Long necked attraction

As the Rift Valley deepened, the giraffes in the Luangwa area became geographically separated from their original extended population and evolved based on slightly different environmental factors. This has given the Luangwa subspecies – known as Thornicroft’s – slightly shorter stature and unique coat markings.

Sightings of these stately mammals are very common throughout South Luangwa where they can be found selecting the finest browse with long, mobile lips and prehensile tongues.

We saw many on drives and got close to others on foot whilst walking in the bush with the excellent guides from Nkonzi Bush Camp.