Leopard Hunting in Zimbabwe plus 7 x Plains Game Trophies
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Giraffe hunts in Africa are a true specialty game hunting experience, with this hunt requiring patience, precision, and extremely accurate shot placement to harvest this long-necked species.
Giraffes are native to sub-Saharan Africa and prefer habitats that include savannas, open woodlands, scattered forests, and grasslands. Giraffes are found in more than 20 African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Chad, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, and South Sudan.
According to a recent major conservation reclassification of the Giraffe by the IUCN, in August 2025, there are now four main species, with seven subspecies:
Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
West African giraffe (G. c. peralta)
Kordofan giraffe (G. c. antiquorum)
Nubian giraffe (G. c. camelopardalis)
Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata)
Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi)
Masai giraffe (G. t. tippelskirchi)
Luangwa/Thornicroft’s giraffe (G. t. thornicrofti)
Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa)
South African giraffe (G. g. giraffa)
Angolan giraffe (G. g. angolensis)
Each of these giraffe species has a distinct range. For example, the South African giraffe is found in southern Angola, northern Botswana, northern South Africa, Zimbabwe, and neighboring countries, while the Reticulated Giraffe occurs mainly in northern and northeastern Kenya, southern Ethiopia, and Somalia.
Giraffe hunting in Africa is all about the thrill of stalking one of the Dark Continent’s most majestic creatures and harvesting one of Africa’s most unusual hunting trophies. Not only are giraffes Africa’s tallest animals, but they also provide a unique challenge to hunters.
This hunt requires exceptional stalking ability to approach the animals undetected, along with accurate marksmanship to humanely harvest such a large mammal. For many hunters, pursuing a giraffe represents a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience and creates lasting memories of hunting one of Africa’s most recognizable species.
For hunters planning African plains game hunting safaris, pursuing a giraffe offers one of the most unique and memorable hunting experiences available in Africa.
Giraffe hunts have been part of Africa’s history for millennia. Historically they were hunted for sustenance and hides, while modern hunting safaris pursue mature bulls under carefully managed wildlife conservation systems.
While giraffe numbers are declining in certain regions due to habitat loss and poaching, regulated hunting in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe contributes revenue toward conservation, wildlife management, and rural communities.
A CITES permit is required for a giraffe hunt, with South Africa also requiring a TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) permit.
Giraffe hunts can be standalone hunts of around four days, or form part of a larger African plains game hunting safari.
While giraffes occur in numerous sub-Saharan countries, it is currently legal to hunt them in three primary destinations: South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
South Africa’s Limpopo province is renowned for its exceptional plains game hunting opportunities and remains one of the most popular destinations for South Africa giraffe hunting safaris. Other provinces popular for giraffe hunting safaris include KwaZulu-Natal (particularly Zululand) and the North West province.
Zimbabwe also offers giraffe hunts, with popular areas including the Mashonaland and Matabeleland regions.
Namibia’s northern regions such as Kunene and Kavango also offer well-managed opportunities for hunters pursuing Namibia giraffe hunting safaris.
A giraffe hunt is legal in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, with both rifle and bow hunting permitted.
In South Africa, hunting takes place throughout the year. Namibia’s hunting season runs from February to the end of November. Zimbabwe’s hunting season generally runs from April through October.
The best time to harvest this tall trophy is during the dry, cooler months of May to October. During this time giraffes are more likely to gather near remaining water sources, making them easier to locate.
Giraffe hunting safaris provide a unique experience for hunters wanting to pursue an unusual and impressive African trophy.
A mature giraffe bull can stand between 16 and 18 feet tall and weigh between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds. Because giraffes continue growing throughout their lives, older bulls are often identified by thicker ossicones, darker coat patterns, and larger overall body size.
A mature bull harvested on safari is considered an exceptional and unusual trophy for any serious African hunting collection.
Most giraffe hunts are conducted using spot-and-stalk hunting methods. Professional hunters and trackers first locate giraffe herds by glassing from elevated terrain or by following fresh tracks.
Once a mature bull is identified, the hunting party carefully stalks within range using terrain, vegetation, and wind direction to remain undetected. Because giraffes stand far above surrounding vegetation and possess excellent eyesight, closing the final distance can often be the most challenging part of the hunt.
A giraffe hunt can be undertaken as a standalone safari or as part of a larger African plains game hunt. These safaris typically include:
Exclusions and optional extras when Giraffe hunting in Africa:
Shot placement on a giraffe differs from most plains game due to the animal’s height and anatomy.
The preferred shot is typically placed high on the shoulder to break the spine or through the heart-lung area when the animal is broadside.
Due to the animal’s size, thick skin, and heavy bone structure, professional hunters generally recommend a minimum caliber of .375 H&H or similar to ensure a quick and ethical harvest.
A harvested giraffe provides a significant quantity of meat that is widely used within local communities and hunting camps. The hide is often used to produce leather goods, furniture coverings, and traditional crafts.
Ethical hunting operations ensure that the entire animal is utilized while contributing valuable revenue to conservation and rural economies.
Whether it’s finding Giraffe hunts, stalking across African savannas, or planning your next safari adventure, we’re here to deliver the experience of a lifetime with integrity and precision.
✉️ Contact us today to speak with an expert and plan your tailored giraffe hunting adventure.
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