Safari crochet pattern collection: wildly fun patterns for all skill levels
If you like safari animals and enjoy crocheting, why not combine the two? :)
I’ve collected 4+1 safari-themed crochet ideas just for you!
In this blog post, you'll meet four of my own designs: Alfred the Monkey, my Colorful Giraffe, the Cute Elephants Amigurumi, and my Little Hippo crochet pattern.
Plus, I’m also sharing one of my favorite designers plushie pattern from bunnymoonHU: the Lion Plushie!
1. Alfred, the monkey
Oh, Alfred... he holds a special place in my heart. I designed this monkey crochet pattern a few years back, and I remember spending quite a bit of time sketching and figuring him out. In my head, he was just so cool and funny, I pictured this really cool, funny guy with super long, dangly legs and that perfectly round little belly. I guess I just have a soft spot for monkeys! :D And honestly? I was so happy with how he came out in the end. He's just got this funny and charming vibe, exactly how I pictured him.
Perfect for: a funny crocheted gift, or even I think he'd make an amazing desk buddy to bring a smile during the workday, or a quirky, playful addition to a nursery shelf. What do you think he'd be perfect for?
Size: Approximately 25 cm when crocheted with the recommended yarn (100% mercerized cotton, 50g/125m)
Hook size: 2.5 mm
What You Get:
Clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Immediate PDF download with lots of helpful images.
The pattern is best suited for intermediate crocheters or confident beginners ready for a fun challenge. It assumes you have knowledge of standard amigurumi techniques and construction.
Materials needed:
100% mercerized cotton yarn (50g/125m) like Schachenmayr Catania
2.5 mm crochet hook
Fiberfill for stuffing
Two 6 mm safety eyes
8 strands of chenille wire (This helps give his limbs some poseability!)
Big tapestry needle for sewing details together, scissors, and pins.
You can find Alfred's pattern in my Etsy shop HERE.
2. Colorful giraffe with textured body
Next up is this adorable giraffe! Remember that CAL (Crochet-Along) I hosted back in April 2025? This little cutie was designed just for that, and oh boy, was it fun! The inspiration actually came from my yarn stash. I had all these leftover bits of Catania, and the colors just clicked together perfectly.
Honestly, I didn't have a clue what I was going to make with them at first. I tossed around a few ideas, but eventually, I completely fell for the idea of this colorful giraffe with that lovely crocheted textured body. She's one of my most recent designs, and I have to admit, she's my absolute favorite right now. But hey, let's be real – my newest patterns always seem to become my favorites! Anyone else like that? :)
Anyway, with the PDF tutorial, you can whip up your own adorable giraffe. She makes such a lovely and fun toy for any little one. And yep, like many of my patterns, this one's available in both English (US Terms) and Hungarian, packed with clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful photos.
Skill Level: Perfect for beginners ready for a little texture, though having some basic amigurumi experience is always helpful!
What You Get:
Clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Immediate PDF download with lots of helpful images.
Materials Required:
Yarn: Schachenmayr Catania (100% mercerized cotton, 50g/125m) or similar Sport weight yarn in your chosen safari colors!
Hook size: 2.5 mm (or size needed for tight stitches).
Stuffing (fiberfill).
Scissors.
Big tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembling.
Finished Size: Your giraffe will stand approximately 20 cm (around 8 inches) tall using the suggested materials.
Find the Colorful Giraffe pattern right here in my shop!
3. Cute elephants
The next pattern is really special to me. I remember seeing this drawing somewhere online – it was a little baby elephant tucked right under its mama, who was like a safe shelter. And gosh, as a mom of two myself, that image just really hit me right in the heart. It was so heartwarming.
Of course, my first thought was, "I have to try and crochet that feeling!" But let me tell you, figuring out how to get the proportions right so they looked like a loving parent and child duo... well, that was a bit of a challenge! It felt like a tricky math problem swimming around in my head, and there was definitely a lot of frogging (unraveling!) involved before I finally got them looking the way they do now.
For me, this pattern really captures that feeling of protection, that warm hug, the sense of being little and safe... and also it represents a really special side of motherhood.
That's why I think this pattern is perfect if you're looking to create a truly heartfelt gift for someone you love – whether it's your mom, dad, kids, partner, anyone special! It's one of the cutest ways to craft something meaningful. With the PDF tutorial, you can make your own adorable baby elephant and their parent (you decide if it's mom or dad! 😊). It's especially lovely for occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Valentine’s Day, but honestly, it's sweet any time of year.
Like my other patterns, this one includes clear, step-by-step instructions and is available in both English (US Terms) and Hungarian.
Skill Level: I'd say this one is ideal for intermediate crocheters, but if you're a determined beginner with some amigurumi experience, you can definitely create this sweet elephant family!
What You Get:
Clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Immediate access to a detailed PDF with helpful images.
Materials Required:
100% mercerized cotton yarn (Sport weight, 50g/125m like Schachenmayr Catania - you'll use less than one ball of each color).
Fiberfill for stuffing.
Stitch marker (always helpful!).
2 pairs (4 total) of 6mm safety eyes.
Large tapestry needle for sewing the parts together.
Crochet hook: 2.5 mm.
Finished Size: The little baby elephant comes out at approximately 3.5 cm (about 1.4 inches) tall, while the parent elephant is about 10 cm (around 4 inches) tall using the suggested yarn and hook. So tiny and cute!
You can find the Elephant Family pattern right here on Etsy!
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4. Gerald the Hippo Crochet Pattern
And last but certainly not least in my part of the safari crew is Gerald the Hippo! Okay, I have a really fun story about Gerald. Back in 2023, I actually got the incredible opportunity to design a few patterns for the Hungarian craft magazine, Praktika. I was so unbelievably thrilled and blessed! When I first saw the email from the editor-in-chief asking if I wanted to contribute, I was just like... WOOOW! Pure shock and excitement!
So, that summer, my little hippo Gerald made his debut right there in the magazine! It was such a huge milestone for me on my crochet pattern designer journey, and I'm still incredibly proud of it. Seeing my design in print was just amazing. :)
Now, you can make your very own Gerald too! This amigurumi crochet pattern comes in both ENGLISH (US Terms) and HUNGARIAN and guides you step-by-step to create this charming hippo.
Skill Level: This pattern is great for beginner and intermediate crocheters. As long as you're comfortable with the basics.
What You Get:
Clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Immediate PDF download with lots of helpful images.
Materials Needed:
100% mercerized cotton yarn (50g/125m) like good ol' Schachenmayr Catania.
Fiberfill for that perfect squishiness.
Two 6 mm safety eyes.
Hook: 2.5 mm.
Big tapestry needle for sewing, scissors, and pins for holding things in place.
Finished Size: Using the recommended yarn and hook, Gerald turns out to be approximately 15 cm (around 6 inches) tall – a perfect handful of hippo cuteness!
Ready to make your own magazine star? You can find Gerald's pattern in my shop here!
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And a Very Special Guest Appearance!
+1 Crochet Lion Lovey Pattern by bunnymoonHU
What's a safari collection without the King of the Jungle? While I don't have my own lion pattern yet, I absolutely had to include a really cute one from my designer buddy, Rebeka from bunnymoonHU! I discovered Rebeka’s design a while ago and have already crocheted three of them. Her patterns are the most detailed instructions I can imagine! If you choose her pattern, you can be 100%sure that you will have a great success at the end of your crochet journey. Her patterns include detailed descriptions, with plenty of photos and videos to guide you through each step.
So far, I think she has the most fantastic Lion Plushie pattern that fits perfectly into this safari theme. It’s cuddly, and totally captures that regal lion spirit. I highly recommend popping over to her shop and checking it out – it complements these other patterns beautifully! CLICK HERE if you would like to check her shop!
And here is some info about the pattern:
Finished Size: Approximately 30 cm / 11.8 inches tall. Adjust size by changing yarn or hook size.
Crochet Level: Beginner-friendly, uses US crochet terms with a glossary. Basic crochet knowledge is recommended.
Materials Needed:
▪️ 3 mm and 4.5 mm crochet hooks
▪️ Chenille yarn (Super Bulky / (6) / 100g/120m) for the body and blanket
▪️ Cotton yarn (Aran/Worsted/Medium / (4) / 50g/75m) for details
▪️ Black embroidery thread (or safety eyes/nose)
▪️ Soft stuffing, sewing needle, and scissors
And now you can grab the Lion plushie pattern – and every lion-themed pattern in bunnymoonHU’s shop – with a 20% discount! Use the coupon code YARNACADABRALION to get the deal. CLICK HERE!
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So there you have it – a little roundup to kickstart your own crochet safari adventure! Whether you choose one special animal or decide to make the whole wildly fun gang, I truly hope these patterns bring you lots of joy.
Happy Crocheting!
Zsuzsa