Giraffe Manor is a building with a history that goes back to the early 1930s. Modeled on a Scottish hunting lodge, it was a private residence until the 1960s, when it was turned into an investment property. It eventually went into disrepair until the building was purchased and transformed in the mid-1970s from a large house for 1 family to a 6-bedroom hotel. Several years later, another building, similar to the original, was built on the 115 acre property with another 6 bedrooms inside it.
But what about the giraffes???
From Giraffe Manor’s website:
Giraffe Manor is owned by The Safari Collection and is an exclusive boutique hotel, set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. As one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, Giraffe Manor has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when European visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.
However, the coolest thing about Giraffe Manor is its herd of resident Rothschild giraffe who might visit in the morning and/or evening. Sometimes they even poke their long necks into the windows, hoping for a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
The 12 rooms at the Manor vary in size and are named after past and present giraffes (giraffes, in turn, are named after those who have significantly contributed, either financially or otherwise to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife).
Sharing breakfast with giraffes is not all Giraffe Manor has to offer. You can also take a guided walk in the sanctuary, or stroll across the lawn to the Afew Giraffe Centre. You can meet, feed and adopt a baby elephant at their onsite wildlife trust or discover the history of European settlers at the nearby Karen Blixen and Nairobi Museums. You can also relax and enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace as the sun sets behind the Ngong Hills. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made safari with The Safari Collection.
Over the years, the Manor has welcomed guests such as Mick Jagger, Walter Cronkite, Johnny Carson, Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain. They also hosted Richard Branson, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman during the launch of Virgin Atlantic’s London-Nairobi service.
Giraffe Manor’s rates are approximately $595 per adult sharing and $420 per child sharing, per night. Price includes all meals, all drinks (including house wines, house beers and house spirits), laundry, Wi-Fi access and entry into the AFEW Giraffe Centre, as well as airport/hotel transfers and provision of a car for excursions in and around the Karen and Langata area, which is where Giraffe Manor is located. They also have games like croquet & boules on hand for guests to enjoy at their leisure. The only extras a guest might incur are for gift shop purchases, spa treatments or gratuities.
Due to popularity and small size, it’s suggested you make reservations 6 to 12 months ahead of time, especially if your travel plans are not very flexible. Click here to start planning your visit today. Or if you want a better taste of Giraffe Manor before making your reservation, tune in to National Geographic on Thursday, Dec. 21st to watch ‘Amazing Hotels; Life Beyond the Lobby.’ The hosts are going to go behind the scenes at Giraffe Manor and two other incredible hotels that are a part of The Safari Collection. Don’t miss it!
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