World Giraffe Day is an exciting annual event initiated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to celebrate all nine species of the longest-necked animal on the shortest day of the year.
Safari through Kenya’s vast savannah’s and see these towering legs and long necks for yourself
The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) in Kenya conducts conservation work throughout the country and their most famous project is Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre.
One of Kenya’s most popular tourist attractions, the Giraffe Centre provides the opportunity to come eye-to-eye with these gentle creatures.
Fun facts:
– Baby giraffes can stand within half an hour and after only ten hours can actually run alongside their family
-Just like snowflakes and human fingerprints, no two giraffes have the same spot pattern
-Giraffes only spend between ten minutes and two hours asleep per day
-Even giraffes tongues are huge. They are up to 45cm long and are specially adapted to allow giraffes to forage on trees
Giraffe Manor
Stay overnight at Giraffe Manor, an exclusive boutique hotel, set in 12 acres of private land in Nairobi where its herd of resident Rothschild giraffe visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
The hotel itself is set on 12 acres of idyllic land in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. The city itself is nicknamed ‘Nairobbery’ so keep your wits (and your valuables) about you if you plan any day trips.
There are no fences, giving the giraffes free reign, which they take advantage of! It is common to have a giraffe pop its head through the window while you are enjoying breakfast.
For more information on witnessing these animals in the Kenyan wild visit www.magicalkenya.com or to have them join you for breakfast visit www.giraffemanor.com.
