Females stay in their mothers' territories, males leave in all-male groups to search for females in heat. Both male and female giraffes have horns, but males are distinguishable at a distance from females because of their different grazing habits. Males tend to stretch their necks to reach the tops of taller trees, while females tend to bend over smaller trees. Giraffes can usually be found together in groups of 12-15. There are no permanent members of the group. Herds are led by an adult male (bull) and are composed of adult females (cows), calves, and sexually immature males. Females are usually the most alert to danger.

When startled, a giraffe can gallop at speeds up to 45kph. The hind feet of a galloping giraffe reach in front of the fore feet, and the animals swing their necks from side to side, producing a slow-motion appearance.

Giraffes' long, flexible tongues and muscular upper lips are used to rip leaves from the branches of acacia and mimosa trees. Giraffe don't migrate during the dry season but get their food and most of their moisture from leaves. Giraffes can go for over a month without drinking and do so often, perhaps because of the vulnerable position they must assume in order to drink. This also may be the reason giraffes do not graze on grass.

Giraffes are available for the serious trophy hunter on a hunt with South African Hunting Safaris.