Hunting Giraffe in Africa

Targeting the world’s tallest land animal is a hunting adventure that many strive towards. Giraffe hunting in South Africa provides all the adrenaline and excitement you expect when targeting one of Africa’s most famous big game hunting species! Standing up to 20 feet tall and weighing up to 4,200 pounds, the giraffe species is listed as “vulnerable” according to the IUCN.

There are four species of giraffes (northern giraffe, southern giraffe, Masai giraffe, and reticulated giraffe) living throughout the African continent. The southern giraffe comprises two sub-species, namely the Angolan giraffe and the South African giraffe. 

They are gentle, placid creatures that live in herds of 10-20 members, although at times they can reach up to 50 animals. They are herbivorous browsers, living mainly on leaves, tree buds, and shrubs, but will also eat herbs, vines, and seasonal fruits. Very little of their diet comprises grass. They consume up to 66 pounds of food daily but can survive on as little as 33 pounds.

Giraffes gestate for 13-15 months, producing one calf weighing around 220 pounds. The calf is up on its feet within 30 minutes and nursing within hours. The female will keep the calf well hidden, as it is extremely vulnerable to predators. The calf grows quickly and will join the herd within a few weeks.

Not many predators are brave enough to tackle an adult giraffe, as they are incredibly powerful, and one well-aimed kick can render an attacker dead. However, a pride of lions will prey on a herd of giraffes – as they say, there is safety in numbers! Nile crocodiles rarely attack a giraffe when it bends to drink, exposing its neck. Leopards, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas will also target their calves, trying to stay out of range of the parents’ debilitating kicks. When attacked, the giraffe will flee, reaching speeds of 35 miles per hour. Their speed, together with the way they move and run, assists in defending them against predators.