Set in 12 acres of private land and surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest in Nairobi’s Langata suburb, Giraffe Manor is one of Kenya’s most iconic boutique hotels. Famous for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, the manor offers guests rare, up-close encounters with these gentle giants, often peeking their heads through the windows during breakfast or tea.
With its stately façade, elegant interiors, lush gardens, sunny terraces, and charming courtyards, the manor feels like stepping into a scene from Out of Africa. Each of the 12 individually designed rooms reflects a blend of 1930s charm and modern luxury.
The Experience
- Stay with Giraffes: Share your breakfast and afternoon tea with giraffes as they gracefully wander around the manor grounds.
- Historic Elegance: Built in 1932, there is the Main Manor retains its art deco bathrooms, antique furnishings, and period architecture. The other is the Garden Manor, which is modern yet elegant.
- Conservation Legacy: The manor plays a key role in the breeding program for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, helping restore populations in the wild.
- Day Trips & Activities: Explore Nairobi National Park, Karen Blixen Museum, local craft markets, or enjoy activities within the manor’s grounds.
1. The Main Manor
- Historic Charm
Built in 1932, the Main Manor carries an old-world, colonial-style charm with antique interiors and classic architecture. - Exclusive Rooms
Features six uniquely designed rooms with vintage décor, four-poster beds, and stunning views of the giraffe sanctuary. - Iconic Breakfast Experience
Guests enjoy breakfast while giraffes poke their heads through tall windows, making it one of the most iconic dining settings in the world. - Lounge & Living Spaces
Cosy fireplaces, wood-panelled lounges, and elegant sitting rooms reflect its historic grandeur. - Direct Giraffe Encounters
Being the heart of the property, the Main Manor offers the closest and most frequent giraffe interactions throughout the day.
2. The Garden Manor
- Modern Yet Elegant Design
Opened in 2011, the Garden Manor has a more modern architectural style while staying true to the manor’s original aesthetic. - Family-Friendly Rooms
Features six rooms designed with families in mind, providing spacious layouts and garden views. - Balconies & Outdoor Spaces
Rooms come with beautiful terraces and balconies, perfect for morning coffee or giraffe feeding. - Private Retreat Feel
Slightly more intimate and peaceful compared to the Main Manor, ideal for travellers looking for quieter moments. - Shared Access to Giraffes
Guests here still enjoy full giraffe experiences, from breakfast to evening feeding, ensuring no difference in magical encounters.
3. The Retreat
Located next door, The Retreat is a tranquil wellness haven designed for relaxation before or after your safari.
- Meals: Daisy’s Café for healthy, refreshing meals.
- Wellness Centre: Wellness Centre with a spa, hot tub, sauna, and steam room.
- Gym and Landscapes: Gym, swimming pool, and landscaped gardens overlooking the giraffe sanctuary.
- Day Stays: Perfect for guests who may not be staying overnight but want to experience the charm of Giraffe Manor.
4. Unique Highlights
- Conservation-Driven: Operated in partnership with the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), Giraffe Manor plays an active role in breeding Rothschild’s giraffes for reintroduction into the wild.
- Celebrity-Favorite: Frequented by iconic figures, from Ellen DeGeneres to Ewan McGregor, the Manor is often featured in top luxury travel lists and documentaries.
5. Pricing & Inclusions
Nightly Rates (Per Night, Fully Inclusive):
- Superior Rooms (Betty’s, Daisy’s, Jock, Marlon, Lynn): US$1,284 per person sharing
- Superior Suites (Karen Blixen or Finch Hatton): US$4,392 onwards per room based on occupancy of 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Rates vary widely: Superior rooms from approx. US$1,284 onwards per night; suites from US$4,300 onwards per night. Day-only options are also possible, but the full rate sheet is available via inquiry.
Most travelers agree: “Bucket-list experience,” “Once-in-a-lifetime,” and “Surreal luxury” are common phrases used by guests to describe the experience.
About 20 km from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, accessible within 30–60 minutes via private transfer.
Very far in advance, up to a year, especially for suite stays or peak season. Availability is extremely limited.
Not all rooms have giraffes visiting directly at the windows. However, every guest staying at Giraffe Manor gets multiple opportunities to interact with the giraffes during their stay, whether it’s at breakfast, afternoon tea on the terrace, or in the gardens.
Rooms like Karen Blixen, Betty, Jock, Daisy and Lynn are closest to where giraffes often wander and are more likely to have giraffes peeking through windows or balconies.
