Giraffe Manor
1930s colonial manor with genuine conservation soul. Creaky staircases, wood-paneled lounges, four-poster beds, art deco bathrooms, and antique furniture throughout. Communal dining around a long table, afternoon tea on the lawn, warthogs in the grass. Intimate, residential, and slightly surreal.
Betty's Room and Daisy's Room in the Historic Manor offer the best direct window giraffe access — book these 12–18 months in advance
Why It Matters
Probably the most-photographed hotel on the planet right now. The giraffe-at-breakfast shot is genuinely as good as it looks. Conservation credentials are real — the property has been part of a Nubian giraffe breeding programme since the 1970s, and many calves born here go on to live in the wild. Ranked #2 in Top 5 Hotels in Central and East Africa (Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, 2024).
Built in 1932 and modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge, Giraffe Manor sits on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in Nairobi's Langata suburb. It's split into two wings — the ivy-clad Historic Manor and the Garden Manor (added in 2011) — and together they hold just 12 rooms. The headline feature: a resident herd of endangered Nubian giraffes that wander the grounds and poke their long necks through the tall windows at breakfast and afternoon tea. Rates are fully all-inclusive, and the property runs more like a private home than a hotel.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
Arlene's Room
From USD1,284 / nightFront-facing room in the Garden Manor but with no direct giraffe feeding window access. Double bed. En-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Giraffe interactions happen at communal spaces and on the lawns.
Double · 22 sqm
Betty's Room
From USD1,284 / nightThe most iconic room in the house. Front-facing in the Historic Manor with prime giraffe feeding access directly from the windows. Features a double bed, in-room fireplace, a roof terrace, and an Art Deco en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower. Space for an infant cot on request. Often books out 12–18 months in advance.
Double · 24 sqm
Daisy's Room
From USD1,284 / nightNamed after one of the original giraffes brought to the estate. Side-facing in the Historic Manor with views toward the Ngong Hills and giraffe feeding access. Double or twin configuration available. En-suite bathroom with shower. Has a roof terrace.
Double or Twin · 17 sqm
Edd's Room
From USD1,284 / nightGround floor room in the Garden Manor with a private veranda overlooking the garden terrace. No direct giraffe feeding window access. Double bed with space for an extra sofa bed for a child on request. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.
Double · 29 sqm
Finch Hatton Suite
From USD3,953 / nightA duplex family suite in the Garden Manor. Ground-floor king-size bedroom with in-room fireplace and en-suite with large shower, bathtub, and double vanities. Twin beds on a mezzanine level accessed via a spiral staircase — ideal for two to three children. Large veranda and terraces for hand-feeding the giraffes. Named after Denys Finch Hatton of Out of Africa fame.
King + Twin (mezzanine)
Helen's Room
From USD1,284 / nightFront and west-facing room in the Garden Manor with giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds. Space for a baby cot on request. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.
Double or Twin · 25 sqm
Jock's Room
From USD1,284 / nightFront-facing room in the Historic Manor with direct giraffe feeding access. Offers double or twin beds and an in-room fireplace. En-suite bathroom with both shower and bath.
Double or Twin · 22 sqm
Karen Blixen Suite
From USD4,392 / nightThe grandest room in the house at 113 sqm. Located on the top floor of the Historic Manor, it features a master bedroom with a double/king bed and a second room with twin beds — each with its own en-suite bathroom complete with bathtub and shower. Shared south-facing terrace with giraffe feeding access. Option for a third single bed for a child in the second bedroom. Furnished with belongings evoking the Out of Africa author. Ideal for families or those who want the full manor house experience.
Double/King + Twin · 113 sqmKelly's Room
From USD1,284 / nightFront-facing room in the Garden Manor with giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds plus an extra single bed. In-room fireplace and en-suite bathroom with shower and bath.
Double or Twin · 33 sqmLynn's Room
From USD1,284 / nightGround floor room on the west side of the Historic Manor. Double or twin beds with a walk-out terrace and limited giraffe feeding access. Total footprint including en-suite facilities is approximately 49 sqm.
Double or Twin · 49 sqmMarlon's Room
From USD1,284 / nightA spacious side-facing room in the Historic Manor. Features a double bed, an adjoining lounge, and giraffe feeding access from the terrace. Option for a child's sofa bed on request. Large en-suite with shower plus an additional compact toilet and shower off the lounge.
Double · 43 sqmSalma's Room
From USD1,284 / nightOne of the six Garden Manor rooms, named after a member of the resident giraffe herd. Views over the sanctuary. Giraffe interactions happen at the shared dining terrace and lawns. Specific room dimensions not published.
DoubleThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Right next door to Giraffe Manor and part of the same conservation programme. Founded in 1979, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife runs a giraffe education and breeding programme here. Guests can feed giraffes from a raised platform, learn about the conservation effort, and visit the information centre. Entry is included in all Giraffe Manor rates.
Classic afternoon tea served on the terrace and lawns — scones, cakes, sandwiches — as giraffes return from the forest sanctuary in the late afternoon for pellets. Golden-hour light, warthogs in the grass, giraffes at arm's length. Often considered the more relaxed and intimate of the two giraffe encounters.
The main event. Every morning, the resident herd of Nubian giraffes wanders up to the manor and pokes their long necks through the tall sunroom windows. First course is nutritional pellets for the giraffes; second course is your full breakfast. Completely unscripted, completely wild, and completely unlike anything else in the world.
Transfers to nearby artisan workshops including Kazuri Beads (handmade ceramic jewellery by a women's cooperative) and Matbronze (artisan metalwork) included within standard local transfer times.
The manor sits within 140 acres of indigenous forest, home to abundant birdlife. Guests can stroll the grounds with a staff member (always required — the property is in an unfenced wildlife sanctuary where even the resident warthogs and giraffes can get grumpy).
The famous Nairobi elephant orphanage where rescued baby elephants are raised for reintroduction to the wild. A staff member will drive, drop off, and wait. Advance booking essential. Entry fee additional.
In partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, guests can sponsor one of the resident Nubian giraffes. Sponsors receive a certificate, an A4 photographic print, a beaded giraffe keyring, and regular conservation updates.
Scenic helicopter flights over Nairobi and surrounding areas can be arranged through the concierge. Extra cost.
Horseback riding in the surrounding Karen/Langata area can be arranged. Extra cost.
The former home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, now a museum. A short drive from the manor. Transfer included within check-in/check-out times.
Boules and croquet available on the manicured lawns. Included in the all-inclusive rate. There is also a handmade giraffe-themed chess set in the sitting room.
The world's only urban national park, a short drive away. Home to lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. Game drive vehicle available from the manor at additional cost (approximately $490 + park fees).
A serene private space filled with over 150 orchid varieties. Ideal for reading, quiet time, or a private dinner on special occasions.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner included. House wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks included. Premium champagne, luxury spirits, and select wines are extra.
A sitting room library with books, games, and the handmade giraffe-themed chess set.
A tranquil outdoor rooftop space for relaxing.
An infinity pool at The Retreat with views over the giraffe sanctuary. Included for Giraffe Manor overnight guests.
The property operates like a private home. There is no formal reception area or public restaurant — guests cannot arrive or depart outside strict check-in/check-out windows. No elevator in the period building.
Available in Betty's Room, Jock's Room, Kelly's Room, the Karen Blixen Suite, and the Finch Hatton Suite. Useful on cold Nairobi evenings (June–August can drop to 2°C).
On-site Giraffe Manor shop selling artisan collection, locally made crafts, and safari-themed items. Also available online.
Transfers from JKIA and Wilson Airport included within check-in/check-out times. Local transfers to Karen & Langata area, nearby attractions, and artisan shops also included.
BUILD YOUR GIRAFFE MANOR PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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