Breakfast with Giraffes at Giraffe Manor

There are moments in travel that are so unique, so magical, that they linger in your memory long after you return home. One of those moments — and perhaps one of the most iconic experiences in all of Africa — is having breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya. It’s a scene that feels lifted straight from a dream: morning light filtering through colonial windows, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the gentle nudge of a curious giraffe reaching its long neck through the window to join you for breakfast.

For decades, Giraffe Manor has captured the imagination of travelers from around the world. It’s not just a hotel — it’s an encounter with elegance, conservation, and wild wonder. Set in the leafy suburb of Lang’ata, just 20 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center, the manor offers an experience that blends history, wildlife, and luxury in perfect harmony.

This is the story of one of Africa’s most extraordinary stays — and why sharing breakfast with giraffes is an experience you’ll never forget.

A Manor with a Story

To truly appreciate Giraffe Manor, you have to step back in time. The ivy-covered mansion was built in the 1930s by Sir David Duncan, a Scottish aristocrat, during the golden age of African safaris. Inspired by the charm of Scottish country estates, the manor was designed as a private home where guests could escape the bustle of Nairobi and enjoy the wild serenity of Kenya’s hills and plains.

Decades later, in the 1970s, the property found new life when Betty and Jock Leslie-Melville bought it and turned it into a sanctuary for one of Africa’s most endangered animals — the Rothschild’s giraffe. The couple founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW Kenya) and began a breeding program to reintroduce these rare giraffes into the wild.

Over time, the giraffes grew accustomed to human presence, and the manor transformed into what it is today — a boutique hotel that merges conservation and charm in a way no other place in the world does. Guests don’t just stay here; they become part of a living story of wildlife protection and legacy.

The Giraffes of Giraffe Manor

The stars of Giraffe Manor are, of course, the resident Rothschild’s giraffes. Recognizable by their pale coats and distinct white “stockings,” these elegant creatures are among the rarest giraffe subspecies on earth. Only a few hundred remain in the wild, and the herd at Giraffe Manor represents a beacon of hope for their survival.

There are usually about a dozen giraffes living on the property — each with its own personality. Some are playful and bold, gently nudging guests for treats, while others are shy, preferring to observe from a distance. Names like Daisy, Kelly, Salma, and Jock are affectionately remembered by past guests who’ve shared breakfast with them.

These giraffes are not domesticated pets; they are semi-wild residents of the estate, free to roam the 140-acre sanctuary that surrounds the manor. Yet, every morning, they make their graceful approach, curious and calm, as if to say, “Good morning, and what’s for breakfast?”

The Breakfast Experience

Breakfast at Giraffe Manor is not merely a meal — it’s a moment of connection between humans and one of nature’s most extraordinary animals. As dawn breaks over the Ngong Hills, the staff sets tables with fine china, fresh pastries, tropical fruit, and Kenyan coffee. The dining room, with its large windows and elegant decor, becomes the stage for one of Africa’s most iconic scenes.

Soon, the giraffes appear — their silhouettes gliding through the gardens, their long necks emerging through open windows and terrace doors. They’re drawn not only by curiosity but by the promise of their favorite treats: specially formulated giraffe pellets that guests are invited to offer.

You might find yourself laughing as a giraffe gently takes food from your hand, its long tongue curling with surprising delicacy. Or you may sit at the window, sipping your coffee, as one leans in to investigate your plate — a reminder that at Giraffe Manor, sharing is part of the experience.

It’s a moment that bridges worlds — the wild and the human — with grace and humor. Children are wide-eyed, honeymooners find romance in the absurdity of it all, and even seasoned travelers can’t help but smile.

More Than Breakfast: A Day at Giraffe Manor

While breakfast steals the show, Giraffe Manor is an experience that continues throughout your stay. Afternoons are often spent on the terrace, enjoying high tea as the giraffes return for another visit. The scene is one of elegance and ease: scones, cakes, and savannah breezes accompanied by the sight of giraffes wandering through the gardens.

Guests can also visit the Giraffe Centre, located right next to the manor, to learn about the Rothschild’s giraffe conservation efforts and the broader work of AFEW. Here, education and conservation come together, and visitors can see firsthand how the funds from their stay contribute to wildlife protection.

For those who want to stretch their legs, the manor’s grounds are perfect for gentle strolls. The gardens are filled with indigenous trees and birdlife, offering peaceful moments between the excitement. Some guests also take short excursions into Nairobi National Park, one of the only wildlife reserves in the world located within a capital city. There, lions, rhinos, and buffalo roam against the backdrop of skyscrapers — another reminder of Kenya’s extraordinary contrasts.

The Manor’s Boutique Luxury

Part of Giraffe Manor’s appeal lies in its intimate and timeless design. With only 12 rooms, each uniquely decorated, the manor feels less like a hotel and more like an elegant private residence. The décor blends 1930s colonial charm with modern comfort — think antique furniture, polished wood floors, canopied beds, and windows that open to greenery and wildlife.

Rooms are divided between the original manor house and the newer Garden Manor, built in 2011 as an extension to accommodate more guests while maintaining exclusivity. Whether you’re in the Finch Hatton Suite (named after the famed aviator and safari lover Denys Finch Hatton) or the Karen Blixen Suite (honoring the author of Out of Africa), every detail feels personal.

The service is exceptional — warm, professional, and infused with genuine Kenyan hospitality. Meals are freshly prepared, often incorporating local ingredients, and the menus balance international flavors with African touches. The experience is luxurious, but never pretentious.

A Symbol of Conservation and Connection

What makes Giraffe Manor truly special isn’t just its beauty or the novelty of dining with giraffes — it’s its purpose. Every stay supports the conservation work of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, helping protect Rothschild’s giraffes and promote environmental education across Kenya.

This is travel that gives back. By staying at Giraffe Manor, guests directly contribute to the preservation of a species and the protection of its habitat. It’s luxury with meaning — proof that tourism can be a powerful force for good.

And perhaps that’s what makes the breakfast experience so moving. When you look into the calm eyes of a giraffe, you’re reminded of the fragile connection between humans and nature — a bond worth cherishing and protecting.

Tips for Visiting Giraffe Manor

• Book early: With only a few rooms and global demand, reservations often fill up a year in advance.

• Stay at least one night: While breakfast is the highlight, a full stay allows time to enjoy the high tea, gardens, and conservation activities.

• Bring a camera: The experience is photogenic from every angle — from sunrise light on the manor’s ivy walls to the gentle curve of a giraffe’s neck at your window.

• Combine with a safari: Giraffe Manor makes the perfect pre- or post-safari stop before heading to destinations like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Uganda’s Bwindi Forest.

The Magic of the Moment

What makes breakfast with giraffes so unforgettable isn’t just the novelty — it’s the emotion. There’s something almost childlike in the joy of feeding a giraffe through your window, feeling its gentle presence so close, and realizing that you’re part of something rare and beautiful.

It’s a reminder of why we travel — to connect, to wonder, and to be humbled by the world’s extraordinary diversity. At Giraffe Manor, that connection takes the form of a shared breakfast table — a symbol of harmony between people and wildlife.

Long after you’ve left, the memory stays: the laughter, the elegance, and the slow grace of a giraffe stretching its neck toward your morning toast.

Travel with Moreen Tours & Travel

To make your dream of breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor a reality, trust Moreen Tours & Travel to craft your perfect East African journey.

Why choose Moreen Tours & Travel:

• Tailored experiences: From luxury stays at Giraffe Manor to extended safaris across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, every itinerary is designed around your interests and comfort.

• Expert guidance: Their team knows the region intimately, ensuring seamless transfers, exceptional lodges, and the best wildlife encounters.

• Sustainable travel: Moreen Tours partners with lodges that prioritize conservation and community empowerment.

• Personal touch: From romantic getaways to family adventures, every trip is customized with care, ensuring unforgettable memories.

With Moreen Tours & Travel, your breakfast at Giraffe Manor becomes part of a greater story — one that blends luxury, purpose, and the timeless beauty of Africa.