Kenya’s Giraffe Manor: Where Wildlife Conservation Meets Responsible Travel

May 8, 2024

In the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, where the busy rhythms of city life meet the untamed beauty of Africa's wilderness, lies a place unlike any other: Giraffe Manor. This 12-acre private property is a place where dreams of extraordinary wildlife encounters with rare Rothschild’s giraffes and unmatched luxury come true and where conservation efforts take center stage.

Built in 1932, Giraffe Manor is not just a story about a unique hotel. Modelled after a Scottish hunting lodge, it is an iconic conservation success story and a pivotal landmark in Nairobi. It’s also the perfect spot to start a memorable safari journey in Kenya’s capital and an extraordinary gateway to explore the city before flying into the bush.

Join us as we guide you through the experiences that make the iconic Giraffe Manor in Kenya so special.

The Allure of Giraffe Manor

Unparalleled Wildlife Interaction

Without a doubt, the most unique aspect of a stay at Giraffe Manor is the opportunity to interact with one of Africa’s most iconic species, the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. The hotel is located on the fringes of a wildlife sanctuary with 150 acres for the giraffes to roam freely—but these creatures are curious and often choose to spend time just outside of the charming 1930s lodge.

You’ll want to keep your windows open during your time at Giraffe Manor, as the giraffes are known to lower their graceful heads in the bedrooms and dining areas in search of a snack. With the go-ahead from trained staff members, you may hold out your hands and feed the giraffes their nutritious natural food pellets, standing close enough to look into their stunning eyes. The swimming pool and afternoon tea terrace also overlook the giraffe sanctuary, meaning you can have unmatched wildlife views no matter how you spend your time at Giraffe Manor.

Incredible East African Location

Less than an hour away from major Kenyan airports, Giraffe Manor is located in Nairobi, a city renowned for its thriving culinary and art scene as well as its proximity to popular safari destinations, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Though you’ll undoubtedly want to spend time at Giraffe Manor—admiring the wildlife while relaxing in the pool or wellness center, playing croquet, or dining at the Orchid House—there are plenty of attractions located close to Giraffe Manor. It’s our privilege and joy to share insider access to Nairobi’s best experiences including the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a haven for rescued elephants and rhinos, the storied Karen Blixen Museum (former home of Out of Africa author, Isak Dinesen who wrote under the alias, Karen Blixen), and incredible dining at spots like Cultiva and Talisman.

Luxury Kenya safaris are the core focal point of ROAR AFRICA’s inimitable, expert-led journeys most-requested offerings, and staying at Giraffe Manor opens the doors to Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Observe the Great Migration of millions of wildebeest in the Maasai Mara, or spot endless flocks of flamingos and splashing hippos on the shores of the Great Rift Valley. Game drives at Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks are also not to be missed. Giraffe Manor’s Kenya location also means having a host of cultural experiences at your fingertips. ROAR AFRICA team members have lived on the continent for 11 generations, giving guests unique access to Kenya’s indigenous communities, as well as tried-and-true recommendations for Nairobi’s most respected art galleries, museums and insider experiences.

The Great Migration

Steadfast Conservation Efforts

For the last 50 years, Giraffe Manor has been on a mission to save giraffes on the brink of extinction. A portion of guests’ fees goes to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, which runs a highly successful and ethical breeding program that has helped increase the number of Rothschild’s giraffes in the wild from 100 to 1,800. Taking the sustainable tourism aspect a step further is Giraffe Manor’s giraffe sponsorship program, which benefits conservation efforts all over Africa. These programs add a layer of purpose to your stay, making it not only memorable, but also deeply meaningful.

Your Giraffe Manor Questions, Answered

How much does it cost to stay at Giraffe Manor?

Adult room rates at Giraffe Manor start at roughly $1,168 per night, though pricing fluctuates throughout the year and is of course dependent on your specific itinerary, wants and needs. Rates are full board, meaning all meals (including afternoon tea) and almost all drinks are included. There is no extra charge to enter the AFEW Giraffe Center or to use the wellness center.

What are the rooms and amenities like at Giraffe Manor?

Giraffe Manor’s 12 rooms are spread across the original 1930s Manor House and the Garden Manor built next door, both designed with antique furnishings and art deco touches to exude old-world charm. In total, there are two family suites, one triple superior room, and nine superior double rooms, some of which have sofa beds for younger family members. Guests have access to common areas in both buildings, and both have spaces for breakfast with the giraffes. In addition to the Giraffe Center, the hotel has two onsite restaurants and a wellness center with a swimming pool, sauna, gym, and more.

How long should you stay at Giraffe Manor?

Plan to stay at Giraffe Manor for two nights, giving you quality time with the wildlife as well as the chance to visit Nairobi. From there, ROAR AFRICA can arrange your experiences at the best private game reserves and national parks in Kenya and beyond. As far as when to stay at Giraffe Manor, it is a year-round destination and only closes in May for maintenance. We suggest booking your Giraffe Manor stay at least one or two years in advance, as rooms are limited and fill up quickly in the June–October dry season and around the winter holidays, especially.

Can you visit Giraffe Manor without staying there?

No, you cannot visit Giraffe Manor without a room reservation, a policy that helps the hotel maintain its personalized service while also ensuring the well-being of the wildlife. However, the AFEW Giraffe Center offers day visits, so you can feed and interact with the same Rothschild’s giraffes seen from the Manor.