Donate to Save Human History

The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Giraffes bear a single young

African giraffe fact one, the world’s 97,000 giraffes live free on only one continent, Africa.

Chic African Culture

Below are 30 animal facts about Africa’s and the world’s tallest animal, the giraffe.

The giraffe

30 Africa Giraffe Animal Facts

By Chic African Culture

1. The giraffe is native to more than 15 African countries in central, eastern and southern Africa.

2. Giraffes are the world’s tallest mammals.

3. The giraffe height is up to 19 feet.

4.  Giraffe’s can weigh up to 3,000 pounds.

5. The coat of the giraffe is unique for each animal.

6. Giraffes have very long and flexible tongues that range from 18 to 20 inches.

7. The giraffe has a four-chambered stomach.

8. The giraffe has unusually elastic blood vessels with a series of valves that help offset the sudden buildup of blood and to prevent fainting when its head is raised, lowered, or swung quickly.

9. Giraffe’s horns are actually, knobs covered with skin and hair above the eyes that protect the head from injury.

Giraffes have very long and flexible tongues that range from 18 to 20 inches.

10. The giraffe's neck contains only seven vertebrae and it measures over 5 feet in length.

11. Giraffes have sloped backs because the back legs are 10 percent shorter than the front legs.

12. Giraffe’s can gallop 30 miles per hour.

13. The giraffe lives in dry savannah woodland, wherever trees occur.

14. Giraffe’s are herbivores.

15. The giraffe eats 16 to 20 hours a day.

16. Giraffe occasionally eat grass and fruits of various trees and shrubs, but their principal food source are the acacia tree.

17. Although they drink water when it is available, they can survive where it is scarce.

18. Unless they are still under the care of their mothers, males are seldom found in these herds.

19. Once old enough to care for themselves the young males’ branch off and form bachelor herds.

20. Mature males leave the herd and tend to live alone until it is time to mate.

Giraffe’s can gallop 30 miles per hour
Giraffe’s can gallop 30 miles per hour

21. A strong male will often mate with an entire herd of females.

22.Giraffe females form what is known as nursery groups helping each other out, watching the young while others feed.

23. Female giraffes tend to bond and form small herds of ten to twelve.

24. The gestation period is between 14 and 16 months.

25. The giraffe bear a single young.

26. A baby giraffe is about 6 1/2 feet tall at birth and weighs about 220 pounds.

27. A baby giraffe is called a calf.

28. A quarter of infants survive their first year of life.

29. Although few predators attack adult giraffes, lions, hyenas, and leopards take their toll on the young.

30. The Giraffes life expectancy is 28 years.

Did you know? Giraffes are easily killed and poaching continues today on some African hunting safaris.


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

  1. Historical African Country Name
  2. Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa
  3. How many countries does Africa have?
  4. Roots of Africanized Christianity Spiritual Songs
  5. Chocolate Processing Facts History and Recipes
  6. Awesome Kenyan Woman
  7. Land is Not For Women in Sierra Leone
  8. African Kente Cloth Facts
  9. Accra the Ghanaian Capital Ultimate Mall Experience


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

⋯ ✦ ⋯

Folklore Meets Science

Folklore Meets Science
African stories that explain the universe

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

Join The African Gourmet Newsletter

Join our African Gourmet Newsletter to get new folktales, recipes, and history every month.

Includes a light snack idea every month 🍊

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions