A warm golden light envelops a giraffe as it awakens to a new morning in the African bush.

Sawubona means “good morning” in Zulu.

We were savouring a quiet moment on the edge of a large clearing when a young giraffe appeared nearby. Relaxed yet observant, the giraffe stopped and nibbled gently on some of the top leaves of an acacia bush next to it. Its eyes rolled a little as it tugged on a small clump of its pick from one of the upper branches. Taking the mouthful, it chewed rhythmically, its pink tongue circling the precious green leaves, drawing its nutritious taste each time. Then it paused and remained dead still.

The sun's golden glow was busy changing from a glossy orange hue to a coppery yellow, bringing with it a pleasing air of warmth. The giraffe seemed to appreciate it, momentarily closing its eyes. It bathed in the beauty of the moment, lost in time. A quiet calm descended on the scene, as even the usual chattery birds went silent for that moment.

But its sleepy pleasure was short-lived, as it awoke from its brief slumber and shook its head. Excitable noises of other awakening life in the vicinity broke through. The restive peace was over, and the bush called in a new day. With it, the giraffe, still somewhat entranced by the sublime moment, shook its head and turned, slowly continuing onward with its morning journey.

Understanding Giraffe Sleep Patterns

Giraffes, the towering inhabitants of the African savanna, have long fascinated researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. While it was traditionally believed that these gentle giants primarily rest while standing, recent studies have shed new light on their sleep patterns, revealing that giraffes lie down more frequently than previously thought.

When giraffes decide to take a break, they often fold their long legs beneath their bodies, resembling a graceful, elongated coil. Despite this awkward position, they maintain their characteristic posture by keeping their necks held high. Remarkably, giraffes are known to continue their browsing and rumination even while in this resting state, showcasing their ability to multitask effortlessly.

On average, a giraffe sleeps for approximately 4 to 5 hours each day. They are predominantly nocturnal sleepers, taking brief naps throughout the day. These naps are usually short, with sleep cycles lasting around half an hour or less. Interestingly, giraffes are capable of sleeping both standing up and lying down, adapting their sleep habits based on their environment and safety considerations.

Giraffes have also developed unique sleeping adaptations as a prey species in the wild. Their short sleep durations and the ability to sleep standing up are crucial for their survival. Sleeping upright allows them to remain vigilant and ready to flee from potential threats at a moment's notice. However, when they enter the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep (which usually only lasts about a minute), they sometimes lose the ability to support their own heads, leading to a rare vulnerability in their otherwise alert demeanour. On this basis, giraffes often exhibit a half-awake, "cat-nap" state, allowing them to stay partially conscious of their surroundings. This is essential for detecting and escaping predators. Occasionally, they also use trees as support during their resting periods, helping them to remain aware of any signs of danger.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.