You saw it on socials, you wanted to do it, and you made it there. Now you need to know what to expect and how to do it right! Many guests stay only one, or maybe two, nights at Giraffe Manor. And while there are plenty of opportunities to feed them each day, you might get to it and be at a loss for how to photogenically feed a giraffe. It happens! Here are some tips to get the photos you want!
Be okay with slimy hands.
Yes, slimy. Super slimy. They’ll tell you the saliva of a giraffe is antiseptic, but that doesn’t mean “anti-gross,” right? And that also doesn’t mean you won’t feel icky with it on your hands. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it also was not my favorite part. It is part of the experience, though! Don’t want the slimy stuff? You have a few options:
- Be the photographer. Taking the pictures instead if being in them will ensure that you’ll keep your hands dry, and get the shots you want!
- Let them eat from a plate or coffee mug. I loved this. I got to be close to the giraffes, but I didn’t have to feed them from my hands.
More here: What It’s Like Staying at the Viral Giraffe Manor
Wait until you’re really finished to wash your hands.
There will be a sink, hand soap, and hand towels available for you outside during afternoon tea, which is the most popular feeding time. You can wash your hands any time you want, but you may as well just wait until you are very much finished. The staff will keep coming back to you and offering to take photos and help you feed the giraffes, so you may simply want to wait!
Keep reading: What is The Retreat at Giraffe Manor?
Look out for swinging heads.
Speaking of swings, look out for the swinging heads! Some of the giraffes are… Feisty. Don’t worry, though! The staff know what to do and which giraffes are likely to start swinging. Truly, you don’t have to be worried about this, just be aware of it. You don’t want to get knocked out by a giraffe head. They’re bigger than you think!
Also helpful: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Kenya
No food, no friendship.
The giraffes know what’s up: You’re there to feed them. If you don’t have food, you’re not their friend! That means no petting without the food pellets. If you want to cozy up and befriend these beautiful animals, come bearing pellets! And, only attempt to pet them if the staff tells you it’s okay. Some giraffes are more okay with petting than others.
Read next: The Best Trips for Animal Lovers
Let the staff members take your photos.
I don’t know if they’ve had photography training, or if they just do it so often that they just know what to do and how to pose guests, but they are amazing. Every staff member who offered to take our photos told me just how to stand, how to feed the giraffes photogenically, and when to look at the camera. They knew all the good places to take photos, where to get photos on our own when feeding time got crowded, and more. And they took tons of photos, not just one or two, so we had plenty to choose from! I’m sure they would happily take whatever photos you want, but you can completely trust them to take incredible photos while you’re there.
Must read: How to Get Your Kenyan E-visa (with special info for single parents)
There are lots of opportunities to feed the giraffes.
Even if you’re just staying one day, you will have plenty of opportunities to feed these elegant, long-necked animals. Don’t stress about it (oh, was that just me?). Here are all the times of day that you will be able to feed the giraffes at the Manor!
Morning from your room
Giraffes will show up at your window or balcony around 5:30 or 6:00am. They didn’t wake us up, and if you’re too jet lagged to take advantage of this opportunity, don’t worry! It is pretty cool, though. There will be giraffe food in your room, so you can just grab it and feed them in your PJs!
Breakfast
No, they won’t eat your breakfast! Several people asked me about this. The giraffes are only allowed to eat the pellets provided by the staff at the Manor, and they won’t bring the giraffes over to your window until you’re finished eating. But, you can definitely feed them from your breakfast table, on designated giraffe plates or mugs. This was one of my favorite things: Feeding the giraffes after breakfast!
Afternoon tea time
Afternoon tea is at 4:30pm, and the giraffes know just when to arrive. Guests gather just outside the front door, at the tables and couches on the front lawn. You’ll get a short giraffe lecture from one of their keepers (Morris was an amazing resource!), where you’ll learn a bit about giraffes in general, a bit about the giraffes at the Manor, and the rules and best practices for feeding them. After the feed and lots of photo opportunities, you’ll be able to wash your hands and enjoy some savories and sweets along with tea and coffee, British style.
At the Giraffe Center
Missed a feeding time? The designated times don’t work for you? No worries! You can head to the Giraffe Center, right there on the property. A staff member will escort you there and back, and you can visit and feed the giraffes as often as you want, or even as many days as you’re there.
Keep reading: The Best Things to Do at Giraffe Manor (between giraffe feedings)
My favorite inspiration for giraffe photos:
Yes, you should absolutely let the staff members take the lead. They know the best angles, locations, and giraffes for your photos! But to give you some ideas of what to look forward to, here are my favorite photo opportunities from our trip.
The Swing
From Our Room
The Breakfast Rooms
From a Coffee Cup
More here: The Best Tips for Your Safari with The Safari Collection
Pro Tip: Do not feed the warthogs!
Last thing! Don’t feed the warthogs. They can be aggressive, and they are strong. They are also not afraid of you, since they see people every day. The warthogs can get really close, and you’ll need to watch for them whenever you’re walking around the property. They’re not as sweet and sensitive as Pumba from The Lion King!
Related: What It’s Like Staying at Solio Lodge by The Safari Collection
Want more? Check out my dedicated Kenya Page!
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