Best Places to See Giraffes in Uganda

The giraffe  the tallest land mammal on Earth is one of the most captivating animals to encounter on safari. With its long neck, gentle eyes, and striking patchwork coat, the giraffe moves across the savannah with quiet elegance, towering above acacia trees and other wildlife. Watching one stride across the plains feels almost surreal. It’s no surprise that giraffes rank high on many travelers’ wildlife wish lists.

Uganda proudly protects a growing population of giraffes, and visitors can spot them in several national parks and wildlife reserves across the country. Whether you want a classic savannah safari or a close-up educational encounter, Uganda offers fantastic opportunities to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat.

How Many Giraffes Are in Uganda?

Uganda’s giraffe population has grown significantly in recent years thanks to strong conservation efforts and wildlife translocation programs. According to the latest national wildlife census conducted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda had 2,072 giraffes in 2020, a remarkable increase from 880 giraffes recorded in 2017.

This growth shows how effective conservation strategies, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat protection have been. As a result, Uganda is now one of the most important strongholds for giraffes in Africa.

What Species of Giraffes Live in Uganda?

Uganda is home to the Northern Giraffe species, specifically the Nubian giraffe, which was formerly known as the Rothschild’s giraffe.

You can easily distinguish Nubian (Rothschild’s) giraffes from other giraffe subspecies by looking at their legs. They have plain white lower legs with no spots, giving the impression that they are wearing white stockings. Their coat patterns also tend to have lighter, less jagged patches compared to other giraffe species.

Uganda holds one of the largest remaining populations of Nubian giraffes in the world, making the country a crucial destination for anyone interested in giraffe conservation and photography.

Top Places to See Giraffes in Uganda

If giraffes are on your must-see wildlife list, the following destinations offer the best chances of memorable sightings.

Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s Giraffe Stronghold

Without a doubt, Murchison Falls National Park is the best place in Uganda to see giraffes. In fact, the park hosts the largest population of Nubian giraffes in the world.

Most giraffes live on the northern bank of the Nile River, where open savannah grasslands stretch for miles. This landscape provides the perfect habitat for giraffes, offering plenty of acacia trees for feeding and wide visibility to watch for predators.

Game drives in this area often include multiple giraffe sightings in a single outing. You might see them feeding, walking in small groups, or standing still and scanning the horizon. Photographers especially love this park because giraffes often appear against dramatic backdrops of golden plains and distant escarpments.

Importantly, the healthy giraffe population in Murchison Falls has allowed wildlife authorities to translocate giraffes to other parks, helping to restore populations in areas where they had disappeared.

Lake Mburo National Park – Easy Giraffe Viewing

Although Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savannah park, it offers some of the easiest giraffe viewing opportunities in the country.

Wildlife authorities introduced giraffes here in 2019, relocating a small founding group from Murchison Falls. Since then, the population has grown steadily. Because the park is compact and has an excellent road network, visitors often find giraffes without driving long distances.

Lake Mburo’s rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and open valleys create beautiful scenery for giraffe photography. Additionally, the park is one of the few places in Uganda where you can combine giraffe viewing with walking safaris, cycling safaris, and horseback safaris, giving you unique perspectives of wildlife.

Kidepo Valley National Park – Remote and Wild

For travelers who love raw wilderness and fewer crowds, Kidepo Valley National Park provides a thrilling safari experience  and yes, you can see giraffes here too.

Wildlife managers recently boosted the park’s giraffe population by relocating individuals from Murchison Falls. Since then, numbers have continued to grow, improving the chances of sightings.

Kidepo’s wide plains, dramatic mountain backdrops, and remote location make giraffe encounters here feel especially wild and untouched. While sightings may not be as frequent as in Murchison, the scenery more than makes up for it.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve – Uganda’s Hidden Gem

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, located in northeastern Uganda, is one of the country’s least-visited conservation areas. However, it is slowly gaining attention as an emerging safari destination.

Wildlife authorities introduced giraffes into Pian Upe in 2018, and the population continues to grow. While searching for cheetahs  the reserve’s star attraction  you may also spot giraffes moving across the vast plains.

Because tourism remains low here, giraffe sightings often feel exclusive and peaceful, far from the busier parks.

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre – Close Encounters

If you want to observe giraffes up close in a controlled environment, you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe. Here, visitors learn about giraffe conservation, behavior, and habitat while seeing them at close range.

Although this is not a wild safari experience, it is an excellent educational stop, especially for families or travelers with limited time.

When Is the Best Time to See Giraffes in Uganda?

You can see giraffes all year round. However, the dry seasons  from June to September and December to February offer the best wildlife viewing conditions. During these months, vegetation becomes thinner, and animals gather around water sources, making giraffes easier to spot.

Final Thoughts

Uganda stands out as one of Africa’s top destinations for seeing Nubian giraffes in the wild. From the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls to the quiet plains of Pian Upe, each destination offers a unique setting for unforgettable encounters with these graceful giants.

If you are planning a Ugandan safari focused on giraffes and other iconic wildlife, Experiya Tour Company can help design an itinerary that takes you to the best parks, at the best times, for the best sightings.

Seeing a giraffe in the wild isn’t just another safari moment  it’s a memory that stays with you long after the journey ends.