_{Giraffe Manor: A Luxury Safari Stay Like No Other – Please note: Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners, who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about, as well as where and how they appear on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.}

Few hotels in the world can offer you breakfast with a giraffe peeking through your window. In Nairobi, Kenya, Giraffe Manor blends luxury accommodation, wildlife encounters, and African charm into one unforgettable experience. This boutique property has become an icon in luxury travel, attracting visitors who dream of staying in a historic manor surrounded by Rothschild’s giraffes.

From its storied history to its breathtaking surroundings, Giraffe Manor is more than a place to stay—it’s a destination in itself.

The History and Heritage of Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor was built in the 1930s, during the heyday of European safari travel in East Africa. Its design was inspired by the stately hunting lodges of Scotland, but it has always had a distinctly Kenyan soul. In the 1970s, the property became a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, and today it remains both a conservation hub and a luxurious retreat.

The manor’s history is deeply tied to its conservation mission. Guests are not just staying in a hotel—they are participating in an ongoing effort to protect one of the rarest giraffe species in the world.

Location: Where City Meets Wilderness

Giraffe Manor is located in the leafy suburb of Langata, just a short drive from Nairobi’s city center. Its unique setting means guests can experience a serene, private escape without venturing far from the capital’s attractions. Discover more.

The grounds are lush, with manicured lawns, ancient trees, and vibrant gardens. Beyond the property’s gates lies the Giraffe Centre, which works closely with the manor to care for and breed Rothschild’s giraffes before releasing them into the wild.

The Giraffe Experience

Breakfast with Giraffes

The most famous part of a stay at Giraffe Manor is the morning ritual. As guests enjoy a gourmet breakfast, curious giraffes stroll up to the windows and balconies, gently nudging for treats. Feeding them is encouraged, and the interaction is both magical and humbling.

Afternoon Tea on the Lawn

In the late afternoon, guests can sip tea or coffee while giraffes wander the grounds. This slower-paced experience allows more time for photographs and one-on-one encounters.

Conservation and Education

The manor’s connection to the Giraffe Centre offers guests the chance to learn about the Rothschild’s giraffe’s plight and the work being done to ensure its survival.

Luxury Accommodations

Giraffe Manor offers just 12 rooms, each uniquely decorated with a mix of antique furniture, African textiles, and modern amenities. The intimate size ensures a personalized stay.

Room Highlights

• Karen Blixen Suite: Spacious and perfect for families, with a private veranda where giraffes may visit.
• Daisy’s Room: Named after one of the original resident giraffes, featuring vintage charm and direct giraffe access.
• Lynn’s Room: Known for its romantic decor and garden views.

Each room is equipped with plush bedding, modern bathrooms, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that blends colonial elegance with contemporary comfort. Discover more.

Dining at Giraffe Manor

The culinary experience is as impressive as the wildlife encounters. Meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, blending Kenyan flavors with international techniques.

Breakfast

A multi-course affair with fresh fruit, pastries, eggs made to order, and—of course—the giraffes.

Lunch and Dinner

Dishes might include grilled seafood, Kenyan beef, or vegetarian specialties, often paired with South African wines. The intimate dining room encourages conversation among guests, many of whom share stories of their safari adventures.

Activities Beyond the Manor

While the giraffes are the main attraction, there’s plenty more to do in Nairobi’s Langata area.

The Giraffe Centre

A short walk from the manor, the Giraffe Centre is a nonprofit focused on giraffe conservation. Visitors can feed giraffes from an elevated platform and learn more about their biology.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

A sanctuary for orphaned elephants, offering a touching and educational experience.

Karen Blixen Museum

The former home of the famous Danish author, offering a glimpse into Nairobi’s colonial past.

Best Time to Visit Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is open year-round, but the experience can vary by season. Discover more.

• January to March: Warm and dry, ideal for photography.
• June to October: Cooler temperatures and peak safari season.
• November and April–May: Rainy seasons, but with fewer tourists and lush scenery.

Why Giraffe Manor Is Worth the Splurge

This is not just another luxury hotel. The unique wildlife encounters, intimate setting, and dedication to conservation make it one of the most memorable stays in the world. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a honeymooner, or a family traveler, Giraffe Manor offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Discover more.

Tips for Booking Your Stay

• Book Early: Due to its small size and global popularity, rooms often sell out months in advance.
• Stay at Least Two Nights: One night is magical, but two nights allow you to fully soak in the experience.
• Combine with a Safari: Many guests pair Giraffe Manor with a luxury safari in the Maasai Mara or Amboseli National Park.

Packing for Giraffe Manor

• Lightweight Clothing: Nairobi’s weather is generally mild, but layers are helpful.
• Comfortable Shoes: For walking the gardens and visiting nearby attractions.
• Camera Equipment: The giraffe encounters are highly photogenic.
• Neutral Colors: Ideal for blending into the environment and keeping the focus on the animals.

A Stay That Makes a Difference

By staying at Giraffe Manor, you’re directly supporting giraffe conservation in Kenya. Part of your stay contributes to breeding programs, education, and the preservation of natural habitats.

The Magic of Mornings at Giraffe Manor

Waking up to the sound of giraffes outside your window is unlike anything else. As you sip coffee and share breakfast with these gentle giants, you feel a connection to nature that is rare in modern travel.

This is the essence of Giraffe Manor: luxury with purpose, adventure with comfort, and wildlife with intimacy.