Imagine taking your family or loved one to a destination where traditional English breakfast is served with curious giraffes popping in through the open sunroom windows for an occasional petting. Where animals indigenous to eastern Africa roam freely and where comfort and personalized service is a constant—a destination where every day is a new experience full of enriching sights, sounds, and adventures. With an elegant ambiance, trained and highly-attentive staff, luxurious suites, and a wildlife-inviting atmosphere, Giraffe Manor uniquely fuses luxury with the outdoors for the ultimate Kenyan experience.
As one of the world’s most interactive and highly unique hotels, Giraffe Manor is home to resident Rothschild giraffe that add beauty and grace to the manicured grounds of an already stunning and exclusive hotel. In addition to its giraffe herd, Giraffe Manor’s 140 acre forest is also home to playful warthogs, bush buck, and an eclectic mix of bird species, and offers astonishing views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Ngong Hills.
The Rothschild giraffe, characterized by their gentle nudges, friendly eyes, and curious demeanor, is an astounding creature—not only to observe, but also to interact with. Unlike any other place in the world, Giraffe Manor allows you to get closer to these animals than you ever imagined. Whether you’re eager to pet the giraffes at the hotel entrance, feed them at breakfast, or photograph them as they peak through the sunroom, you’ll feel truly rewarded by the mere sight of these magnificent animals and have a new appreciation for the wildlife of eastern Africa.
Staying at the Giraffe Manor:
Located a few miles outside of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, the Giraffe Manor provides an intimate setting for families and honeymooners alike who are looking for the ultimate private retreat. Tastefully decorated with antique furnishings, fine linens, grandiose beds, and spacious bathrooms, the Manor’s 5 double bedroom suites and larger suite offer an exceptionally comfortable stay for all visitors.
Rates at the Giraffe Manor include all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, alcoholic beverages (sans champagne), laundry services, sightseeing vehicle, and admission to The Giraffe Centre.
Historical Roots:
Built in 1932 and modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge, the Manor reflects its historical European roots and exudes an old-world charm with its ivy-covered façade. Although this quaint hotel has changed hands several times over the years, its traditional ambiance and exterior structure has remained intact. One thing that has changed is the use of this countryside masterpiece.
Once a home for Jock and Betty Melville, this estate began its transformation toward helping giraffes survive and avoid extinction. In 1974, the Rothschild giraffe species was faced with extinction as their natural habitat was being destroyed. Jock and Betty provided a home for two giraffes during this year, which marked the beginning of their efforts toward saving this beautiful species.
One of Jock and Betty’s greatest contributions to the environment and local community was the establishment of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), which helped to fund The Giraffe Centre. This Giraffe Centre was built on Jock and Betty’s property for Kenyan school children to learn about ecology and conservation efforts while interacting with the giraffes. Today, you can visit the Centre where admission fee proceeds are donated to projects throughout Kenya. Or, you can choose to stay overnight in comfort and luxury at the Giraffe Manor.
During construction of the resort, Azura creators Gabriel and his family provided a handful of locals with the essential skills and training required to build the resort. Employing locals to build was a sure way for Azura to put money back into the local economy, as oppose to hiring outside contractors to build the resort. With these newly acquired building skills, the islanders could then participate in the nearby building industry and contribute even more to the local economy.
In addition to the hands that built Azura, the materials that went into building the resort were also created from locals or shipped in by locals. During construction, the local builders were able to use only one cement mixer and one truck to get their job done efficiently. Local dhows contributed to the economy by bringing in wood and other materials from sustainable resources. In a conscious effort to keep locals in business, Azura’s creators employed islanders to craft doors, window frames, and other furnishings that contribute to the immense beauty of this resort. 
Trumpeting elephants: The sights and sounds of elephants as they playful splash through the water is one of the most warming feelings to be had in the African bush. Their dominating stature coupled with their gentle behavior makes the elephant one of the most memorable creatures to observe in the wild.
A journey from Cape Point to the south-westerly point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Point is a peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean meet and is a large focus for conservation efforts. Now a nature reserve, this peninsula is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world, two coastlines, a plethora of exotic flora, exceptional wildlife, an eco-friendly boardwalk, sprawling beaches, and gorgeous walking trails. A tour through this area brings out the hidden secrets and elements of the peninsula and opens your eyes to things you otherwise would have never known about had you explored on your own.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Established in 1913, this 528 hectares estate works to conserve the flora indigenous to South Africa and is a haven for nature lovers. Located on the eastern slope of Table Mountain, stunning flowers, shrubs, and fynbos (a coastal vegetation species) make up the fascinating Kirstenbosch gardens. With a backdrop of sharp mountains, fields interlaced with streams, paths, and walkways, the Kirstenbosch estate is home to arguably the world’s most unique botanical gardens.
