Giraffes in Africa: Top 13 Best Places to See Giraffes on a Safari in Africa
Giraffes in Africa have captivated humans for millennia, inspiring awe and admiration through their remarkable presence. These majestic animals, with their elongated necks, towering legs, and iconic patterned coats, have been featured in African petroglyphs and cave paintings dating back to 8,000 BC—a testament to their cultural significance.
Today, giraffes in Africa remain a highlight of any safari in Africa, enchanting travelers with their graceful movements and serene beauty. Whether it’s spotting a giraffe feeding on acacia leaves or watching one gallop across the sprawling savanna, the sight is truly unforgettable and leaves a lasting impression.
For those planning a safari in Africa, opportunities to encounter giraffes in Africa are abundant. From the legendary plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the wildlife-rich expanse of Tanzania’s Serengeti, these gentle giants elevate the safari experience, creating cherished memories that showcase the wonders of African wildlife.
Where to See Giraffes in Africa?
- Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda
- Etosha National Park in Namibia
- Samburu National Reserve in Kenya
- The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi Kenya
- Amboseli National Park in Kenya
- Lake Naivasha National Park in Kenya
- Giraffe Centre – Kenya
- Meru National Park in Kenya
- Nyerere National Park in Tanzania
- Arusha National Park in Tanzania
- Hwange National Park Zimbabwe
- Luangwa Valley in Zambia
- Kruger National Park in South Africa
- Okavango Delta in Botswana
- Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda
- Lake Mburo National park in Uganda
- Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya
- Nairobi National Park in Kenya
- Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
- Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
- Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, etc.
13 Best Places to See Giraffes in Africa
There are a few that do stand out as perhaps the best places to see giraffes in Africa, and below are some suggestions:
1. Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park is a fantastic spot for seeing giraffes in Africa. As Uganda’s oldest park, it hosts over 50% of the world’s Rothschild’s giraffes, a rare subspecies. With around 1,250 giraffes, it’s among the best destinations during a safari in Africa.
Large herds of giraffes, often exceeding 30 individuals, are common in the northern palm-dotted savanna plains. A boat cruise along the Nile River also offers stunning views of giraffes, leading to the spectacular waterfall that gives the park its name.
For anyone planning a safari in Africa, Murchison Falls National Park guarantees unforgettable encounters with giraffes in Africa.
2. Etosha National Park in Namibia
Etosha National Park in Namibia is flat, wide, and covered in thorny acacia trees, making it ideal place for giraffes.
Etosha National Park is one of the best places to see giraffes in Africa. Its arid climate creates a unique safari in Africa experience, as wildlife gathers around scarce water sources. Giraffes, as the world’s tallest land mammals, enjoy some advantages in the wild, but their height also brings certain challenges.
For giraffes in Africa, drinking at Etosha’s waterholes can be tricky. Their towering height forces them to adopt an awkward, splay-legged stance to reach the water, making them vulnerable to predators. Lions often use these waterholes as ambush points, and a giraffe in this position—head down, legs splayed—is an easy target.
Witnessing these fascinating animals in their natural habitat is a highlight of any safari in Africa.
3. Samburu National Reserve in Kenya
Although Kenya’s flagship reserve, the Masai Mara will deliver reliable giraffe sightings throughout the year, we prefer the lesser-known Samburu. Arid, wild and remote, Samburu is a very rewarding Kenya safari destination with a strong wilderness appeal, fantastic wildlife viewing and stunning natural beauty.
The area is also the traditional homeland of the Samburu people and a haven for the rare Special 5: Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. These incredible animals make this region a key destination for anyone seeking memorable encounters with wildlife during a safari in Africa.
The coat of a reticulated giraffe is particularly striking, with polygonal, liver-colored blocks outlined by bright-white lines. These beautiful African giraffes, once widespread across northeast Africa, are now effectively endemic to northern Kenya. For those passionate about giraffes in Africa, this region offers a unique opportunity to see one of the most remarkable subspecies.
4. The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi Kenya
Nairobi National Park offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience giraffes in Africa. Giraffe Manor, located on 56 hectares of serene parkland in Nairobi, guarantees not just sightings but close-up encounters with the rare Rothschild’s giraffes. Here, these majestic creatures will literally eat out of your hand, making it an unforgettable highlight of any safari in Africa.
Breakfast at Giraffe Manor is a truly special occasion. Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows as giraffes curiously peek inside. Don’t be surprised if a 6-foot neck appears above your table! They’ll gladly accept special pellets, creating an exceptional chance to interact with these magnificent animals.
5. Amboseli National Park in Kenya
Amboseli National Park is a fantastic destination for spotting giraffes in Africa. Known for its ashy plains and permanent marshes, the park also features umbrella thorn acacias, a favorite food source for these majestic creatures. Giraffes in Amboseli are primarily found in the eastern acacia woodlands near Kimana Gate, thriving amidst the park’s serene landscape.
A key highlight of the park is the stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Towering 5 kilometers above the plains, Africa’s tallest mountain creates a breathtaking backdrop for a safari in Africa. When giraffes and flat-topped acacias align perfectly, the scene provides an iconic, picture-perfect moment unique to Amboseli.
6. Lake Naivasha National Park in Kenya
Giraffes in Africa once roamed freely across the unprotected landscapes of East Africa. However, they are now largely confined to national parks and wildlife reserves, limiting their natural range. Despite this, Kenya’s Naivasha stands out as an exception and a remarkable destination during African safaris and holidays.
At Naivasha, a picturesque Rift Valley lake, giraffes are often seen grazing among the fringing fever trees. These calm and approachable giraffes in Africa provide visitors with the rare chance to observe their impressive height up close, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
7. Giraffe Centre in Kenya
This family-friendly breeding center in Nairobi’s northern suburbs is an incredible place to witness giraffes in Africa and learn about conservation efforts during a safari in Africa. The center has played a vital role in protecting Rothschild’s giraffes, ensuring the survival of this endangered subspecies.
Visitors can use an elevated platform to get up close to the world’s tallest animal and admire its long, flirtatious eyelashes. Once giraffes reach the age of three, they are released into the wild, including areas such as Lake Nakuru, which is just a few hours away. This breeding center is a must-visit for anyone passionate about giraffes in Africa.
8. Nyerere National Park in Tanzania
Interestingly, while giraffes are absent from southern Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), the northern section is so densely populated with these majestic creatures that it has earned the nickname ‘Giraffic Park.’ This makes it a prime destination for those seeking giraffes in Africa during a safari in Africa.
Boat cruises along the River Rufiji provide an excellent chance to observe giraffes in Africa as they drink. Watching these animals spread their legs and lower their long necks to reach the water is a captivating spectacle, showcasing the extraordinary adaptations of the world’s tallest land mammals.
9. Arusha National Park in Tanzania
The Northern safari circuit of Tanzania, featuring iconic destinations like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, is among the finest safari in Africa experiences. For those passionate about giraffes in Africa, the often-overlooked gem is Arusha National Park, where guided hikes offer a unique chance to admire these towering creatures up close.
Mount Meru provides a scenic backdrop to the park, and if you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of Kilimanjaro in the distance. Conveniently located just an hour from either of the two main airports on the northern circuit, Arusha National Park is an excellent choice to begin or end your Tanzania safari in Africa.
10. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, offers unique insights into giraffes in Africa. While not as abundant as in other parks, giraffes here display rare behaviors.
They often lie down during the day and occasionally stoop to graze on grass—both unusual traits. Typically, giraffes sleep and even give birth standing due to their need for minimal rest. This Big 5 reserve is just two to three hours from Victoria Falls, making it a practical addition to a safari in Africa.
11. Luangwa Valley in Zambia
This stunning southern stretch of the African Great Rift Valley is a highlight for Zambia safaris. Renowned for guided walking safaris and remarkable leopard sightings, it also offers a unique opportunity to see giraffes in Africa—specifically the critically endangered Thornicroft’s giraffes.
With only 550 individuals left in the wild, this subspecies has never been seen in captivity or anywhere else in Africa. For wildlife enthusiasts, Zambia safaris provide an extraordinary chance to witness these rare giraffes in their natural habitat.
12. Kruger National Park in South Africa
South Africa‘s largest national park is well-known for being a fantastic Big Five destination, as well as one of the greatest spots in Africa to observe giraffes.
13. Okavango Delta in Botswana
Okavango Delta in Botswana, a freshwater wetland at the heart of the Kalahari, is home to large numbers of giraffes all year round.
Believe it or not, a giraffe can run at speeds of up to 60 per hour. While their normal walking gait – moving both legs on one side of the body at the same time – is distinctly abnormal in the animal world, it is definitely the gallop that looks the oddest.
Want to see Giraffes on your Safari?
To plan your perfect safari itinerary—and see giraffes along with other dazzling African wildlife—start by talking with one of our safari experts.