Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is one of the most iconic luxury accommodations in Africa, known worldwide for its close encounters with giraffes. Located in the leafy suburb of Langata, this boutique hotel combines heritage charm, modern amenities, and wildlife conservation in an unforgettable experience. Guests enjoy unique interactions with Rothschild giraffes that freely roam the property, often peeking through windows at breakfast or wandering through the gardens.
What is Giraffe Manor in Nairobi?
Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes that interact with guests throughout the property. It offers a luxury experience where guests can enjoy breakfast with giraffes poking their heads through windows or sip tea in the gardens as these gentle giants approach. The manor combines colonial architecture, lush gardens, and a conservation-focused environment, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and travelers seeking unique experiences.
The property is part of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, contributing to giraffe and elephant conservation programs. This commitment ensures that every stay supports wildlife protection while offering an intimate and immersive experience for guests.
How do you get to Giraffe Manor?
Giraffe Manor is located approximately 20 kilometers from Nairobi city center, in the suburb of Langata. Guests typically arrive via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from the manor depending on traffic. Private transfers, taxis, and ride-hailing services such as Uber are commonly used.
Some luxury tour operators also offer chauffeur-driven transfers from Nairobi or even air charters for visitors arriving from nearby safari destinations. The route passes through Nairobi’s scenic outskirts and tree-lined streets, giving guests a preview of Kenya’s lush environment before reaching the manor.
How much does it cost to stay at Giraffe Manor?
Stays at Giraffe Manor are considered premium, with rates reflecting the exclusive wildlife experience. Room rates generally range from USD 600 to 1,200 per night, depending on the season and room type. These rates often include breakfast, afternoon tea, and morning interactions with giraffes.
Giraffe Manor also offers package deals that combine accommodations with visits to nearby attractions, such as Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and private safari tours. Prices may fluctuate during peak tourist seasons, typically from July to October and December to February, when wildlife viewing conditions are optimal. Early booking is strongly recommended due to high demand.
What kind of giraffes live at Giraffe Manor?
The giraffes at Giraffe Manor are Rothschild giraffes, one of the rarest subspecies in the world. These giraffes are tall, elegant, and distinguished by their light patches and cream-colored markings. Rothschild giraffes are native to Kenya and Uganda, and conservation efforts at Giraffe Manor help protect their population.
The giraffes freely roam the property and often approach guests during breakfast or tea time. Their gentle behavior and curiosity make them ideal for interactive experiences, allowing visitors to feed them by hand or watch them peer through the windows and balconies of the manor.
Can visitors feed the giraffes at Giraffe Manor?
Yes, feeding the giraffes is one of the manor’s signature activities. Guests receive special giraffe feed and are guided by staff on safe feeding techniques. The giraffes approach politely, often stretching their long necks to reach the treat directly from guests’ hands.
The staff ensures interactions follow strict safety and ethical guidelines to protect both visitors and giraffes. This hands-on experience provides a rare opportunity to engage with wildlife in a controlled, respectful environment, making it a highlight for photography and memorable experiences.
What accommodations are available at Giraffe Manor?
Giraffe Manor offers a limited number of luxury rooms and suites, each designed to reflect the property’s colonial heritage and elegance. Rooms feature antique furniture, en-suite bathrooms, and large windows that allow guests to observe giraffes. Some suites provide private balconies or terraces, offering even closer encounters with wildlife.
The manor includes a dining room where guests can enjoy breakfast with giraffes, a lounge area for relaxation, and well-manicured gardens perfect for morning walks. The intimate scale of the property ensures personalized service and an exclusive atmosphere.
What is the best time to visit Giraffe Manor?
The best time to visit Giraffe Manor depends on weather and wildlife activity. July to October is generally the dry season, offering pleasant conditions for garden walks and outdoor interactions with giraffes. January to March also provides dry and sunny weather, making it ideal for photography.
Although giraffes are present year-round, visiting during dry periods ensures the best comfort and consistent wildlife activity. Peak tourist seasons require advance booking, while the green season (April to June) offers lush surroundings and fewer crowds, although occasional rainfall may affect outdoor experiences.
Are there other wildlife experiences near Giraffe Manor?
Yes, Giraffe Manor is strategically located near several Nairobi-based wildlife attractions. Nairobi National Park, a short drive away, allows guests to see lions, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes in a natural savannah environment. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, famous for elephant orphan rehabilitation, offers visitors a chance to watch young elephants and learn about conservation.
The Karen Blixen Museum, former home of the famous author of “Out of Africa,” is nearby, providing a cultural complement to wildlife experiences. Other nearby activities include bird watching, visits to local conservancies, and guided nature walks.
How do you book a stay at Giraffe Manor?
Guests can book Giraffe Manor directly through its official website or via licensed luxury travel operators. Due to high demand, early reservations are essential, especially during peak seasons. Many packages include additional experiences such as visits to Nairobi National Park, elephant orphanages, and private safari tours.
Travelers should verify cancellation policies and confirm included activities, as some packages may differ depending on season and availability.
Is Giraffe Manor suitable for families with children?
Yes, Giraffe Manor welcomes families, but visitors should note that interactions with giraffes require careful supervision for young children. The hands-on feeding experience is suitable for children over a certain age, typically around 3 years and above, while toddlers may observe from a safe distance.
Family-friendly rooms, gardens, and communal dining areas provide a comfortable environment for all ages. The combination of wildlife experiences and luxury accommodation makes it an appealing destination for multi-generational travel.
Can you take photographs with the giraffes at Giraffe Manor?
Photography is one of the main attractions at Giraffe Manor. Guests can capture the giraffes as they interact during breakfast, walk through the gardens, or approach balconies. Professional photography is allowed, but tripods or external equipment may require prior permission.
The manor’s staff advises on best practices for photographing wildlife, ensuring both safety and minimal disturbance to the giraffes. Many travelers share their images online, which has contributed to the property’s worldwide recognition.
What amenities are available at Giraffe Manor?
Giraffe Manor offers several amenities to enhance guest comfort and convenience. These include a dining room, tea lounges, private gardens, Wi-Fi, concierge services, and on-site guides for wildlife interactions. Luxury packages often include spa services, guided tours of Nairobi’s attractions, and personalized excursions to nearby conservancies or national parks.
The property emphasizes blending luxury with conservation, ensuring that every stay is both enjoyable and educational.
How long should you plan to stay at Giraffe Manor?
Most guests spend 2 to 3 nights at Giraffe Manor to fully enjoy interactions with giraffes, explore nearby attractions, and experience Nairobi’s cultural highlights. Shorter stays of 1 night allow for a glimpse of the giraffes but may feel rushed. Longer stays provide more opportunities for wildlife photography, leisurely garden walks, and nearby excursions such as Nairobi National Park and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
What is the history of Giraffe Manor?
Giraffe Manor was built in the 1930s as a private residence. In the 1970s, it became a boutique hotel with a strong conservation ethos. The property now works in partnership with the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, focusing on protecting Rothschild giraffes and promoting environmental awareness.
Its transformation from a colonial estate into a wildlife sanctuary and luxury hotel has made it one of the most photographed and visited sites in Nairobi, attracting celebrities, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
Final Thoughts
Giraffe Manor in Nairobi combines luxury accommodation, colonial charm, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. Visitors enjoy close interactions with Rothschild giraffes, stay in elegant rooms, and access nearby conservation attractions such as Nairobi National Park and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. With careful planning, early booking, and attention to seasonal conditions, a stay at Giraffe Manor offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends luxury, wildlife, and conservation.
