Giraffe Manor Nairobi

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Lang’ata, just outside Kenya’s bustling capital, Giraffe Manor is one of the most unique and enchanting hotels in the world. Set on a 12-acre private sanctuary within a 140-acre forested estate, this elegant manor is home to a herd of Rothschild’s giraffes that roam freely around the property — and often join guests for breakfast by poking their long necks through the windows.

A stay at Giraffe Manor is more than just luxury accommodation — it’s a magical encounter that blends wildlife conservation, history, and indulgence in a way that can only happen in Nairobi.

The History of Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor was built in 1932, during Kenya’s colonial era, by Sir David Duncan, a Scottish aristocrat who wanted a country home reminiscent of an old Scottish hunting lodge. The ivy-clad stone mansion quickly became one of Nairobi’s most recognizable landmarks.

In the 1970s, it was bought by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, who founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW Kenya) and began breeding the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, whose numbers had drastically declined in the wild. The manor became both a conservation sanctuary and a home for these gentle giants.

Today, Giraffe Manor is owned by The Safari Collection, which has carefully preserved its vintage charm while turning it into one of the world’s most sought-after boutique hotels.

The Giraffe Experience

The highlight of any stay at Giraffe Manor is, without question, the up-close interaction with giraffes. In the early morning and evening, the giraffes wander up to the manor, curiously stretching their necks through the dining room and bedroom windows in search of special giraffe pellets provided by the staff.

Guests can feed them right from the breakfast table, share kisses (if you dare!), and capture unforgettable photographs as the sun rises over Nairobi’s Ngong Hills.

Beyond breakfast, you can visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre, located next door, where you’ll learn more about giraffe conservation, their behavior, and ongoing efforts to protect them across Kenya.

Accommodation & Ambiance

Giraffe Manor offers just 12 individually designed rooms, each with elegant colonial décor, antique furnishings, and large windows that open directly to the garden — where giraffes often stroll by. The most famous are:

• Betty’s Room: Romantic and airy, named after Betty Leslie-Melville herself.

• Jock’s Room: Offers beautiful views and direct giraffe interactions.

• Karen Blixen Suite: A spacious suite perfect for families, named after the famed author of Out of Africa.

Every stay includes all meals, drinks, airport transfers, and interactions with the giraffes, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience. The property also features manicured lawns, sunny verandas, and tranquil courtyards that evoke a sense of timeless African charm.

Dining with the Giraffes

Breakfast at Giraffe Manor is the most magical part of your stay. As you sip your coffee and enjoy freshly baked pastries, the giraffes glide over to your table, poking their elegant heads through the windows for a gentle nibble of pellets.

Lunch and dinner are equally refined — featuring locally inspired gourmet dishes, fine wines, and elegant candlelit settings. Every meal feels intimate, personalized, and full of character.

Location and Accessibility

Giraffe Manor is conveniently located about 20 kilometers (40 minutes) from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or just 15 minutes from Wilson Airport, the gateway for domestic safari flights.

Its prime location in Nairobi’s Lang’ata area also puts it close to other major attractions such as:

• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage)

• Karen Blixen Museum

• Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative

• Nairobi National Park

Many travelers choose to stay at Giraffe Manor either at the beginning or end of their Kenyan safari, making it the perfect transition between the city and the wilderness.

Rates and Booking

Due to its global popularity and limited rooms, Giraffe Manor is often booked months in advance. Rates typically range from USD 900 to USD 1,800 per room per night (based on season and room category).

This includes full board, drinks, airport transfers, and access to the AFEW Giraffe Centre. The experience, while expensive, is considered priceless by many travelers who describe it as one of the most memorable stays of their lives.

Conservation and Legacy

Giraffe Manor’s mission extends beyond luxury. Its close partnership with the AFEW Kenya Giraffe Centre has helped reintroduce Rothschild’s giraffes into protected areas across the country. By staying here, guests directly contribute to wildlife conservation and education programs that ensure the survival of these magnificent animals.

Every breakfast shared, every photo taken, and every smile exchanged helps fund a broader mission — protecting Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.

Final Thoughts

Giraffe Manor isn’t just a hotel — it’s a living storybook. It combines old-world elegance, intimate wildlife encounters, and meaningful conservation in a way that no other place on Earth does. Whether you’re feeding giraffes through your bedroom window or strolling the garden at sunset as they roam nearby, every moment feels surreal and heartwarming.

For travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is the perfect beginning or ending to a Kenyan safari — a blend of luxury, nature, and purpose that captures the true spirit of Africa.