Vulnerable

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

About the Giraffe

The tallest living terrestrial animal, giraffes can reach nearly 6 metres in height. Their long necks contain the same number of vertebrae as humans — just seven, but each one can be over 25 cm long. Giraffes are gentle browsers, feeding primarily on acacia leaves at heights no other herbivore can reach.

HabitatSavanna, woodland

Found InAfrica

Best SeasonYear-round

ConservationVulnerable

Biology & Stats

DietAcacia leaves and shoots using 45cm prehensile tongue

Daily Intake25-35 kg of leaves; can go weeks without water

Weight (Male)800-1,930 kg

Weight (Female)550-1,180 kg

Lifespan (Wild)20-25 years

Lifespan (Captivity)25-30 years

Wild Population~117,000 total (Northern giraffe Critically Endangered) (increasing)

Social BehaviourLoose herds of 10-20. Fission-fusion social structure. Males neck-fight for mates.

Migration: Non-migratory, move within large home ranges following food.

Best time of day: Active throughout the day. Best photography light morning and evening.

Typical viewing distance: 20-50 metres from vehicle

Camera settings: 1/500s, f/5.6-f/8, ISO 200-800, 70-200mm or wide-angle for silhouettes

Fun Facts

A giraffe's tongue is around 45 cm long and prehensile, perfect for stripping leaves from thorny acacia branches.
Each giraffe's coat pattern is unique, like a human fingerprint.
Giraffes only need 30 minutes of sleep per day, taken in short naps.

In the Wild

Where to See Giraffe in the Wild

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania

Masai giraffes roam the plains in large groups.

Best time: Year-round

Etosha National Park

Namibia

Angolan giraffes at waterholes make for stunning photography.

Best time: May-Oct

Kruger National Park

South Africa

Excellent giraffe sightings along most roads.

Best time: Year-round

Plan a Visit

Featured Destinations to See Giraffe

Compare practical destination guides with seasonal timing, travel logistics, other wildlife, tours, and places to stay.

Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is synonymous with African safari. Spanning 14,750 km2 of savanna, it hosts the Great Migration — the largest overland animal movem...

Best time: June - October

Plan your visit →

South Africa

Kruger National Park

Kruger is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering nearly 20,000 km2. It offers an accessible, affordable safari experience with exce...

Best time: May - September

Plan your visit →

Kenya

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations, famous for its large elephant herds set against the dramatic backdrop...

Best time: June - October

Plan your visit →

Zambia

South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa's finest wildlife sanctuaries, located in eastern Zambia along the winding Luangwa River. Often call...

Best time: May - October

Plan your visit →

Botswana

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in Africa, with an estimated 120,000 elephants moving through...

Best time: May - October

Plan your visit →

Namibia

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier wildlife destination, centred around a vast, shimmering salt pan that stretches 120 km across the park'...

Best time: May - October

Plan your visit →

Country Guides

Explore Giraffe by Country

Country guides connect the species with other wildlife, featured places, planning context, and responsible-viewing advice.

Tanzania wildlife →Kenya wildlife →South Africa wildlife →Botswana wildlife →Namibia wildlife →Zambia wildlife →

Habitat Guides

Habitats Used by Giraffe

Species may rely on several ecosystems across their range. Explore how conditions and conservation pressures differ.

Savannas & Grasslands →Forests & Woodlands →

How to See This Species

Responsible Giraffe Experiences

Compare activity formats, physical conditions, operator questions, animal-welfare risks, and relevant destinations before choosing a tour.

Safari

Safari Game Drives

A game drive uses a vehicle to explore protected landscapes with a guide or, where rules allow, as a self-drive visitor. It is the most accessible…

Plan the experience →

Safari

Walking Safaris

A walking safari shifts attention from covering distance to reading an ecosystem at ground level. Tracks, dung, plants, insects, alarm calls, wind,…

Plan the experience →

At the Zoo

Where to See Giraffe at Zoos

Giraffe Centre

Nairobi, Kenya

Bronx Zoo

New York, USA

London Zoo

London, UK

Open Verified Visitor Guide →

Protect Giraffe

Support Independent Conservation Work

These third-party programmes offer relevant ways to adopt symbolically, foster, donate, or learn. We do not process contributions or receive commission.

Adopt

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphan Adoption

An adoption programme featuring rescued elephants and other orphans in the Trust's care, within a wider programme of veterinary response, rehabilitation, protected-area work, and eventual return to the wild where possible.

Review programme →Adopt

Giraffe Conservation Foundation Adoption

A symbolic giraffe adoption and giving route connected to field programmes for giraffe research, monitoring, translocations, habitat, and country-led conservation across Africa.

Review programme →Due Diligence

Check Before You Contribute

Understand symbolic adoption, verify the organisation, and review current terms and use of funds.

Open the programme directory →

Relevant Tour Listings

Browse Giraffe Tours & Experiences

Current Viator listings matched to this species. Confirm where the activity operates, its wildlife policy, recent reviews, availability, and cancellation terms before booking.

Free cancellation

Safari.com

Safari Packages to See Giraffe

Safari.com itinerary examples that may include giraffe habitat. Request a current quote and confirm the operator, exact route, wildlife policy, recent reviews, and cancellation terms before booking.

10 Day Luxury Fly-in Kenya & Tanzania Tour

Embark on the ultimate East Africa safari with this 10-day journey through Kenya and Tanzania’s top game reserves. Stay in luxury safari lod...

1 night at Gran Meliá Arusha, then 2 nights at Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge
Guided game drive on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater
3 nights at Nimali Serengeti in the heart of the migration corridor

Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.

View on Safari.com →

10-Day Best of East Africa Migration Safari

Your adventure starts in Nairobi, showcasing modern Kenyan style, before heading to the Masai Mara to see the Big Five, Mara Cats, and the G...

2 nights at Karen Blixen Cottages with visits to David Sheldrick Trust and Giraffe Centre
2 nights at Kichwa Tembo in the Masai Mara for Big Five game drives
2 nights at Simbavati Grumeti Camp in the Serengeti with private guide

Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.

View on Safari.com →

6-Day Grumeti Safari Promotion

Home of the Great Migration. Simbavati Grumeti is nestled on the open plains between the Serengeti National Park and the Grumeti River, with...

5 nights at Simbavati Grumeti between the Serengeti and Grumeti River
Daily open-vehicle game drives across the acacia-dotted plains
Walking safari, night drive and full-day game drive included

Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.

View on Safari.com →

10 Day Bush and Beach Safari

Embark on a 10-day journey of a lifetime that combines thrilling safaris with barefoot luxury. From iconic wildlife encounters in the heart ...

2 nights at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha bookending the safari
Game drive in Lake Manyara, home to tree-climbing lions
2 nights at Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp with full-day Central Serengeti drives

Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.

View on Safari.com →