Giraffes browse on acacia leaves, using long tongues to avoid thorns. Several types, such as Masai, reticulated, Rothschild’s and Thornicroft’s, look quite different.
Best places to see it
KenyaAmboseli National Park
Big elephant herds with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 2 nights
UgandaMurchison Falls National Park
The Nile forces through a seven-metre gap in one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls.
Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb 2 to 3 nights
ZimbabweHwange National Park
Zimbabwe’s largest park, with big elephant herds at waterholes in the dry season.
Jun to Oct 3 nights
ZambiaSouth Luangwa National Park
The home of the walking safari, and one of Africa’s best parks for leopards.
Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights
NamibiaEtosha National Park
A great white salt pan where animals queue at waterholes in the dry season.
May to Oct 2 to 3 nights
Where to see it
- Serengeti and Masai Mara
- Murchison Falls
- South Luangwa
- Etosha
Our destination guides: Amboseli National Park · Murchison Falls National Park · Hwange National Park · South Luangwa National Park · Etosha National Park
Best time
All year.
Tips
- Look for different coat patterns in different regions.
Did you know?
- A giraffe’s neck has seven vertebrae, the same as a human’s.
Conservation status: Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see the giraffe in Africa?
Serengeti and Masai Mara; Murchison Falls; South Luangwa.
Is the giraffe endangered?
It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Have you been to Giraffe?
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