Why Giraffe Staring is Your Best Lion Early-Warning System

Eyes Above the Grass

In the bush, you don’t always find the big moments, sometimes, they find you. I was rolling along the S50 when I noticed a giraffe standing dead still, neck stretched, eyes locked on the thicket. That’s your cue! Giraffes don’t stare for fun; they’ve seen something worth staring at.

I followed its gaze, and sure enough a male lion cutting through the bush like a moving shadow. Moments later, I found his brother and a lioness in the road, deep in their mating ritual. Kruger National Park never fails! The Giraffe Rule

• If a giraffe looks, you look.

• If it stares longer than 10 seconds, stop and scan.

• If it snorts and backs off, pick up your camera.

  
  

That day taught me what every ranger already knows, giraffes are one of the bush’s best intel.

What’s your most reliable bush signal?

• Giraffes staring
• Bird alarm calls
• Impala snorting
• Gut instinct

Reader Question:

Have you ever followed animal behavior that led to a big sighting? Tell us your best “bush tip-off” story. at howzit@khakibush.com and get featured in the next issue!