- +255788928888
- info@africanheart.com
- Arusha, Tanzania
- Visit Germany website: www.africanheartsafaris.de
Giraffes are some of the most fascinating animals in Africa. Tanzania is known for the Maasai Giraffe, or scientific name Giraffa tippelskirchi. Known for their long necks, gentle personalities, and beautiful coat patterns, they attract attention from travelers, wildlife lovers, and safari guests all over the world.
In this guide, we answer the big question — How tall is a giraffe? — and many other common questions people ask about these incredible animals.
An adult giraffe can grow between 4.5 to 6 meters (15–20 feet) tall.
Male giraffes are usually taller than females. A large male can reach up to 6 meters, while females normally grow to around 4.5–5.5 meters.
Their height helps them:
Their long necks are their biggest advantage in the savannah.
A fully grown adult giraffe weighs between 800–1,200 kg for females and 1,200–1,800 kg for males.
Even newborn giraffes weigh around 60–100 kg at birth!
Giraffes are easy to recognize because of their beautiful coat made of dark blotches separated by lighter patches. Their bodies are covered in brown spots that can range from light tan to deep chocolate brown, while the spaces between the spots are usually a cream or light yellow color.
One of the most interesting things about giraffes is that no two individuals look the same. Their colors and patterns vary depending on the species, their environment, and even their genetics. Some giraffes have large, irregular blotches, while others have smaller, more defined spots.
As giraffes grow older, their spots often become darker, giving older males especially a richer, deeper color. This natural darkening makes giraffes even more unique throughout their lifetime.
Overall, a giraffe’s colors help with camouflage, allowing them to blend into the dappled light of savanna trees and stay protected from predators.
Despite their size, giraffes are surprisingly fast. They can run up to 55 km/h (34 mph) over short distances. This speed helps them escape predators like lions.
Giraffes are herbivores, which means they eat only plant-based food. They are also browsers, meaning they feed mainly on leaves, shoots, and fruits found high up in trees rather than grazing on grass like other animals.
Their favorite food is acacia leaves, which are packed with nutrients and contain a lot of water. This helps giraffes stay hydrated even during the dry season. They also feed on Commiphora and Terminalia trees, which provide them with additional minerals and moisture.
Besides tree leaves, giraffes also eat:
A fully grown giraffe can consume up to 34 kilograms of vegetation per day, using its long tongue to reach branches that most animals cannot access.
Giraffes sleep only 10–30 minutes per day — one of the shortest sleep times of any mammal.
They often sleep standing up to stay alert and avoid predators.
Yes, they do! But they are mostly quiet.
Giraffes communicate using:
For many years, people believed giraffes were silent, but studies show they communicate at very low frequencies.
In the wild, giraffes live 20–25 years.
In protected areas or zoos, they may live up to 28–30 years because they are safer from predators and have regular medical care.
Their main weapon is their powerful kick.
A giraffe’s kick can seriously injure or even kill predators like lions and hyenas.
Male giraffes also “neck fight,” swinging their necks like heavy clubs to show dominance.
Yes, some giraffe subspecies are considered vulnerable or endangered due to:
Conservation efforts across Africa are helping to protect them, especially in national parks and reserves.
Tanzania is one of the best places in Africa to see giraffes.
Common spots include:
The Masai giraffe, which is Tanzania’s national animal, is one of the most beautiful subspecies.
Yes, giraffes do have teeth—32 in total—but their teeth are arranged very differently from ours. Their dental structure is specially adapted to help them feed on leaves high up in trees.
Giraffes are browsers, meaning they mainly eat leaves, shoots, and fruits from tall trees. Their unique teeth allow them to:
This specialized dental system makes it easy for giraffes to reach and eat food that most animals can’t access.
Giraffes are truly one of Africa’s most extraordinary animals. Their impressive height, unique adaptations, and calm nature make them unforgettable to watch in the wild. If you’re a traveler, a safari enthusiast, or simply someone curious about wildlife, understanding giraffes helps you appreciate just how special they are.
If you dream of seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, African Heart can help you plan a safari that brings you up close to Africa’s most iconic wildlife. From expert-guided game drives to personalized itineraries across the best giraffe habitats, we make your safari experience seamless, memorable, and tailored to your adventure style. Let us help you witness the beauty of giraffes in the wild the right way.
Their spots help with camouflage and also regulate body temperature.
Only seven, the same number humans have — their bones are just much longer!
Around 45–50 cm long, and it’s dark purple to protect it from sunburn.
No. They can go several days without water because they get moisture from the leaves they eat.
Very strong — it weighs around 11 kg and pumps blood up that long neck.
Please share details and any preferences
