guaranteed
Home to the reticulated giraffe, the most striking pattern of all subspecies.
South Luangwa
Zambia
Excellent
Thornicroft's giraffe is endemic to this area, a unique subspecies to spot.
Best Time to See Giraffes
Dry Season
June, July, August, September, October
Giraffes concentrate around remaining green browse and waterholes, making them easier to find.
Year Round
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Giraffes are common and visible year-round in most safari destinations. They don't migrate.
Morning
Year-round
Most active feeding times are early morning when temperatures are cooler.
Physical Characteristics
Male Weight
800-1930 kg
Female Weight
550-1180 kg
Top Speed
60 km/h
Lifespan
25 years (wild)
Conservation Status
Population
Decreasing68,000 - 100,000
Estimated wild population
Main Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Illegal hunting for meat and hides
- Civil unrest in range countries
- Climate change affecting food sources
- Human-wildlife conflict
Viewing Tips
Giraffes are tall, so you'll often spot them from far away above the bushes
Approach slowly and they may come to investigate your vehicle
Watch for drinking behavior at waterholes. It's an awkward and vulnerable moment
Look for necking battles between males with dramatic swinging of necks
Sunrise and sunset backlight their silhouettes beautifully
They're often found near acacia woodlands, their primary food source
Photography Tips
Use the rule of thirds with the long neck as a leading line
Backlit silhouettes at sunrise/sunset are iconic
Capture interaction between individuals: nuzzling, necking battles
Include landscape for scale. Their height against trees is dramatic
Head portraits showing the ossicones (horns) and beautiful eyes
Drinking poses require patience but are unique and memorable
Interesting Facts
A giraffe's heart weighs about 11 kg and must pump blood 2 meters up to the brain
Their tongues are 45-50 cm long and prehensile for grasping leaves
Giraffes sleep only 30 minutes per day in short bursts
No two giraffes have the same pattern, like human fingerprints
Baby giraffes drop 1.5 meters to the ground at birth
Giraffes rarely make sounds but can hum, snort, and bellow
They can go weeks without drinking, getting most moisture from food
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can giraffes get?
Male giraffes can reach heights of 5.5-6.1 meters (18-20 feet), making them the tallest living animals. Females are slightly shorter at 4.3-5.2 meters. Even newborn calves are about 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall.
Why do giraffes have such long necks?
Giraffe necks evolved to reach food other animals can't access, primarily acacia leaves. The long neck also helps males compete for females through 'necking' battles. Interestingly, they have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans, just much larger.
How do giraffes drink water?
Drinking is dangerous for giraffes. They must splay their front legs and bend down awkwardly, making them vulnerable to predators. Special valves in their neck prevent blood from rushing to their head. They can go weeks without drinking, getting moisture from their food.
Are there different types of giraffes?
Yes, there are four giraffe species and several subspecies with distinct patterns: Masai (jagged patches), Reticulated (clean-edged polygons), Rothschild's (pale legs), and Southern (irregular patches). Samburu is famous for the beautiful reticulated giraffe.
Do giraffes make any sounds?
Giraffes were long thought to be silent, but they actually make various sounds including humming (especially at night), snorting, bellowing, and grunting. Mothers and calves communicate with infrasound that humans can't hear.