The giraffe, with its graceful neck and peaceful appearance, is a classic image of the African savannah. To watch these wonderful animals out of the wild is a remarkable thing. From the flat areas to the savannah-type ones, there are many opportunities to see (guardians of the ancient savannah) giraffes from all angles in Africa. Here are four of the best destinations to add to your wildlife adventure.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the leading locations for giraffe watching in South Africa, a wild area covering nearly 2 million hectares. This park which is renowned for its rich variety of landforms and its high biodiversity is home to a thriving population of giraffes. Giraffes can be found covering the whole range of the park’s topography from the Mopane woodlands in the north, to the Thornveld in the south.
Well-developed park infrastructure ensures easy access to the park and it provides a variety of safari experience including self-drive safaris and guided game drives. The rangers can get a variety of sightings on each drive as the scale of Kruger is very big, and they have the chance to observe giraffes while also interacting with other animals, like elephants and zebras, are a constant possibility.
Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s wildlife treasure land because it protects extensive animals and birds inlcuidng a healthy giraffe population. These soaring mammals find ideal conditions to live within the reserve space blended with acacia woodlands and open grasslands. You will witness giraffes elegantly graze on acacia tree branches as their long necks extend to reach those tender shoots.
Because of the immensity of wildlife in the Masai Mara giraffe views are always assured, and it is not uncommon to see them in large hordes. Giraffes provide tourists exceptional viewing opportunities during the annual Great Migration where millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River along with other famous African wildlife species.
Etosha National Park, NamibiaÂ
Giraffe herds roam across the expansive shimmering salt pans spread across the Etosha National Park in Namibia. It is a dry geographical area with scattered vegetation and water sources that attracts a wide range of wildlife including giraffes. The bleached-white salt pan of Etosha along with its dramatic skies produces a dramatic contrast against the bright colors of the giraffes. The waterholes in the park offer a vantage point for tourists to capture animal’s drinking water.
South Luangwa National Park, ZambiaÂ
You will feel like you are walking into a real-life wildlife adventure as you join the walking safari in the South Luangwa National Park. Rather than peering thorugh binoculars from a jeep, you will actually walk alongside experienced guides, learning about the subtle signs of bush. You will track the graceful giants through their home. It is not just watching them but understanding their world, how they move, how they interact with their surroundings.
The combination of riverine forests and open plains at the park sustains different habitats that support giraffe population. Besides, the Luangwa River brings diverse wildlife to the area. During a walking safari guests enjoy relaxed encounters with giraffes which produce enduring memories of their African journey.
Any spots you choose in Africa for giraffe encounters, you will certainly spot these towering creatures walking high and mighty across the land with grace and beauty!
