Giraffe
The tallest animal on earth
Range
Sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya. Huntable populations primarily in South Africa and Namibia.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable overall, but Southern giraffe populations (South African and Angolan subspecies) are classified as Least Concern with increasing numbers, supporting sustainable hunting.
Hunting Challenge
Moderate difficulty. While their height makes them easy to spot, their excellent vision and ability to cover ground quickly require careful stalking. Shot placement is critical.
Did You Know?
The giraffe's scientific name, Giraffa camelopardalis, comes from the ancient Greeks who believed it was a cross between a camel and a leopard—hence "camelopard." Each giraffe's spot pattern is completely unique, like a human fingerprint, and can be used to identify individuals. Their tongue, which can extend up to 20 inches, is dark purple-black to protect against sunburn during hours of feeding.
About Giraffe
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the world's tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. Hunting giraffe represents one of the most unique safari experiences available, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue this iconic African species while contributing to conservation through sustainable utilization.
Physical Characteristics
Male giraffes (bulls) stand 16-18 feet tall and weigh between 1,800-3,000 pounds, with exceptional bulls reaching up to 4,200 pounds. Females (cows) are smaller at 14-16 feet and 1,500-1,800 pounds. Their shoulder height alone reaches 10-11 feet in mature bulls.
The giraffe's most distinctive features include their extremely long neck (up to 6 feet), long legs, and unique coat pattern of brown patches separated by lighter lines. Both sexes have ossicones—horn-like protuberances covered in skin and hair. Bulls develop larger, more heavily bossed ossicones over time, and old bulls often show calcium deposits on their skulls giving them a "knobbly" appearance.
Subspecies Available for Hunting
Two subspecies are commonly encountered on hunting safaris:
- South African Giraffe (G. g. giraffa) - Found throughout South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Features star-shaped patches with light tan lines.
- Angolan Giraffe (G. g. angolensis) - Inhabits Namibia and northern Botswana. Generally lighter in color with large, irregular patches with notched or pointed edges.
Behavior & Habits
Giraffes are browsers, feeding primarily on acacia and other thorny trees, using their long necks to reach foliage inaccessible to other herbivores. They feed throughout the day, with peak activity in early morning and late afternoon.
Despite their size, giraffes have excellent vision—the best of any land mammal—and can spot movement from great distances. They are not territorial but live in loose, fluid groups. Bulls engage in "necking" contests for dominance, swinging their heavy heads at rivals.
Trophy Considerations
Giraffe do not have official SCI or Rowland Ward trophy minimums. Trophy quality is judged by body size, age indicators (dark coloration, heavy ossicones, skull bosses), and overall condition. Old bulls past their prime are typically selected for hunting, often through management programs that remove animals from the breeding population.
Hunting Seasons & Regions
South Africa
South Africa hosts the largest huntable giraffe population, with both wild and game ranch opportunities available throughout multiple provinces. The Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces offer excellent giraffe hunting.
- • Season: Year-round (no closed season)
- • Best Hunting: May-September (dry season, thinner vegetation)
- • Terrain: Bushveld, open woodlands, savannah
- • Subspecies: South African giraffe
- • Method: Spot-and-stalk, tracking
Namibia
Namibia offers excellent giraffe hunting on private conservancies in the northern regions. The Angolan giraffe subspecies found here tends to be lighter in coloration, with some individuals in arid northwestern areas appearing almost cream-colored.
- • Season: February 1 - November 30
- • Best Hunting: June-October (cooler, drier months)
- • Terrain: Semi-arid woodland, Kalahari sandveld
- • Subspecies: Angolan giraffe
- • Method: Spot-and-stalk, vehicle approach then stalk
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe provides opportunities for giraffe hunting on private game ranches and conservancies. Hunting here offers a more traditional safari experience with diverse wildlife populations.
- • Season: May-November typically
- • Best Hunting: August-October (dry season peak)
- • Terrain: Miombo woodland, mixed bushveld
- • Subspecies: South African giraffe
- • Method: Spot-and-stalk, tracking from water
Conservation Through Hunting
Giraffe hunting in Southern Africa is strictly regulated and plays an important role in conservation:
- • Revenue supports habitat preservation and anti-poaching efforts
- • Many hunts target old bulls past breeding age for population management
- • Some game ranches must cull 30-40 giraffe annually to prevent overgrazing
- • Southern giraffe populations are increasing thanks in part to sustainable utilization
- • CITES Appendix II listing (2019) regulates international trade in giraffe products
Hunting Techniques
Spot and Stalk
The primary method for giraffe hunting. Their height makes them easy to locate from distance, but getting within ethical shooting range requires skill and patience.
- • Use terrain features, vegetation, and shade for concealment
- • Approach from downwind—giraffes have good sense of smell
- • Move when they're feeding with heads down in vegetation
- • Freeze when they raise their heads to scan
- • Typical shooting distances: 60-100 yards
Tracking
Following giraffe tracks (very distinctive, large heart-shaped prints) can be effective, especially when hunting a specific known bull.
- • Giraffe spoor is unmistakable due to size and shape
- • Track from water or feeding areas in early morning
- • Droppings indicate how recently an animal passed
- • Watch for browsing damage at typical giraffe feeding height
- • Works well in areas with sandy substrate
Water Hole Hunting
While not as common, hunting near water during the dry season can be productive. Giraffes must drink periodically and adopt a vulnerable splayed-leg position to reach water.
- • Most effective in dry season when water is limited
- • Position blind downwind of known water points
- • Dawn and late afternoon are prime drinking times
- • Be patient—giraffe may only drink every 2-3 days
Shot Placement (Critical)
Proper shot placement on giraffe is essential. Their anatomy differs significantly from other African plains game, and poor hits can result in lengthy tracking or lost animals.
- • Heart/Lung: Aim at the crease behind the front leg, one-third up the body. The heart sits lower than in most animals.
- • High Shoulder: Breaks down the animal immediately but requires precise shot
- • Neck/Spine: For experienced hunters only; requires heavy caliber and precise placement
- • Avoid: Headshots—the brain is small relative to skull size
- • Important: Follow your PH's guidance on shot selection
Recommended Equipment
Firearms
Giraffe have thick, tough skin requiring substantial caliber. Most professional hunters recommend .375 H&H as minimum.
- • .375 H&H Magnum - Minimum recommended; versatile African caliber
- • .416 Rigby/.416 Remington - Excellent choice with superior penetration
- • .458 Winchester/.458 Lott - Very effective for body shots
- • 9.3x62 - Minimum legal in many areas; adequate with quality bullets
Note: 7mm magnums may be legal but are generally not recommended for body shots.
Bullet Selection
Bullet construction is as important as caliber for giraffe. Deep penetration is essential.
- • Solids - Recommended for body shots; ensure adequate penetration through thick hide and heavy bone
- • Premium Soft Points - Swift A-Frame, Nosler Partition, Barnes TSX for combined expansion and penetration
- • Bonded Bullets - Good choice when expansion is needed (neck/spine shots)
Optics
- • Binoculars - 8x42 or 10x42 for glassing and trophy evaluation
- • Rifle Scope - 1.5-6x or 2-7x variable; low magnification for thick bush
- • Rangefinder - Useful for confirming distances, especially in open terrain
Field Gear
- • Shooting Sticks - Essential; standing shots are common
- • Quiet Clothing - Neutral colors; avoid bright or UV-treated fabrics
- • Quality Boots - Comfortable for extended stalking over rough terrain
- • Hat & Sunscreen - Essential in African sun
Hunt Preparation
Physical Preparation
Giraffe hunting typically involves moderate physical exertion, though distances covered can be significant in pursuit of a specific animal.
- • Build walking endurance—expect 3-5 miles daily in the field
- • Practice shooting from standing position with shooting sticks
- • Get comfortable with your heavy caliber rifle; manage recoil confidently
- • Acclimate to heat if hunting during warmer months
Licensing & Documentation
Required paperwork varies by country and destination:
- • CITES: Giraffe added to Appendix II in 2019; export permits required
- • Hunting License: Issued through your outfitter; included in package
- • Firearm Import: Temporary import permit arranged by outfitter
- • U.S. Import: No ESA restrictions for Southern giraffe; confirm current regulations
- • Allow 6+ months for trophy processing and shipping
Trophy Handling
Giraffe present unique taxidermy considerations due to their size:
- • Shoulder Mount: Extremely large; requires significant wall space (10+ feet)
- • European/Skull Mount: Popular alternative; displays distinctive ossicones
- • Flat Skin: Can be used for rugs, though very large
- • Hide: Thick, leather-like; popular for furniture and accessories
- • Discuss trophy preferences with outfitter before the hunt
Judging Trophy Quality
Without official record book minimums, trophy quality is judged on different criteria:
- • Age Indicators: Darker coat color (old bulls are almost chocolate brown)
- • Ossicones: Heavy, worn ossicones with visible calcium deposits
- • Skull Bumps: Old bulls develop knobbly protrusions on skull
- • Battle Scars: Evidence of necking contests indicates mature bull
- • Body Size: Overall mass and height
- • Smell: Old bulls have a very strong, distinctive odor
Pro Tips
Trust Your PH's Judgment
Giraffe shot placement is counterintuitive compared to other plains game. The heart sits lower than expected, and the vital zone is different. Listen carefully to your Professional Hunter's guidance on where to aim—they know giraffe anatomy intimately.
Take the Broadside Shot
Wait for a perfect broadside presentation. Quartering shots on giraffe are problematic due to their massive shoulder structure and thick hide. A patient wait for the right angle prevents wounded animals and lengthy tracking.
Use Adequate Caliber
This is not the hunt to bring your light plains game rifle. Giraffe have incredibly thick, tough hide—similar to elephant. The .375 H&H is the minimum recommended, and many experienced hunters prefer the .416 or larger for peace of mind.
Watch the Eyes
Giraffe have the best eyesight of any land mammal. Their elevated position gives them a tremendous vantage point. Always stay in cover, move when their attention is elsewhere, and never underestimate their ability to spot you from distance.
Plan Your Trophy Mount Early
A full shoulder mount of a giraffe requires enormous wall space—think 10+ feet tall and correspondingly wide. If you don't have a trophy room that can accommodate this, consider alternatives like a European mount or neck-up pedestal. Discuss with your outfitter before the hunt.
Be Prepared for Emotion
Many hunters experience strong emotions when hunting giraffe due to their charismatic nature. This is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Remember that well-managed hunting directly supports giraffe conservation and that the meat feeds many families.
Bring a Follow-Up Shot
Even with perfect shot placement, giraffe can cover significant ground before going down. Be ready with a follow-up shot if needed. A wounded giraffe can run for miles, so a quick, ethical finishing shot is always preferable to extended tracking.
Trophy Information
Record Books
Giraffe are not tracked in official SCI or Rowland Ward record books. Trophy quality is based on age, condition, and physical characteristics rather than measurable dimensions.
Trophy Bull Indicators
- • Dark chocolate-brown coloration
- • Heavy, worn ossicones
- • Calcified skull bumps
- • Extensive battle scars
- • Strong distinctive odor
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name Giraffa camelopardalis
- Family Giraffidae
- Lifespan 20-28 years
- Gestation ~15 months
- Diet Browser (acacia)
- Heart Weight ~25 lbs
- Neck Vertebrae 7 (same as humans)
Related Hunts
Estimated Costs
*Prices vary by outfitter and package inclusions