Animals · Savanna · 2026

Giraffe in the wild: where, when and on which trip

Updated September 8, 2026 · Plan your trip

Drie giraffen op de savanne
Photo: MARIOLA GROBELSKA via Unsplash

In short

Giraffes drink only once every few days and cover large distances. In the dry season they concentrate along rivers with acacias. Tarangire in August and September gives towers of 20 to 40 animals together.

Biome
Savanna
IUCN status
VU · About 117,000 in the wild (IUCN, 2026)
Sighting chance
high
Trip type
Guided safari or self-drive
Budget
2,200 to 5,000 euros per person for 9 days
Scientific name
Giraffa camelopardalis

About the Giraffe

The giraffe is the most photogenic animal of the savanna and almost guaranteed on every safari. Tarangire in Tanzania counts hundreds of Masai giraffes among the baobabs, the classic postcard image. Giraffes live in loose towers whose composition changes daily.

Vulnerable. About 117,000 giraffes remain, a 40 percent drop in 30 years. The Masai giraffe is even endangered.

Best countries for the Giraffe

Tanzania

Parks: Serengeti, Tarangire · best months June, July, August, September, October (June to October)

South Africa

Parks: Kruger National Park · best months May, June, July, August, September (May to September)

Photo tip

Shoot at knee height for stature, or with a wide angle from under the tree. Silhouettes at sunset always work.

With children

Very suitable. Big, calm, active by day and harmless. Children recognise giraffes instantly and keep watching.

Combine

Combines with elephant, zebra and ostrich in the same frame. Tarangire gives giraffe plus elephant plus baobab in one photo.

Sources

Keep exploring

How to book this trip

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Best for safari

Safaribouwer (example)

Puts together your Botswana or Tanzania route with local guides.

! Watch out: prices shift per season, always ask for a detailed quote.

Best for flights

Ticketzoeker (example)

Compares flights to safari hubs like Maun and Kilimanjaro.

! Watch out: check baggage rules for charter flights separately.

Best for activities

Tourplatform (example)

Books whale watching or day tours with free cancellation.

! Watch out: always check the cancellation terms per provider.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I see the most giraffes?

Tarangire in Tanzania and the north of Kruger. Herds of up to 40 animals in the dry season.

How many giraffe species are there?

Four species since the revision: Masai, reticulated, southern and northern giraffe. Tanzania has the Masai giraffe, Kruger the southern.

Are giraffes endangered?

Yes, vulnerable with a 40 percent drop in 30 years through habitat loss and poaching for meat. The Masai giraffe is listed as endangered.

How tall does a giraffe get?

Males up to 5.5 meters, females up to 4.5. The heart weighs 11 kilos and pumps blood 2 meters up.

Best time for giraffes?

June to October. Giraffes are visible all year but concentrate in the dry season at acacias along rivers.

Can I feed giraffes?

Only at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi under supervision. Feeding in the wild is forbidden and disturbs behaviour.

Last updated: September 8, 2026. All sighting chances, months and prices are indications based on public sources, not travel advice and no guarantee. Always check your government’s current travel advisory before departure.