I have always loved giraffes. There’s something utterly captivating about them — those long, elegant necks, their inquisitive nature, and of course… those glorious eyelashes! If ever there was a creature that looked as though it had been designed by an artist with a sense of humour and style, it’s the giraffe.
Here at Royal Jozini, we’re incredibly lucky to share our reserve with more than twenty giraffes. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours quietly watching them from a distance — their gentle movements, the way they pause to stare back at you (as if you’re the one being studied), and their unhurried grace as they browse through the treetops. Some of our males are particularly striking, with very dark coats that seem almost chocolate brown in the late afternoon light — a sure sign of maturity and dominance.
A Few Fascinating Giraffe Facts
Because I can never resist sharing a bit of “bush knowledge,” here are some of my favourite giraffe facts — many of which you might not know:
- Tallest mammals on Earth: Giraffes can reach up to 18 feet (5.5 m) tall, towering over every other land animal. Their necks alone can measure up to 6 feet (1.8 m) — taller than many humans!
- Same number of neck bones as us: Despite their long necks, giraffes have just seven neck vertebrae, exactly the same as we do. Theirs are simply much longer.
- Unique “fingerprints”: Every giraffe has a unique pattern of spots, just like our fingerprints. If you spend enough time with them, you can actually identify individuals by their markings.
- The ultimate reach: Their prehensile tongues can stretch up to 18 inches (46 cm). Dark, tough, and dexterous, their tongues are perfect for delicately plucking leaves from thorny acacia trees — their favourite snack.
- Efficient drinkers: Giraffes only need to drink water every few days, getting most of their moisture from the leaves they eat. This is a good thing, because bending down to drink is one of the few times they’re vulnerable to predators.
- Surprisingly speedy: When needed, a giraffe can run at up to 35 miles (56 km) per hour. Watching those long legs move in their characteristic slow-motion gallop is always a thrill.
- A heart built for height: Their hearts can weigh up to 25 pounds (11 kg) and generate twice the normal blood pressure of most mammals — all to keep that precious oxygen flowing to their brains.
- Social butterflies: Giraffes live in loose, peaceful groups known as “towers”, usually made up of females and their calves. Males often form bachelor groups or wander alone.
- Homebodies of Africa: You won’t find wild giraffes outside Africa. They’re spread across the continent’s savannahs and woodlands, perfectly adapted to these open landscapes.
- Vulnerable beauty: Sadly, giraffe populations have declined due to habitat loss and poaching. There are now only around 100,000 giraffes left in the wild, and they’re listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Protecting spaces like Royal Jozini is more important than ever.
Moments to Treasure
One of my favourite times to watch the giraffes here is early morning, when the mist still lingers over the bush and the rising sun paints everything in golden light. They move silently through the acacia trees, nibbling delicately, occasionally pausing to look straight at you with those long-lashed eyes. It’s almost impossible not to feel a sense of peace in their presence.
Visitors often tell me that encountering a giraffe in the wild is one of their most memorable safari moments — and I couldn’t agree more. Whether you spot a lone bull silhouetted against the escarpment or a mother gently guiding her calf through the thornveld, giraffes bring a quiet magic to every drive.
Come and Meet Them
Next time you visit Royal Jozini, keep your binoculars handy and your camera ready. These gentle giants might appear around the next bend, or simply stand quietly under a tree, reminding us all to slow down, look up, and appreciate the extraordinary world we share.
