In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya. Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel owned by The Safari Collection. It is one of the most unique places to stay in the world. The historic manor house is set on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi and is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings.
Known by many as “The Giraffe Hotel in Africa,” Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan as a colonial hunting lodge, it was later owned by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville in 1974. This is when the owners, Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, first adopted an orphaned, endangered Rothschild’s giraffe they called Daisy. At the time, there were only 130 Rothschild Giraffes left in the world. Thanks to breeding programs, like the one at Giraffe Manor, there are now more than 300 Rothschild Giraffes safe and breeding in Kenyan national parks. Jock and Betty also founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW).
Today, Giraffe Manor is a Nairobi icon and offers one of the country’s most sought-after experiences, with visitors often remarking that stepping onto the property is akin to entering a scene from the film “Out of Africa”. The manor boasts a beautiful facade as well as elegant interiors. The peaceful courtyards and terrace, coupled with the superb gardens that are home to the resident Rothschild Giraffes, make Giraffe Manor one of the most famous (and Instagrammed) properties in the world.
One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
The Giraffe Manor also offers a uniquely untouched wilderness on the doorstep of one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan cities, the adjoining Jock Leslie-Melville Nature Education Centre, better known as the Giraffe Centre. Guided walks through its primaeval forest enable you to learn about traditional uses of the varied flora, view some of the 180 bird species and perhaps meet a warthog or bushbuck.
Giraffe Manor Activities
1. Breakfast with the Giraffes
What sets Giraffe Manor truly apart is its herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes which interact with guests in one of the most unique experiences in the world. Sometimes these giant animals poke their heads into bedroom windows or join guests at breakfast by cheekily peering in through the windows and doors looking for a morning snack.
2. Visit the Giraffe Centre
Stroll across the front lawn of the house and you will reach the AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) Giraffe Centre. Founded in 1979, the centre’s mission is to educate school children about their country’s incredible wildlife and environment, alongside their breeding programme of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Each guest of Giraffe Manor pays a donation to AFEW which goes towards their wildlife conservation projects across Kenya.
3. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust excursion (SWT)
This is an incredibly inspiring and moving experience and is highly recommended for anyone that has the time. SWT is the world’s most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme and the life-saving conservation work they carry out is incredible. At the 11:00 am viewing visitors can watch the babies enjoy their midday mud bath and milk feed, tumbling over each other in the red earth or playing football with their friends
4. Enjoy the traditional afternoon tea on the terrace.
Relaxing in the tranquil setting of the manor gardens with a giraffe or two in view, you will be served a tasty assortment of homemade cookies, cakes, sandwiches, scones and fruit platters. It is also a great chance to kick your legs into the air on an oversized garden swing and perhaps even snap a swing selfie as you feed a giraffe.
5. Spa Treatments
Wander over to the new wellness centre, The Retreat, just a short stroll away in the same forested sanctuary as Giraffe Manor. Here you’ll find yourself entering a haven of relaxation. Take a dip in the infinity pool, relax in the steam room, sauna and hot tub or re-energise with a workout in the fully equipped gym. Two spacious treatment rooms offer a range of massage and beauty treatments designed to restore your body’s natural balance and soothe away any stress.
6. Go on a Nature Walk
Explore the lush indigenous forest surrounding Giraffe Manor on a guided nature walk. You can learn about the flora and fauna of the area and spot various species of birds and monkeys.
7. Relax and Unwind
Giraffe Manor offers a serene and peaceful environment perfect for relaxing and unwinding with your partner. Enjoy a massage, take a dip in the pool, or simply relax in the gardens.
Giraffe Manor Accommodation
The Giraffe Manor has two wings (the main manor and the garden manor) with six rooms each, which also houses its own dining and lounge area.
1. The Manor
The Manor rooms are located in the original manor house that was built in 1932 and has six rooms: Betty, Daisy, Jock, Lynn, Marlon and the Karen Blixen Suite. Since the acquisition of the Giraffe Manor in April 2009, Tanya and Mikey have turned this property into one of the most sought-after hotels in the world. They have lovingly remodelled the interiors with a passion to ensure that the manor retained its 1930s character and charming history. An original art deco bathroom, antique furniture and the names of each room all reveal something of the manor’s colourful past.
2. The Garden Manor
The Garden Manor is a replica of the original Manor house, and although built 78 years apart, you would never know the difference. Constructed in 2011 by the current owners Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, much of it uses reclaimed materials from houses from a similar era as the original manor. It also has six rooms: Salma, Edd, Arlene, Helen, Kelly and the Finch Hatton Suite.
Each room enjoys views over the sanctuary and the giraffe experience offered to guests is the same regardless of which area of the house they are staying in – The resident giraffes enjoy daily visits to both buildings in search of treats. The primary difference is that the Garden Manor was created to provide accommodation exclusively for guests of the Safari Collection’s portfolio of properties so that the main house can be kept as accessible as possible to all.
The Finch Hatton Suite is ideal for families and located on the ground floor of the Garden Manor. It features a King-size and two single beds in the loft, accessed by a spiral staircase. The Karen Blixen Suite is located on the top floor of the main manor and is the largest room in the manor. The suite is ideal for families as it has two bedrooms, each with its ensuite bathroom, and a lovely lounge area.
There is also a good Wi-Fi connection available throughout the property.
Giraffe Manor Prices 2023
(Valid: 01 January 2023 – 31 December 2023)
| Superior Family Suite (Karen Blixen Suite) | Charges |
| Minimum Room Rate (2 adults & 2 children sharing) | US$ 3,630 |
| 3rd Child Rate (3yrs to 11yrs inclusive) | US$ 468 |
| Family Suite (Finch Hatton Suite) | Charges |
| Minimum Room Rate (2 adults & 2 children sharing) | US$ 3,267 |
| 3rd Child Rate (3yrs to 11yrs inclusive) | US$ 424 |
| Superior Room (Jock, Betty, Daisy, Marlon, Lynn, Arlene, Kelly, Helen, Edd & Salma) | Charges |
| Per Adult Sharing | US$ 1,062 |
| Per Child Sharing | US$ 732 |
NOTE: Superior room (Single Room) costs US$ 1,667
Can you visit Giraffe Manor without staying there?
No, you cannot visit Giraffe Manor if you are not staying there. The reason for this is sound. The whole point is that as a guest, you get to stay and interact with the giraffes without being surrounded by other people.
The Retreat at Giraffe Manor
The Retreat, which is located on the same sanctuary as Giraffe Manor, offers a wellness experience for Giraffe Manor guests as well as a day room facility for guests of The Safari Collection portfolio. During their stay at Giraffe Manor, guests are welcome to use The Retreat facilities. The retreat offers the below;
1. Pool
Glide through the 21-metre infinity pool which looks out over the giraffe sanctuary. The herds of Rothschild’s giraffes can wander up to the end of the pool, so you might have a long-legged spectator or two. The poolside deck with sun loungers is a lovely space for relaxation and listening to the birdsong floating down from the surrounding trees.
2. Spa
Two spacious en-suite spa rooms and expert therapists offer a pampering selection of massage and beauty treatments. They use delightfully aromatic, all-natural and organic products from Healing Earth and Cinnabar Green. Book your treatment in advance!
3. Sauna, Steam & Hot Tub
The soothing spa area also has a traditional sauna, steam room and bubbling hot tub that guests can combine with their massages.
4. Gym
A fully equipped gym looks out onto the garden and has everything needed for a full-body workout. A tranquil green roof space, ideal for reading a book or simply contemplating the African adventure you have just experienced, or are about to embark on.
Giraffe Manor Restaurant
The restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests can interact with the giraffes as they eat. During meal times, the giraffes often stick their long necks through the windows in search of treats. Guests are encouraged to feed the giraffes small pellets of food that are provided by the hotel staff, and it’s not uncommon to have a friendly giraffe join you for breakfast.
The Giraffe Manor Restaurant serves a variety of local and international cuisine, and the menu changes regularly based on seasonal availability. The hotel also has a popular high tea service, where guests can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats while surrounded by giraffes. Overall, dining at the Giraffe Manor Restaurant is a truly unique and memorable experience that shouldn’t be missed if you’re visiting Nairobi.
Giraffe Manor Bookings
Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night by email at reservations@giraffemanor.com or call them at +254 20 7123300 or do the booking as part of a complete tailor-made Kenya safari with The Safari Collection.
It’s recommended to book well in advance as the property is very popular and tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Keep in mind that the rates for Giraffe Manor are higher than standard hotels due to its unique experience and limited number of rooms. Additionally, they have a strict cancellation policy, so make sure to review their terms and conditions before making a reservation.
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