Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings: characterful, picturesque, and enveloped in history like the foliage creeping over its brickwork.
Set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi and with verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, it harks back to the 1930s when European visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris.
With its stately façade and elegant interior, Giraffe Manor has an extraordinary appeal. Guests remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its six suites is named after the author Karen Blixen.
The most fascinating thing about Giraffe Manor is not its beautiful façade or elegant interiors: it’s the herd of resident Rothschild giraffe. These beautiful creatures often visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
Accommodation
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel reminiscent of 1930s grandeur, boasting art deco features and four-poster beds. With eight superior rooms and two standard rooms, each has their own distinct personality, as well as spacious bathrooms and elegant furnishings.
The hotel’s 10 rooms include three doubles: Betty, Lynn and Arlene; four double/twins: Daisy, Jock, Marlon and Helen; a twin/double/triple: Kelly; and two suites – the Finch Hatton Suite (double/twin/family) sleeping up to five (2 adults and 3 children), and the Karen Blixen Suite (also sleeping up to 5 – 2 adults and 3 children) which opens directly onto a courtyard and is perfect for families and wheelchair users.
There is a wifi connection throughout. All guests enjoy full-board during their stay, which includes all meals and most drinks (house wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks), excluding champagne and specially imported wines and spirits.
Activities
Giraffe Manor is one of the only hotels in the world where you can feed giraffe from your window. During your stay you can stroll across the lawn to the AFEW Giraffe Centre to learn about the endangered Rothschild Giraffe or take a guided walk around the sanctuary.
From Giraffe Manor, sightseeing vehicles can take you around the Langata area. Local excursions include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where guests can meet, feed and even adopt baby elephants. The nearby Karen Blixen Museum is dedicated to the Danish explorer and writer; Kazuri Beads sells locally-made jewellery.
Visit the acclaimed Matbronze Art Gallery and Foundry and the innovative crafts complex, Marula Studios. The cost of driver and vehicle are included in the rate. Guests may need to share vehicles depending on demand and availability, and entrance fees to local attractions are additional.
When to Go
Nairobi is at 5,889ft above sea level, making it cool at night and warm in the day. As it is situated close to the equator, the differences between the seasons are minimal. During the months of June, July and August it can be colder, with temperatures as low as 35˚F.
There are two rainy seasons, March to May and mid-October to mid-December. Global weather patterns are nowadays less predictable, so be prepared for all eventualities. Giraffe Manor is closed annually in May for maintenance.
