Giraffe Manor is a luxury boutique hotel located in Nairobi, Kenya, renowned for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild giraffes that roam the grounds. It’s one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, where you can experience the rare opportunity of interacting with giraffes in an intimate, natural setting. Staying at Giraffe Manor is like entering a storybook.
A Brief History of Giraffe Manor
Long before it became the world’s most photogenic boutique hotel, Giraffe Manor was simply a 1930s colonial home on the leafy outskirts of Nairobi. Giraffe Manor has a rich history dating back to the 1930s, and its historical charm is evident in the architecture and decor.
Built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, it was modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge, featuring ivy-covered walls, tall windows, and manicured lawns that stretched into the Ngong Forest. The Manor was modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge, and was constructed in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, a member of the Mackintosh family, of Mackintosh's Toffee fame, originally sitting on 150 acres (61 ha) of land running down to the Mbagathi River, the southern boundary of the city of Nairobi.
In 1974, the Manor was purchased by Betty Leslie-Melville and her husband Jock, along with 15 acres (6.1 ha) of the original 150 acres (0.61 km2). The giraffes came much later, and with them, the Manor’s transformation into legend.
In the 1970s, Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, a conservation-minded couple, purchased the house. Betty, in particular, was passionate about protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, a subspecies whose population had plummeted to fewer than 150 individuals in the wild. What started as a conservation effort quickly turned into something extraordinary.
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Shortly after purchasing the Manor, the Leslie-Melvilles learned that the only remaining Rothschild's giraffes (now subsumed under the name 'Nubian' after being found to be genetically identical) in Kenya were in danger due to the purchase by the Kenyan government of an 18,000-acre (73 km2) privately owned ranch (to resettle squatters, some of them speculated to be descendants of victims of land expulsion by the British colonial government) at Soy, near Eldoret, which was the Rothschilds' sole habitat in Kenya. Daisy was soon joined by another baby giraffe, Marlon (named after Marlon Brando), and since then the Manor, in conjunction with locations such as Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, England, has run a breeding programme to reintroduce the Rothschild giraffe into the wild to expand the gene pool.
In 1983, Rick Anderson (Betty's son) and his wife moved onto the "Giraffe Manor Hotel" property to take over management of Giraffe Manor as a small, private hotel where guests could feed the giraffe from their breakfast table, through the front door, and out of their 2nd story bedroom window.
In March 2009, Giraffe Manor was purchased by Mikey and Tanya Carr-Hartley. 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 1930’s character and charming history.
Today, the Manor remains both a heritage building and a sanctuary, housing a herd of Rothschild’s giraffes alongside a foundation dedicated to their protection.
The Giraffe Experience
Giraffes roam freely around the estate and are a central part of the experience at Giraffe Manor. Guests have the opportunity to get up close with the giraffes. The morning and evening feeding sessions are prime opportunities to interact with these gentle giants.
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The experience includes close encounters with the resident giraffes that often eat from your hands or poke their heads into the windows during breakfast. The experience is tailored to all types of travelers, from families to honeymooners.
During a giraffe feeding session, guests will have the opportunity to hand-feed the giraffes from the comfort of the manor’s veranda. You’ll be able to meet the resident giraffes up close, and if you’re lucky, you may also see them poking their long necks through windows or joining you at breakfast.
It’s equal parts hilarious and surreal to have a giraffe sharing your toast and tea. Another highlight is afternoon tea on the lawns: Picture delicate pastries, scones, and champagne served as giraffes stroll by and warthogs snuffle in the grass. It feels like stepping into a scene from a storybook.
Guests in the right rooms (Betty, Daisy, Marlon) may have giraffes come up to their windows in the evening, looking for a final treat before retreating into the sanctuary for the night. The rhythm of the giraffes is predictable; mornings and late afternoons are their social hours.
The giraffes at Giraffe Manor are part of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s efforts to save the Rothschild giraffe from extinction. Giraffe Manor plays an important role in the conservation of the endangered Rothschild giraffe. The giraffes at Giraffe Manor are part of a wider conservation effort by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, aimed at increasing the population of this critically endangered species.
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The story began in the 1970s, when the population of the Nubian subspecies of giraffe (formerly classified as Rothschild’s) had fallen to fewer than 100 in Kenya. Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, then owners of the manor, founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and started a breeding programme on the grounds.
Thanks to their efforts, and continued work by AFEW and The Safari Collection, the population has grown to over 1,000 today. Today, every stay at Giraffe Manor contributes directly to giraffe conservation. A portion of each guest’s fee supports AFEW, whose Giraffe Centre next door now educates over 50,000 Kenyan school children a year.
The Giraffe Centre: Right next door and also run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the Giraffe Centre is open to the public but free for Manor guests. Here you can learn more about the Rothschild’s giraffe conservation program and even feed the giraffes from a raised platform.
Rooms and Accommodation
Giraffe Manor offers a variety of rooms and suites that cater to different preferences. The rooms are elegantly furnished, offering comfort, style, and a historical touch. The rooms at Giraffe Manor are all designed with elegance and luxury in mind. They are spacious, with classic English-style décor and modern amenities.
Some rooms overlook the giraffes’ grazing areas, allowing you to witness their majestic presence directly from your window. The Giraffe Manor’s Layout and the Rooms. What many don’t realize before booking is that Giraffe Manor is split into two wings, the Historic Manor and the Garden Manor. Together, they hold just 12 rooms, intimate, exclusive, and each with its own character.
Built in 1932, the original part of Giraffe Manor in Nairobi retains much of its historic character and quirky charm. With just six uniquely designed rooms, guests can enjoy an intimate and exclusive retreat in what was once a much-loved family home. Each room is named after a little piece of Giraffe Manor’s colourful history.
First floor rooms include Betty, Daisy, Marlon, Jock and the spacious Karen Blixen Suite, perfect for families. The Garden Manor seamlessly blends modern luxury with timeless history. Built in 2011 by Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, this beautiful replica mirrors the original manor house, constructed 78 years earlier. Authentic Design: Constructed using reclaimed materials from houses of a similar era to the original manor.
Luxurious Accommodation: Features six unique rooms-Salma, Edd, Arlene, Helen, Kelly, and the Finch Hatton Suite. Unparalleled Views: All rooms overlook the sanctuary, offering breathtaking sights and close interactions with our resident giraffes. Daily Giraffe Visits: Whether staying in the Garden Manor or Historic Manor, guests enjoy the same magical giraffe encounters.
ROOM TYPES At Giraffe Manor, there are ten Superior Rooms (Betty, Daisy, Jock, Marlon, Lynn, Helen, Kelly, Arlene, Edd, and Salma), one Superior Family Suite with two en-suite bedrooms (Karen Blixen Suite), and one Family Suite with a ground-level double bed and with twin beds on a mezzanine.
Historic Manor Rooms
- Betty Suite - Perhaps the most iconic room, with large windows where giraffes can stretch their necks right in for morning treats.
- Daisy - Another favorite, named after one of the first giraffes brought to the estate, also with prime giraffe access.
- Marlon, Jock, Lynn - Luxurious, charming, but not all offer the same giraffe through the window moment. Some face away from the feeding lawns, so guests will interact with giraffes mainly during communal mealtimes or outside in the gardens.
Garden Manor Rooms
Added in 2011 to meet demand, this wing mirrors the original architecture but with a lighter, more contemporary feel.
- Salma, Arlene, Kelly, Helen, Edd - These rooms surround the central courtyard and gardens. Guests here will usually meet giraffes in the shared dining terrace or lawns rather than directly at their windows.
Located on the same sanctuary as Giraffe Manor, The Retreat offers Manor House guests a tranquil space in which to relax and enjoy a range of wellness facilities at any time during their stay, within check-in and check-out hours. These include a pool, gym, steam room, sauna, and hot tub. A selection of pampering spa treatments is available to book at an extra cost.
Dining at Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor’s dining experience is just as exceptional as the accommodations. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals while being joined by giraffes during breakfast or tea time. Guests at Giraffe Manor are treated to exquisite dining experiences, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Breakfast is served in the Manor’s dining room, where the giraffes often appear at the windows to join guests for their morning meal. The menu features traditional English breakfasts, fresh fruit, pastries, and gourmet options.
Meals are served in the dining room and courtyard space, both of which were designed to accommodate the maximum number of overnight guests. Unlike most hotels, we do not have a traditional ‘à la carte’ restaurant and the kitchen caters only for expected guests, much like a remote safari lodge or private home does.
Booking and Planning Your Visit
Giraffe Manor is a luxury accommodation, and its pricing reflects its exclusivity and unique experience. The rates at Giraffe Manor can range from $500 to $1,000 per night for two people, depending on the time of year and room selection. These prices include all meals and drinks, which is a significant value considering the luxury and the inclusion of the giraffe interaction experience.
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive property with very high demand from all over the globe. You might be wondering how much it costs to spend at Giraffe Manor for a night. Due to its high demand, it attracts high rates, making it an amazing, exclusive property in Nairobi, Kenya, for your safari.
It’s crucial to book early, especially during the high season, as the manor is in high demand. The best time to visit Giraffe Manor depends on your preferences for weather and activity levels. The best time to visit Giraffe Manor is during Kenya’s dry season, which runs from June to October. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and the giraffes are more active, providing ample opportunities for feeding and interactions.
Here’s the catch: to book Giraffe Manor, especially the historic manor, where you have an opportunity to feed and have breakfast with giraffes, you need to combine your stay with at least one of these other lodges.
- Sasaab in Samburu - desert landscapes, Samburu culture, elephants, and rugged beauty.
- Solio Lodge near Nanyuki - a private rhino sanctuary with incredible wildlife density.
- Sala’s Camp in the Maasai Mara - a classic tented camp for big cat action and migration sightings.
Prime rooms (like Betty or Daisy): often booked 12 to 18 months ahead. Other rooms in either wing: you might find space 6 to 9 months ahead if you’re lucky. Last minute? Very rare, unless someone cancels. Even then, you’ll need flexibility.
It is highly recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred dates, as Giraffe Manor has limited room availability and is often fully booked, especially during peak seasons.
FEEDING GIRAFFES FROM MY BEDROOM !!!
Getting There and Around
Getting to Giraffe Manor is straightforward, especially if you are staying in Nairobi. Giraffe Manor is located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, a short 20-minute drive from Nairobi’s city center. It is easily accessible by taxi or private vehicle.
Giraffe Manor is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour away from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, depending on traffic. The most effective method to reach Giraffe Manor from either Nairobi Airport or Wilson Airport is to book a private transfer or taxi, which is both convenient and quick, taking between 25 to 60 minutes based on traffic conditions.
Although Giraffe Manor offers private transfers from either Nairobi Airport or Wilson Airport using their own transfer vehicles, which is highly recommended. We advise our guests to alert us while making their bookings for Giraffe Manor with us, to ensure they note if they would like us to arrange a private transfer for them.
Additional Information
Here are some additional details to help you plan your stay:
- Family-Friendly: Yes, Giraffe Manor is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages. However, it is recommended for children to be aged 5 and above due to the nature of the experience and the manor’s environment.
- Day Visits: Yes, it is possible to visit Giraffe Manor as a day guest, although the primary experience is available to overnight guests. Day visitors can visit the nearby Giraffe Centre to interact with the giraffes and learn about conservation efforts.
- Mobility: While Giraffe Manor aims to accommodate guests with mobility challenges, the terrain and the historic nature of the manor may not be ideal for those with significant mobility issues.
- Length of Stay: A two- to three-night stay is ideal for guests who want to fully enjoy the giraffe interactions, explore the surrounding area, and participate in educational activities.
- Wi-Fi: Yes, Giraffe Manor provides Wi-Fi access for its guests.
- Dress Code: Giraffe Manor maintains a casual and relaxed dress code, suitable for the laid-back safari atmosphere. Comfortable, breathable clothing is recommended, especially for outdoor activities and walking tours. It’s also advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
- Gifts for Giraffes: While guests can interact with the giraffes and enjoy feeding them, bringing gifts for the giraffes is not encouraged.
- Meals: Yes, meals are included for guests staying at Giraffe Manor. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the manor’s elegant dining room, and the food is prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Private Events: Yes, Giraffe Manor offers the option for private events and dinners, such as intimate meals or celebrations.
- Nearby Activities: While Giraffe Manor itself is not located within a national park, guests can book guided tours or safaris to nearby Nairobi National Park, where they can see a range of wildlife.
Safety and Security
Nairobi is viewed as a safe destination for tourists going to Giraffe Manor, situated in the secure and well-maintained suburb of Karen. Although it is wise to exercise general caution when traveling in Kenya due to risks of crime and terrorism, this concern is more applicable to the broader city, especially the downtown region, and is not a major issue at high-security venues like Giraffe Manor.
General travel advice for Kenya and Nairobi advises exercising a high degree of caution, especially in public places and shopping malls, due to the potential for crime and terrorism. Avoid walking alone at night and be particularly cautious in the CBD (Central Business District), especially if there are protests or large demonstrations. Use reputable transportation options like pre-booked drivers or trusted services like Uber instead of walking alone at night, notes TripAdvisor users.
Final Thoughts
What makes Giraffe Manor unforgettable isn’t just that you get close to giraffes; plenty of safari lodges offer wildlife encounters. It’s the intimacy of the place. With so few rooms, every guest is known by name, and every giraffe interaction feels personal.
In the end, Giraffe Manor isn’t just a hotel, it’s a story, a conservation legacy, and a living fairytale. If you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience, Giraffe Manor should be on your bucket list.
The new booking policy is applicable from 1st August 2023 for new bookings for 2025 and beyond. Both parts of the manor have breakfast rooms with large windows for the giraffes to visit when they choose to.
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