You know those experiences you dream about, but then you get there and it just doesn’t live up to the expectation? Giraffe Manor by the Safari Collection is the opposite if that! I’ve wanted to visit Giraffe Manor for years—ever since I first heard about this historic manor house where giraffes come visit you at your window, and you get to feed them directly from your hand. If this is also a dream of yours, here is everything you need to know before you visit Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Manor House
This 1932 Manor House is exactly what you might envision: Covered in ivy, vast, with dark wood interiors and secret compartments. There are plenty of sitting rooms where you can look out at the wildlife, read, write, or simply enjoy your down time. The entire property is epically beautiful, and truly the stuff of my accommodation dreams. I loved every inch of this place, and every moment we spent there. I would have been happy to simply roam among the buildings, never leaving the property. It’s so beautiful, so charming, so intriguing, the Manor House is enough of a destination all on its own. The giraffes take it right over the top.
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The Room
A friend and fellow professional traveler asked me while I was there, “How are the rooms at Giraffe Manor? Are they nice or spartan? People always just post pictures of the animals.”
I’m here to tell you, the rooms are beautiful, luxurious, and worth staying in even without the giraffes, in my opinion. We stayed in the Finch-Hatton Family Suite, so my daughter and I had our own room, and my friend and traveling companion had her own room as well, with a common area in between. We were both very impressed with the generous size of the suite, which is something I never expect in a property that is also historic, no matter how luxurious. We were endlessly impressed! With plenty of natural light from the large windows, a yoga mat, and a day bed, I felt like we had landed in the actual lap of luxury.
Room 1:
Room 2:
More here: What to Do at Giraffe Manor (Between Feeding the Giraffes)
The Bathroom
Speaking of spacious rooms, both of our spaces included massive ensuite bathrooms. I’m delighted when I see two sinks in a hotel bathroom, much less two full bathrooms! The master bathroom included a free-standing bathtub (with bubble bath and bath salts), huge walk-in shower, two sinks, separate toilet rooms, and luxurious, locally made toiletries.
The second bathroom was smaller, but included a walk-in shower, two sinks, the same luxury toiletries, and separate toilet room. No bathtub, but I always take showers anyway. Both bathrooms came with beautiful robes, soft, plush towels, and filtered water for brushing our teeth and drinking, since the water in Nairobi is not always great for travelers. Water was refilled daily, even multiple times a day when needed.
Bathroom 1:
Bathroom 2:
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Daily Laundry
This was the delight of the trip, and if I had realized this complimentary, same-day laundry service was available daily, it would have affected my packing strategies. Now you know and can pack accordingly! Housekeeping checked for laundry each day, and as long as it was in the hamper by 1:00pm, it would be returned the same day. This was fabulous. The same goes for shoes—daily shoe cleaning is available, which is particularly helpful if you visit during the rainy season as we did!
More here: The Best Trips for Animal Lovers
The Balcony
The master bedroom included a spacious, beautiful balcony where—you guessed it—the giraffes came to visit us each morning! I loved all the outdoor space at Giraffe Manor, but this was particularly delightful because it was covered. Not all the balconies are, so it was nice to be able to enjoy the balcony even while it was raining. This was an ideal space for reading, animal watching, enjoying a coffee, working out, etc.
Read on: What to Know Before You Visit Sheldrick’s Trust, the Elephant Orphanage
The Common Area
Because our room was a two-bedroom suite, we also enjoyed a common living area adjacent to the rooms. With a couch, cushy chairs, a coffee table, snacks, a coffee and tea station, and in-room giraffe food, we had everything we needed. It was also large enough to do a little mobility workout one morning while my daughter and our friend slept in their respective rooms.
Related: Staying at Solio Lodge by the Safari Collection
The Food and Drink
Wow. I definitely see why Giraffe Manor has a Michelin-starred restaurant! Every bite was delicious, and every meal was beautiful. We felt like all we did was eat and feed the giraffes, and we weren’t mad about it. From breakfast and afternoon tea with the giraffes, to elegant lunches and dinners, we savored every morsel. The staff even made a special effort to make sure my daughter had her fill of whatever she could eat. My 20-month-old baby girl can really put away the yogurt, mangoes, mashed potatoes, and cheese!
The only dining experience I loved more than the food? Giraffe lattes and mochas! That’s right, each latte and mocha includes a cocoa giraffe on top. It’s latte art at the next level. I loved this so much. Those little touches make all the difference in the delight factor for me. Get yours in the dining rooms, Daisy’s Cafe, or the Orchid and Bean.
Keep eating: The Best Food We Ate at Giraffe Manor
The Retreat: Spa, Gym, and Pool
The Retreat is a newer addition to the Giraffe Manor property, and all guests at Giraffe Manor and The Retreat have access to its facilities. This is where the aforementioned Daisy’s Cafe is located, as well as a beautiful sitting area, outdoor verandas, heated lap pool, gym, and spa. I have an entire blog post dedicated to The Retreat, so be sure to check it out, but for now, here is your sneak peek!
Keep reading: What is The Retreat at Giraffe Manor?
The Giraffes
This is why you come to Giraffe Manor! Animal lovers, photographers, influencers, and experience seekers everywhere want to feed the giraffes at Giraffe Manor. The Manor is located inside a giraffe refuge, which does so much to protect and grow the population of endangered Rothschild giraffes. A stay here contributes to their well-being and provides for the future of these beautiful creatures.
You can feed them multiple times per day at the Manor House, or visit the Giraffe Center on the property any time of day to feed them there, if you need more black-tongue slobber in your life! Being so close to these gentle giants is truly special, and I’m so glad we did this, even though my daughter will only remember it in pictures. I’ll have the memories for both of us. The giraffes here made this an epic trip-of-a-lifetime that I will never forget, and will always be grateful for.
Related: Tips for Feeding the Giraffes at Giraffe Manor
Want more? Check out my dedicated Kenya Page!
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What an amazing experience!
Yes! It was the most amazing time!
So glad you have experienced the country where I learned to love giraffes! It became my way of expressing my love for my sister who lived in Kenya and appreciating giraffes all of my life. So proud of you and Iris!
Thank you for messaging me here! Yes, we had the most wonderful time! I’d love to go back. I was thinking of you the whole time we were at Giraffe Manor! The giraffes are so beautiful.