Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi's best-known lodges. Full of character and steeped in history, its ivy-clad buildings are set in 12 acres of private land and are surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest. Reminiscent of its 1930s "Out of Africa" heydays, it is named for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffe that often pop in for a visit.
Highlights
- Easy access to Nairobi's international and domestic airports
- 10 luxurious historical rooms
- Built in the 1930s, it retains its traditional grandeur and character
- Lush green gardens, sunny terraces and charming courtyards
- Famous for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffe
- Part of the AFEW sanctuary to protect these endangered animals
Giraffe Manor provides easy access to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and its domestic airport, Wilson Airport (WIL), which connects to all safari destinations. Besides its grand exterior and elegant interiors, it's famous for its lively residents – a herd of inquisitive Rothschild giraffe.
Luxury, characterful rooms
An exclusive boutique hotel, Giraffe Manor echoes 1930s grandeur, right down to its art deco furnishings and four-poster beds. It has ten superior rooms, each individually styled and named for historical personalities, such as Finch Hatton. All the rooms are en-suite and some are suitable for families and wheelchair users. The Karen Blixen Suite is a large, two-bedroom family suite with adjacent lounge and fireplace.
Activities
A short stroll across the lawns takes you to the AFEW Giraffe Centre where you can learn about these beautiful endangered creatures and take a guided walk around the sanctuary. The Manor can arrange a variety of optional local excursions for you.
- Sight-seeing around the Langata area
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where you can meet, feed and sponsor baby elephants
- Karen Blixen Museum, dedicated to this famous Danish explorer and writer
- Kazuri Beads which sells locally-made jewellery
- The acclaimed Matbronze Art Gallery and Foundry
- The innovative crafts complex, Marula Studios
Social responsibility
Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan and modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge. It became the property of Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville in 1974, a few years after Kenya's Independence. Seeing that the Rothschild Giraffe was under serious threat, Jock and Betty made it their life's work to provide a sanctuary for these beautiful creatures. AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) was born at Giraffe Manor, which was initially their family home, later becoming a boutique hotel and sanctuary in 1984.
Getting there
Giraffe Manor is 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International, and 18 minutes from Wilson domestic airport. Airport shuttles can be arranged.
Our take on Giraffe Manor
Where else in the world are you able to share your breakfast with a giraffe? Or feed a giraffe from your window? Giraffe Manor certainly provides for this and many other interesting interactions with these beautiful creatures. It's a great place from which to start or end any Kenyan safari. It's an utterly unique experience with superb hospitality and loads of historical and conservational interest.
Giraffe Manor closes during the month of May.
Includes
- Airport transfers
- Transportation around the Karen & Langata area (within the check-in and check-out times)
- All accommodation and meals
- House wines, soft drinks, beers and spirits
- Laundry
- WiFi
- Entrance to the AFEW Giraffe Centre
- VAT
Excludes
- Champagne, luxury spirits, selected wines
- Gratuities
- Health insurance
- Massage treatments
- Personal effects
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