The Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi's most iconic hotels, famous for its excellent service, graceful 1930s architecture, marvellous location, and, perhaps more than anything else, for its most eccentric residents: a small herd of giraffe! Always on hand to meet and greet guests (provided you're willing to share with them your breakfast), these giraffe are a lively and permanent fixture of Giraffe Manor.
It might sound like a zoo or a novelty hotel, but Giraffe Manor really is a lovely place to stay, and would be even without its resident giraffe - though those with a fondness for these beautiful creatures will undoubtedly get the most out of their visit. Small and exclusive, the manor offers just ten tastefully-furnished rooms, as well as a great location on the outskirts of Nairobi, surrounded by almost 60 hectares of indigenous forest that is home to warthog and bush buck. The house itself dates back to the 1930s, and has become something of a local landmark.
The Giraffe Manor helps fund the nearby Giraffe Centre, which operates a breeding program for the endangered Rothschild giraffe. During your stay you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the program if you wish.
Accommodation
Giraffe Manor has just ten rooms, most of which are contained within the original manor house. Each room has been individually decorated. The decor is somewhat old-fashioned, in keeping with the age of the house, but not at all gaudy. The Karen Blixen suite, which sleeps up to five and opens onto the courtyard, is just beautiful, and particularly well suited for families with its generous lounge. The standard category rooms don't disappoint either.
Do note that not all of the rooms are located within the manor itself. Four are located within the Garden Manor, a more recent addition to the property, which has been built in a similar style to the 1932 home. The rooms here are also lovely, and include another family suite (Finch Hatton), but you are further from the main lawn and hence see less of the giraffes.
Dining
Dining at Giraffe Manor is a delight. Meals are served in the dining room (occasionally outdoors), and as a rule shared with the giraffes, who like to poke their heads through the windows in search of offerings in what has become a daily morning ritual at the manor (the windows can be closed if you object to the intrusion).
And it's no wonder that they do - the food is delicious! In the morning, a selection of cereals, fruit and cooked English breakfast. Lunch and dinner are multi-course gourmet meals. The menus are fixed, but the staff will accommodate just about any dietary request.
Facilities
- Restaurant
- Gardens
- Bar
- Massage parlour
Activities
- Visit the Giraffe centre
- Golf course nearby
- Visits to the Nairobi National Park and other nearby Reserves
- Nairobi is home to a number of museums, markets, art galleries and wildlife centres
Child Policy
Children of all ages accepted. There are two suites, one in the old manor, one in the garden manor, which are ideal for families, sleeping as many as five each.
