Fraud Blocker Seeing Giraffes on Safari in Africa

Giraffe

Giraffe

Giraffes are common throughout virtually all safari areas. This iconic species is a real favorite that most safari goers are very keen to see and will frequently encounter. In fact, giraffes often seem to be the first major animal sighted on a safari. While the International Union for Conservation of Nature still lists giraffe as one species, there are actually four species, each found in distinct regions of the continent and include Masai giraffe, northern giraffe, reticulated giraffe, and southern giraffe. Subspecies include Kordofan, Nubian, West African, Angolan, and South African. The Rothschild’s giraffe was formerly considered a unique subspecies, but is genetically identical to the Nubian giraffe based on genetic research by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.
Giraffes enjoy grazing on acacia, mimosa, and wild apricot trees, and are found in landscapes where their preferred food sources are abundant. There are a few parks where giraffes have been extirpated (locally extinct) and have yet to be reintroduced, so if seeing giraffes is important to you, it’s best to mention that to your travel planner during the planning process.

Giraffe Itineraries

Ultimate Uganda

This safari has been custom designed to provide an in-depth adventure in Uganda featuring some of the most intimate and immersive experiences on the continent – primate trekking.

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South African Splendor: Cape Town and Sabi Sands Safari

Southern Africa is an incredibly diverse region with varying weather, landscapes, cultures, and wildlife.

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Classic Zimbabwe: Hwange and Mana Pools with Victoria Falls

This adventure-level safari features classic bush camps, thrilling walking safaris, and an excellent value.

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Zambia Walking and Waterways Safari

Zambian safaris are distinguished by the vintage expedition-style adventure delivered under the care of exceptional guides in remote wilderness areas teeming with wildlife.

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Tanzania Frontier

This safari is the ultimate trip for those who truly want to get away from it all, exploring some of Tanzania's less-visited gems.

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Quintessential Tanzania: River Crossing Season

With the Great Migration of nearly 2 million animals in the area, the Northern Serengeti is the stage for one of nature's most famed events - the dramatic migration crossings of the Mara River.

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Botswana Desert and Delta Safari: Outstanding Value, Top Wildlife and Diverse Landscapes

This safari is customized to take advantage of the best opportunities for the green season in Botswana to observe diverse wildlife.

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Kenya Luxury Safari

This safari includes some of our favorite unique Kenyan accommodations and a huge variety of activities during one of the best kept secret seasons.

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Leopard with cub in the Okavango Delta

Ultimate East Africa: Exceptional Guiding in Northern Tanzania and the Masai Mara

This incredible itinerary features East Africa's top guides on a private safari through Tanzania and Kenya.

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Kenya Family “Lion King” Safari

Kenya is the original safari country and still delivers the classic game viewing experience. This family safari is inspired by Disney's 2019 remake of its classic animated film, "The Lion King."

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African Wild Dogs

Botswana Exquisite Expedition: Luxury for Less

Explore the great variety of habitats and species Botswana offers. You will likely see between 30 and 35 different mammal species along with a spectacular array of birds and other wildlife.

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Giraffe Videos

Best Places to See Giraffes on Safari

A journey of giraffe in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Giraffe on Safari in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem has large numbers of Masai giraffe, and it is common to encounter gatherings of more than 30. Kenya’s Laikipia region north of the Masai Mara is a great place to see the reticulated giraffe. Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley has an isolated population of Masai giraffe, which were formerly known as Thornicroft’s giraffe, but research is inconclusive as to whether they are a distinct subspecies. Botswana’s Okavango Delta is another great location for giraffe.

Other Areas of Note

Chad
The Kordofan giraffe subspecies is found in the historically-unstable range from southern Chad, Central African Republic of Congo, northern Cameroon, northern Democratic Republic of Congo, to western South Sudan. It is estimated that only 2,000 of the subspecies remain, a decline of more than 80% over the last 30 years. It is estimated that 60% of these giraffe find refuge in Zakouma National Park in Chad where the first conservation research project is underway through the collective work of African Parks and the Giraffe Conservation Fund.
Uganda
The Nubian giraffe subspecies is found in western Ethiopia, eastern South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda with the largest populations in Kenya and Uganda, including the formerly recognized Rothschild’s giraffe. With a decline rate of 95% over the last 30 years, the subspecies is listed as critically endangered. They are best encountered in the wild from Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.

Something Extra

The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya is a convenient location to visit Nubian (aka Rothschild’s) giraffe. The center was established to educate Kenyan youth about their unique wildlife, and all visitors have the chance for a close encounter with the giraffes. These are the same individuals who visit the Giraffe Manor, which is also on the grounds, but exclusive to overnight guests.

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