Giraffes can inhabit savannas, grasslands or open woodlands. Giraffes prefer areas enriched with acacia growth (a genus of shrubs and trees). Most giraffes live either in East Africa or in Angola and Zambia in southwestern Africa. Until the middle of the 20th century giraffes were also commonly found in West Africa, south of the Sahara. But populations there have fallen sharply and become increasingly fragmented.

Giraffes are native to many parts of Africa as they prefer habitats with lots of open space, rather than wooded forests. Many species of giraffes currently inhabit sub-Saharan Africa and East and North Africa. However, the giraffe is extinct in some parts of Africa, such as Nigeria. Although the giraffe is hunted for meat and hide, the biggest threat to the giraffe's survival is habitat destruction due to human activity.

These herding mammals can see their enemies (like lions) from long distances.-Giraffes can run up to 35 mph (56 kph) for short bursts.