The Best Places To See Giraffes In Africa

The Best Places To See Giraffes In Africa

Spotting a head peering over the top of an acacia tree or seeing the ease in which they canter across the plains. Giraffes are one of the most majestic animals you’re likely to see on your African safari. They are split into four distinct sub-species and can be seen in a variety of locations throughout Africa. Seeing Giraffes is often on people’s safari wish-lists and here are some of the best places to go.

1. Serengeti, Tanzania

The giraffe is the national animal of Tanzania which has helped ensure there are strict rules in place to protect the majestic animal. The Serengeti, in particular Northern Serengeti is home to vast herds of Masai Giraffes, some in groups of up to 40 which is a spectacular sight.

Where To Stay:

Lemala Kuria Hills is the perfect base to see large herds of Giraffe in the Northern Serengeti.

2. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

Northern Kenya, in particular the Samburu National Reserve is home to the reticulated giraffe. This particular breed of giraffe is very rare to see outside of this reserve with only about 8,500 left in the world. They are shorter than the more common Masai giraffe and the spots are easily identifiable.

Where To Stay:

Saruni Samburu is the only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness making it a very exclusive and also authentic experience being guided by Samburu warriors

3. Nairobi, Kenya

No visit to Kenya is complete without a visit to Nairobi which is home to the Nairobi Giraffe Centre. Founded in 1979, the centre’s mission is to educate both locals and international visitors about their country’s incredible wildlife and environment, alongside their breeding programme of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Anybody can visit and get up close to see and feed the giraffes.

Where To Stay:

If a visit to the Giraffe Centre isn’t enough you also have the option to stay at Giraffe Manor. Here you don’t go to see giraffes, they come to see you at their world famous breakfasts.

4. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

In the South Luangwa you have the opportunity to see the endemic thornicroft giraffe which is a sub species only found here. One of the best ways to see wildlife in the South Luangwa is on foot. Zambia, in particular the South Luangwa is widely regarded as the best country in Africa for walking safaris.

Where To Stay:

Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector Tena Tena sits nestled under a magnificent and thick grove of mahogany trees overlooking a bend in the Luangwa River.  

5. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is home to the Angolan giraffes and is a perfect environment to see them due to it being very flat and open. As it’s so arid some of the best giraffe sightings are at the waterholes where they often gather in herds during the day. Namibia has really focused its conservation efforts on protecting the giraffe. It’s seen its population nearly double over the past 20 years.

Where To Stay:

Ongava Lodge is situated within the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park. There is a fantastic waterhole near the lodge which is the perfect base to see a variety of wildlife, including the Angolan giraffe.