One of the most iconic hotels in the world, stately Giraffe Manor is tucked into a leafy indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. The nearly 100-year-old property shares its grounds with a herd of Nubian giraffes, who regularly appear at breakfast, poking their big heads through the windows to start their day with a hearty serving of grass pellets (your menu is more exciting). Beyond giraffe hangouts, you can spend your first days in Kenya luxuriating in the infinity pool, munching lunch in the courtyard, and sipping sundowners on the terrace.
Nesting arrangements
The 12 country-house-style bedrooms (think four-poster beds and floral fabrics) are split evenly between the original 1932 Historic Manor and the replica Garden Manor – the former is typically reserved for guests on a circuit of Safari Collection properties, such as Sala’s Camp and Sasaab.
The rooms are all decorated individually, with views across the forested sanctuary, and are often frequented by those leggy neighbours. Families have a choice of two-bedroom units, such as the Finch Hatton Suite in the Garden Manor, which is above the breakfast room – in the morning, you can feed the giraffes from your bedroom balcony.
Food philosophy
Giraffe Manor rates include all meals and most drinks. When the weather’s good, you can dine outside in the courtyard, and on chillier evenings, dinner will be served inside (both manors have dining rooms). If you’re staying for two nights, your second evening may feature a private candlelit dinner in the orchid house or in the wine cellar.
Afternoon tea is a late arvo ritual where a spread of sweet and savoury treats is laid out – something that doesn’t escape the notice of the resident giants. And don’t miss sundowners at the Historic Manor’s bar – we recommend Kelly’s Kick, a zesty vodka cocktail named after a particularly feisty giraffe.
Secret sauce
No surprises here – Giraffe Manor’s USP is in the name. A herd of critically endangered Nubian (also known as Rothschild’s) giraffes live in the sanctuary on which the hotel is based – and they have a habit of popping up throughout your stay.
These supermodels of the bush are regular guests at breakfast – if you’re not a morning person, you must make an exception here. Hold out a handful of their dried grass pellets and try not to be alarmed by their 20-inch, purple-blue tongues. If you’re staying above the breakfast room, you might wake up to a nosy, long-lashed face peering into your window. There is really nowhere else like this. Lean into the surrealness and make sure you soak up the experience without getting too distracted by the photo ops.
Want to learn more about your neck-cellent neighbours? Head on over to the Giraffe Centre, a short stroll away, where you can read about the conservation-based breeding programme.
One more thing…
The Retreat is Giraffe Manor’s new wellness centre – an absolute must-visit for tired travellers and a handy place to hang out if you have a late flight (booking ahead is essential). Swim laps in the 21-metre infinity pool or loosen your muscles with a hot tub dip. Book a massage or a facial in the spa. Blow off steam in the gym or spend a while reading in the rooftop garden. Day rooms are available if you need somewhere to relax or nap before an evening flight, and you can have lunch at Daisy’s Café, too.
