Set on 12 acres of private land within indigenous forest on the outskirts of Nairobi, lies the much-talked about Giraffe Manor. This exclusive boutique hotel should be at the top of everyone’s safari bucket list, if not for its remarkable historical significance then for its defining feature – the giraffe herds that come to your window at breakfast to feed. Ever heard of dogs begging for food? This time it’s the Rothschild giraffes that do the begging!
So why do the giraffe occupy the grounds of Giraffe Manor?
The picturesque manor is actually situated on the grounds of a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. The sanctuary comprises 150 acres of land split by a road. This boutique manor house is located at a quiet end of the sanctuary, and the sanctuary is operated and owned by the Africa Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). There is a residential road that cuts through the sanctuary, and the giraffe cross this road to roam back and forth in search of nutritious vegetation from the surrounding indigenous canopy of trees in the forest.
The same rules apply at Giraffe Manor that do when you’re on a safari – sightings and interactions cannot be guaranteed because essentially the giraffe are wild animals. The giraffe have become creatures of habit and enjoy requesting food from delighted guests at the breakfast table. You’ll often find them sticking their long necks through the large bay windows in the hopes receiving a titbit. And who can say no to those long eyelashes and woeful eyes? Apart from the giraffe spectacle and exquisite gourmet meals, the accommodation is also a highlight of giraffe manor.
There are 12 rooms at the manor house, decorated throughout with careful attention to the exquisite finishings and art deco features. The manor house was established in the 1930’s and its arguably one of the most regal and stately manor houses in the area. Guests have a choice of staying in their choice of three superior rooms, one of which has its own terrace and another one with its own fireplace. There are two humble and perfectly adequate standard rooms at the back of the manor house. The graceful Karen Blixen suite is the most delightful room of all and can be accessed from the courtyard garden and has a large room with a mezzanine level.
Add the Giraffe Manor to your travel list if you haven’t done it already! Where else can you eat breakfast with giraffe herds?
