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Giraffe
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Giraffe

Where to see Giraffe in Kenya

Giraffes tower above the bush in many African parks and conservation areas. These extraordinary herbivores boast many unique qualities, most famously that of being the world’s tallest land mammal.


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Quick facts about Giraffe

Scientific name: Giraffa camelopardalis Habitat: Woodland savanna
IUCN status: Vulnerable Adult weight: 800–1,200kg

Some taxonomists recognise nine species of giraffe while others believe they are subspecies, and others again contend that these varieties – which differ in details of their blotchy patterning – are simply different geographical races of a single species.

All giraffes share the same key features, namely, their prodigious height, with long legs and the world’s longest neck; a tasselled tail; and two bony, horn-like ossicones on top of the head.

Giraffes’ markings provide effective camouflage in savanna woodland, where they can browse higher than other herbivores. Their extreme anatomy necessitates some extreme adaptations, including the largest heart of any land mammal, required to pump the blood to those distant extremities. Giraffes move in loose, single-sex herds, forming larger aggregations during the dry season.


5.88m

Max. height (male)

45cm

Length of tongue

±11kg

Weight of heart

60km/h

Max. speed

The top camps for seeing giraffe in Kenya

Based on 732 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Kenya have the best chances of sighting giraffe.


Best chances to see

Good chances to see

Some sightings

No sightings yet

Top 10 camps for giraffe

% of travellers who saw giraffe

Top 10 camps for giraffe

% of travellers who saw giraffe

Where to see giraffes in Africa

Giraffes occur in most major reserves across east and southern Africa, and their stature makes them easy to spot. The largest gatherings take place around waterholes during the dry season.


Top tips for viewing giraffe

You are highly unlikely to miss giraffes in any reserves where they occur. A quick scan often reveals their lofty profiles on the horizon or their pale ears conspicuous against the distant greenery. Up close, these vigilant but inquisitive animals usually tolerate your approach – even, up to a point, on foot.

Larger gatherings form during the dry season, where at waterholes you can watch the drawn-out caution with which individuals prepare to drink. ‘Necking’ bouts, when males contest dominance with ritualised head swings, are equally enthralling.

Among the various subspecies, look out for the reticulated giraffe north of the equator in Kenya and the Thornicroft’s giraffe of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley.

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Our best Kenya holidays for giraffe sightings

Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Kenya safaris are likely to give the best giraffe sightings


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The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$14,420 - US$19,760 per person

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Black Kite Fly-in Safari

10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.

US$9,260 - US$11,960 per person

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Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari

10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Experience Amboseli, the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.

US$5,800 - US$6,580 per person

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Elephant Safari

10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.

US$5,130 - US$6,250 per person

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De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of activities in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara ecosystem. Private vehicles and guides heighten the personalisation of this highly immersive safari.

US$12,310 - US$16,320 per person

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Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

US$10,740 - US$17,740 per person

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Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$10,600 - US$13,500 per person

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Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari

8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.

US$6,620 - US$8,400 per person

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Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.

US$9,730 - US$14,130 per person

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Rothschild Giraffe Safari

8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.

US$11,720 - US$17,830 per person

View all holidays to Kenya

More information about giraffe in our other destinations

Click here for detailed information about giraffe in other countries, including the places for sighting giraffe.


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