Giraffe Manor Hotel & Shop

Giraffe Manor Boutique Hotel in Nairobi is a unique destination that blends wildlife experiences with hospitality and a commitment to giraffe conservation. Owned by The Safari Collection, the historic manor house is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest. The hotel is known for its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces, and courtyards. The hotel is home to a resident herd of Nubian/Rothschild’s giraffes, who visit the hotel daily for treats before retreating to their forest sanctuary. The hotel offers 12 rooms, including the original manor house and the Garden Manor, each with views of the sanctuary. The hotel offers romantic four-poster beds and well-appointed ensuite bathrooms. Breakfasts are fun-filled, with guests likely to be interrupted by friendly giraffes. The hotel also offers light meals, cocktails, gourmet dinners, massages, and gym workouts. Family activities include excursions to nearby attractions like the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Karen Blixen Museum.

The manor itself is a piece of history, dating back to the 1930s, and is renowned for its elegant architecture reminiscent of an Out of Africa setting. The property spans 12 acres within a 140-acre indigenous forest in the leafy suburb of Langata, providing a serene environment where giraffes roam freely, often making appearances at breakfast or teatime through the windows or on the lawns. Each visit to Giraffe Manor is not just a stay but an adventure, blending the charm of a historic manor with the unique thrill of wildlife encounters. The manor’s commitment to conservation is evident through its ongoing breeding program, which has significantly contributed to the survival of the Rothschild’s giraffe species.

Location

Giraffe Manor is strategically located in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, making it accessible yet secluded enough to offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle. It’s approximately 20 minutes from Nairobi’s central business district, offering easy access while being enveloped by 140 acres of indigenous forest. This location ensures guests are close to Nairobi’s cultural and historical sites like the Karen Blixen Museum and Nairobi National Park, providing opportunities for cultural excursions and wildlife safaris right from the doorstep of this unique sanctuary.

Amenities

The amenities at Giraffe Manor are curated to enhance the guest experience with luxury and nature. Inside, the manor boasts:

• Luxurious Bedrooms: Each room is uniquely decorated with an emphasis on comfort and historical charm.
• Dining Areas: Guests can enjoy meals in settings where giraffes might join them at the breakfast table or during afternoon tea.
• Wellness and Spa: Adjacent to the manor, The Retreat offers spa treatments, pool, gym, and wellness facilities, all with views of the giraffe sanctuary.

Outdoor amenities include:

• Gardens: Beautifully manicured lawns, perfect for leisurely strolls or games like croquet.
• Orchid House: A tranquil spot for guests to enjoy the beauty of over 150 orchid varieties or have a private dining experience.

Activities

Giraffe Manor offers a plethora of activities designed to engage guests with both nature and culture:

• Breakfast with Giraffes: A signature experience where giraffes join guests for breakfast, offering a chance to feed them.
• Giraffe Centre Visit: Guests can visit the nearby AFEW Giraffe Centre for educational experiences and closer giraffe interactions.
• Cultural Tours: Excursions to local attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum or the Nairobi National Museum.
• Wellness Retreat: Enjoy spa treatments, swimming, and fitness at The Retreat.
• Nature Walks: Guided forest walks to explore local flora and fauna.
• Game Drives: Exclusive game viewing trips to Nairobi National Park.

History

Built in 1932, Giraffe Manor was initially a private home modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge. Its transformation into a sanctuary began in the 1970s when Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville adopted an orphaned Rothschild’s giraffe named Daisy, sparking a lifelong commitment to giraffe conservation. Under the current owners, Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, who acquired the property in 2009, Giraffe Manor has not only preserved its historical essence but also expanded its conservation efforts, making it a landmark in wildlife hospitality.

Best Time to Stay

The best time to visit Giraffe Manor is during the drier months from June to September when the weather is cooler and less humid, ideal for outdoor activities. However, Nairobi’s equatorial climate means the temperature remains relatively consistent year-round, with two main rainy seasons (March to May and October to December). Note that the manor closes in May for maintenance.

What Makes It Unique

Giraffe Manor’s uniqueness lies in its ability to offer:

• Direct Interaction with Wildlife: Guests can feed giraffes from their windows, making for memorable and Instagram-worthy moments.
• Historical Charm: The manor retains its 1930s allure, providing a nostalgic yet luxurious stay.
• Conservation Commitment: The hotel actively contributes to giraffe conservation, with guests contributing through their stay.
• Exclusive Experiences: From unique dining experiences to personalized tours, every aspect is tailored to provide an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation

Garden Manor Accommodation

The Garden Manor, though constructed in 2011, mirrors the aesthetic of the original manor with reclaimed materials:

• Finch Hatton Suite: Named after Denys Finch Hatton, this suite offers a unique giraffe feeding experience from the ground floor.
  • Room Price: US$ 3,594 per room for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years.
• Helen Superior Room: A large corner room with a view towards the Ngong Hills, named after the giraffe Helen.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.
• Kelly Superior Room: Features traditional cane furnishings and a stained-glass wall in the bathroom.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.
• Arlene Superior Room: Offers a quirky bathroom and a view of the courtyard, though without direct giraffe access.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.
• Salma Superior Room: Provides privacy and a balcony for enjoying the giraffe views.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.
• Edd Superior Room: Ground floor with a private verandah and wheelchair accessibility.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.

Historic Manor Accommodation

The original manor house, built in 1932, offers rooms with a rich historical backdrop:

• Karen Blixen Suite: The largest suite with a historical connection to the famous author.
  • Room Price: US$ 3,993 per room for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years.
• Betty’s Room: Named after ‘The Giraffe Lady’, it retains its Art Deco bathroom.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.
• Daisy’s Room: Offers a balcony with giraffe feeding opportunities.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.
• Jock’s Room: Reflects the legacy of Jock Leslie-Melville, with a view of the Giraffe Centre.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.
• Marlon’s Room: A spacious room created by combining two original children’s bedrooms.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.
• Lynn’s Room: Features a conversion from the original kitchen into a luxurious bedroom.
  • Room Price: US$ 1,168 per person sharing.

Wellness

Giraffe Manor’s wellness offerings are centered at The Retreat, where guests can:

• Enjoy Spa Treatments: Massages, facials, and beauty therapies with Healing Earth products.
• Relax in the Pool: An infinity pool with a view of giraffes, perfect for unwinding.
• Engage in Fitness: A gym equipped with eco-friendly machines by SportsArt, which turns your workout into energy for the grid.

Hotel with Giraffe Activities

The integration of giraffes into the hotel experience is what sets Giraffe Manor apart:

• Breakfast with Giraffes: An enchanting start to the day where giraffes might pop their heads in for a treat.
• Afternoon Tea: Enjoy traditional tea service while giraffes roam the gardens or come close for interaction.
• Giraffe Feeding: Guests can feed giraffes from various points around the property, fostering a unique bond with wildlife.

Each room at Giraffe Manor not only provides luxury but also a story, making every stay a part of the manor’s rich tapestry of history and conservation.

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