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.
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.
Africa’s two rhino species are known as the black and white rhino. Their names have nothing to do with their skin color, but rather, a historical misinterpretation of the Dutch word for wide, which is “wijd,” and the black rhino followed suit. As a grazer, the white rhino has square lips and the black rhino, which is a browser, has a hooked lip.
Africa’s fourth longest river rises quietly in the northern border regions of 
A bird’s point-of-view: Unless you’re on a mountain top or soaring above ground, you’ll never get to see the distinct differences between neighboring terrains, and view the world from a vertical perspective. But what if there were a way you could take flight above the mountains, over the treetops, and through the light winds of South Africa? It’s possible on a hot air balloon safari through Kruger National Park.
A mammal’s point-of-view: You cannot get any closer to nature than riding on the back of an animal as it runs with a herd of zebra or gallops with a group of antelope. A horseback safari brings you right in the middle of the action.
The world’s largest land animal’s point-of-view: Several lodges within the Kruger National Park offer elephant back riding—one of the most exciting and unique experiences to be had in all of Africa. As you sit behind an experienced guide, you’ll feel the sheer power of the elephant as it walks slowly across the earth.
