The giraffe, often hailed as the skyscraper of the animal kingdom, undoubtedly ranks among Africa’s most remarkable wildlife wonders as the tallest terrestrial creature on the planet. Reaching heights of up to 6 meters, it owes its towering stature to an elongated neck composed of just seven foot-long vertebrae. Needless to say, any African safari adventure would feel incomplete without encountering these gracefully elongated beings.

While giraffes are commonly spotted in numerous safari destinations across Africa, several locations stand out as prime spots for giraffe sightings. Here are a few recommendations that I’ve personally found immensely rewarding over the years.

1. Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda

In Uganda’s Murchison Falls, approximately 1,250 Rothschild’s giraffes, accounting for over half of the global population of this particular subspecies, call this area home. Witnessing the giraffe herds here is truly remarkable, as they frequently gather in large numbers, sometimes exceeding 30 individuals, creating an unforgettable spectacle as they gracefully traverse the borassus grassland in the northern reaches of the park. Additionally, during boat excursions along the Nile River, which lead to the base of the breathtaking waterfall that lends its name to the park, giraffes are often spotted, adding an extra dimension to the safari experience.

2. Meru National Park – Kenya

The reticulated giraffe, considered the most captivating and visually stunning among the nine recognized subspecies, holds endangered status. Its striking coat pattern features dark orange polygonal spots bordered by crisp white lines. While these giraffes once roamed across northeast Africa, they are now primarily found in northern Kenya. Meru National Park stands out as my preferred destination for observing them, where small herds elegantly traverse between tall palm trees lining the streams, creating a picturesque scene.

3. Nyerere National Park

Interestingly, although giraffes are notably absent from the southern reaches of Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve), they are abundant in the park’s northern tourist circuit, earning it the affectionate nickname ‘Giraffic Park’. Excursions on the Rufiji River, a breathtaking tropical waterway bustling with hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, provide an excellent chance to witness giraffes indulging in a drink. This remarkable display of natural adaptation necessitates the giraffe to gracefully splay its legs wide apart before delicately lowering its elongated neck until its head reaches the water’s surface.

4. Lake Naivasha

Not too long ago, giraffes roamed freely across vast swathes of unprotected land in East Africa. Regrettably, today, their habitat has significantly diminished, with the majority now confined to national parks and game reserves. However, there are exceptions, such as Kenya’s Naivasha, a stunning Rift Valley lake where giraffes are commonly spotted feeding among the beautiful fever trees along its shores. The giraffes in Naivasha are remarkably calm, often allowing close encounters on foot—an opportunity to appreciate their towering height from a unique perspective.