The secret life of giraffes – Facts about Africa’s tallest animal

This blog was written by Runé Jansen van Vuuren, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

When thinking of Africa’s iconic wildlife, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the Big Five. But few people pause to appreciate the other extraordinary animals that call this vast and varied continent home, like the giraffe. This majestic creature is the tallest hoofed land mammal on Earth, and it’s no wonder giraffes have captured the hearts of wildlife lovers and travellers alike. With their towering necks, distinctive spotted coats and calm nature, giraffes are truly remarkable.

A giraffe’s height is nothing short of impressive. Males can reach a staggering 5.48 metres (18 feet), while females are generally a little shorter, growing up to around 4.26 metres (14 feet). Their long, sturdy legs – each about 1.82 metres (6 feet) in length – provide the strength and balance needed to support their size.

Of course, it’s the neck that steals the show. A giraffe’s neck can stretch up to an incredible 3 metres, yet they have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans – just seven. Despite this impressive anatomy, giraffes face a rather awkward challenge when it comes to drinking water. Their necks are too short to reach the ground on their own, so they must bend their legs in a strange, splayed position to lower their heads. Thankfully, giraffes don’t need to drink all that often. They can go for weeks without water, absorbing most of their hydration from the leaves and plants they feed on.

Giraffes are sociable animals and live in loose, ever-changing groups known as “towers” or, occasionally, “journeys”. Unlike many herd animals, giraffes don’t follow a strict hierarchy. Instead, they interact in a calm, easy-going way. Group sizes can range from just a few individuals to over 20, and the makeup of the group can shift regularly. Female giraffes often form smaller, more stable groups, particularly when raising calves. Males, on the other hand, tend to roam more widely and are commonly seen in bachelor groups, especially during the mating season when they compete for dominance and the right to breed.

Beyond their striking appearance and social habits, giraffes play a vital role in the health of their environment. As browsers, they help manage the growth of trees and shrubs by feeding on them, preventing certain species from becoming overgrown. This helps maintain a balanced and diverse ecosystem, benefiting countless other species. In a way, giraffes are the quiet gardeners of the savannah. They are also an important part of the food chain, particularly for predators like lions. While their sheer size offers some protection, calves are particularly vulnerable to predation.

The giraffe’s unique adaptations, peaceful social lives and ecological importance make them a treasured part of Africa’s wild landscapes. Sadly, some giraffe subspecies – such as the Rothschild’s giraffe – are listed as vulnerable, with their numbers declining due to habitat loss and other human pressures. However, thanks to the efforts of conservation organisations working to protect their habitats and raise awareness, there is hope. These initiatives are helping to ensure that giraffes – with their graceful silhouettes and gentle demeanours – continue to roam Africa’s wild areas for generations to come.