Giraffe Manor, Nairobi

Imagine waking up in the morning to find a giraffe poking its head through your bedroom window. Sounds like something out of a dream rather than real life, doesn’t it? But Giraffe Manor can turn that dream into a reality. A stunningly beautiful 1930s manor house turned boutique hotel just outside of Nairobi, it is set within an indigenous forest where endangered Rothschild’s giraffes roam free. Whilst all hotels have something special about them, staying at Giraffe Manor is an entirely unique experience as you share breakfast with the friendly creatures who lean their long necks through the windows, hoping for a treat or two. Every day here is a delightful adventure.

Location

Giraffe Manor is an hour’s drive from Nairobi airport and ideal as a first stop on a Kenyan safari trip. It is set in private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. During your time here you’ll no doubt be fixated on the giraffes and as well as interacting with them at the hotel itself you can wander over to the Afew Giraffe Centre and visit and adopt orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nearby.

Your room

Originally built as a family home for Sir David Duncan in 1932, the 12 rooms are all of different shapes and sizes and each has unique features, so all you have to do is pick your favourite. With perks ranging from in-room fireplaces and winding staircases to private rooftop terraces, balconies and verandas; there is something to suit everyone’s taste. They are all decorated in a 1930s style, with a particular focus on giraffe-themed art, and boast floor to ceiling windows all the better for catching up with your new long-legged friends. We recommend staying in the rooms that have giraffe access, with little bowls of pellets left on the windowsills to feed them with.

Why we like it

It is pretty clear what sets Giraffe Manor apart from any other hotel we’ve been to and staying here is an experience we can’t recommend enough. All of the giraffe interaction activities are unforgettable and will be loved by people of all ages, from sharing your breakfast with them in the morning to having a guided walking tour through their sanctuary to indulging in an afternoon tea on the terrace with them roaming in the distance. It is perfect for both a family holiday with children or a couple’s retreat, with romantic private dinners in the Orchid House a real highlight.