Where to See Giraffes in Uganda – The Best Parks for Majestic Encounters

Graceful, towering, and unmistakably elegant, giraffes are among Africa’s most iconic animals. In Uganda, these gentle giants roam freely across savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and riverine grasslands, adding an unforgettable charm to every safari. Whether feeding on the treetops or moving in slow, rhythmic herds across golden plains, giraffes embody the calm beauty of the African wilderness.

Uganda is home to a unique subspecies known as the Rothschild’s giraffe (also called the Nubian giraffe), one of the rarest giraffes in the world. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, Uganda has become one of the best places in East Africa to see and photograph them in the wild.

The Best Places to See Giraffes in Uganda

1. Murchison Falls National Park – The Prime Giraffe Destination

Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda is the country’s premier giraffe sanctuary. It hosts the largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes — over 1,500 individuals — making it the best place in Uganda to see them in large numbers.
Here, giraffes roam freely across the park’s northern plains, particularly in the Paraa, Buligi, and Nile Delta sectors. Game drives through these open savannahs offer breathtaking encounters with these tall creatures gracefully feeding on acacia leaves or silhouetted against the setting sun.
The backdrop of the mighty River Nile and the thundering Murchison Falls adds a unique scenic touch to every sighting. Early morning and evening game drives often reveal family groups (called towers) walking majestically among elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs.
Highlights: Largest concentration of Rothschild’s giraffes in East Africa. Excellent photography opportunities. Combination of wildlife viewing and the iconic Murchison Falls experience.

2. Kidepo Valley National Park – Giraffes in a True Wilderness

For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari, Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda offers a raw, untouched wilderness where giraffes thrive amid dramatic landscapes.
Kidepo is home to a smaller but healthy population of Rothschild’s giraffes, often spotted in the Narus Valley, where acacia trees dominate the plains. Seeing giraffes here is a special experience — their long necks rising above the golden grasslands with the rugged Morungole Mountains in the distance creates one of Uganda’s most stunning safari scenes.
The park’s remote setting means fewer tourists, making every wildlife encounter feel deeply personal.
Highlights: Remote and scenic wilderness. Great sightings of giraffes alongside lions, elephants, and buffaloes. Ideal for photography and adventure safaris.

3. Lake Mburo National Park – Giraffes in the South

Located between Kampala and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks but one of the most accessible. Giraffes were reintroduced here in 2015 as part of a wildlife translocation project from Murchison Falls.
Today, more than 20 giraffes inhabit the park, and their numbers continue to grow. Visitors can spot them during game drives, nature walks, or horseback safaris, which offer a unique and close encounter without the sound of engines. The park’s mosaic of grasslands, lakes, and acacia woodland provides a beautiful contrast to the giraffes’ graceful movements.
Highlights: Easy access from Kampala (about 4 hours’ drive). Ideal for short safaris and family trips. Horseback and walking safaris for close giraffe encounters.

4. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve – Uganda’s Newest Giraffe Haven

Situated in the Karamoja region of eastern Uganda, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is one of the country’s hidden gems. Once home to giraffes decades ago, they were reintroduced in 2019, again from Murchison Falls National Park.
The reserve now shelters a growing population of Rothschild’s giraffes, which roam the open plains alongside zebras, hartebeests, and oribis. Pian Upe’s semi-arid landscapes and wide horizons make giraffe spotting relatively easy, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Highlights: One of Uganda’s most promising new giraffe destinations. Fewer tourists, offering a private safari feel. Can be combined with a visit to Mount Elgon or Sipi Falls.

The Rothschild’s Giraffe – Uganda’s Iconic Subspecies

Uganda’s giraffes belong to the Rothschild’s (Nubian) subspecies, recognizable by their lighter coat, less-defined patches, and no markings on their lower legs, giving the appearance of wearing white socks. This subspecies is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, with Uganda being one of its last strongholds.
Through successful conservation and translocation projects by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and partners like the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), the species has rebounded significantly within Uganda’s protected areas.

Best Time to See Giraffes in Uganda

Giraffes can be seen year-round in Uganda’s savannah parks. However, the dry seasons — December to February and June to September — offer the best wildlife viewing. During these months, vegetation is shorter, and animals are more easily visible near water sources.
Morning and late afternoon game drives provide the best light for photography and increased chances of active giraffe sightings.

Safari Tips for Giraffe Viewing

Use binoculars and a good camera lens for close-up details of giraffe behavior and markings.
Combine parks like Murchison Falls and Kidepo for diverse safari experiences.
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most breathtaking silhouettes.
Respect wildlife distances — giraffes may appear calm, but maintaining safe space ensures a stress-free experience for them.

Conclusion

Giraffes in Uganda are a true symbol of beauty and conservation success. From the wide plains of Murchison Falls to the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley and the quiet savannahs of Lake Mburo and Pian Upe, every encounter with these elegant giants feels timeless. Watching a giraffe stride gracefully across the horizon or feed lazily from an acacia tree is one of the purest safari joys — a reminder that Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, still beats with the rhythm of the wild.