Giraffe Manor in Kenya

History of Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya.

Giraffe Manor History Highlights

• Constructed in 1932: Founded by Sir David Duncan as a private residence.
• Inspirations: Inspired by the traditional Scottish hunting lodge, complete with its classic ivy-covered stonewalls and vast landscaped gardens.
• Change in Ownership: Acquired by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, transforming the property’s purpose to wildlife conservation.
• Aiming to Preserve: Its main objective was the conservation of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, whose population had fallen below 150 individuals.
• Founders of the Project: It started with two juvenile giraffes named Daisy and Marlon, who were introduced into the manor for breeding purposes.
• Nature of Interaction: The giraffes are known for their adventurous behavior, often sticking their heads inside the windows and dining with the visitors during breakfast.
• An Innovative Idea: By the 1980s, the property transformed into a hotel and is regarded as a “fairytale” destination.
• Tradition Continued: At present, the giraffes are considered “co-hosts,” creating a harmonious combination of luxury accommodation and wildlife conservation.

Long before it became the world’s most photogenic boutique hotel, Giraffe Manor was simply a 1930s colonial home on the leafy outskirts of Nairobi.

Built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, it was modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge, featuring ivy-covered walls, tall windows, and manicured lawns that stretched into the Ngong Forest. At the time, it was a retreat for Nairobi’s colonial elite, a place where polo matches, garden parties, and fireside gatherings were the rhythm of life.

The giraffes came much later, and with them, the Manor’s transformation into legend. In the 1970s, Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, a conservation-minded couple, purchased the house.

Betty, in particular, was passionate about protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, a subspecies whose population had plummeted to fewer than 150 individuals in the wild.

To save them, she and Jock brought two young giraffes, Daisy and Marlon, onto the estate as part of a breeding program.

What started as a conservation effort quickly turned into something extraordinary. The giraffes, naturally curious and impossibly graceful, roamed freely around the lawns.

They grew used to people poking their heads into windows in search of snacks or ambling up to the terrace as guests had breakfast.

Word spread, and by the 1980s, Giraffe Manor had become one of Nairobi’s most unique stays: part conservation sanctuary, part fairytale hotel, where giraffes were not just seen from afar, but lived as co-hosts of the property.

Today, the Manor remains both a heritage building and a sanctuary, housing a herd of Rothschild’s giraffes alongside a foundation dedicated to their protection. Every stay here supports that mission.

About Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

• Iconic Interaction: The Rothschild’s giraffes regularly insert their heads through windows to eat pellets and greet visitors during breakfast and balcony interactions.
• Unequal Rooms: If you are fortunate enough to receive a “fairytale” wake-up call from one of the Rothschild’s giraffes through your window, it is important to note that not all rooms provide such an opportunity due to their location on the property.
• Specific Layout: There are two main wings in the hotel, and only a few rooms exist, so the experience greatly differs depending on your stationing within the hotel.
• The Safari Collection Circuit: To book accommodation, customers may be asked to combine their trip with other safari camps within the circuit, including:
  • Sasaab Lodge: in the Deserts of Samburu.
  • Solio Lodge: Rhinos in Solio Conservancy.
  • Sala’s Camp: Cats in Masai Mara.

Some places in the world exist so perfectly for Instagram that they feel unreal, almost like a movie set. Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is one of them.

Those viral shots of Rothschild’s giraffes poking their long necks through colonial-style windows, nibbling pellets off breakfast tables, or greeting you at the balcony with their enormous eyelashes, that’s the stuff that has put this boutique hotel on countless bucket lists.

But here’s the thing nobody tells you at first glance: Giraffe Manor is not just a quirky hotel where every room comes with its own giraffe.

It’s a historic property with two distinct wings, a limited number of rooms, and very specific spaces where those giraffe interactions actually happen.

Some guests get the “wake up with a giraffe at your window” fairytale; others enjoy the giraffes mostly in the gardens or shared spaces.

The experience is magical either way, but it’s not identical for everyone.

Additionally, booking a stay isn’t as straightforward as simply hopping online and reserving a room for a single night in Nairobi.

The Manor is part of The Safari Collection, a portfolio of luxury lodges across Kenya, and in most cases, securing a room here means pairing it with another property in their circuit, think Samburu’s desert landscapes at Sasaab, rhino encounters at Solio Lodge in Solio Conservancy, or big cat action at Sala’s Camp in the Mara.

In other words, Giraffe Manor is less of a quick city stopover and more of a curated entry point into a bigger Kenyan safari journey.

That’s where most travelers get surprised, the dream is real, but it comes with nuance. To really appreciate the magic, you need to understand the Manor’s layout, the types of rooms available, and how the booking system actually works.

The Giraffe Manor’s Layout and the Rooms. Understand the Rooms at Giraffe Manor in Kenya

What many don’t realize before booking is that Giraffe Manor is split into two wings, the Historic Manor and the Garden Manor. Together, they hold just 12 rooms, intimate, exclusive, and each with its own character. But here’s the detail most travelers miss: not every room gives you direct giraffe encounters at the window.

ROOM TYPES At Giraffe Manor, there are ten Superior Rooms (Betty, Daisy, Jock, Marlon, Lynn, Helen, Kelly, Arlene, Edd, and Salma), one Superior Family Suite with two en-suite bedrooms (Karen Blixen Suite), and one Family Suite with a ground-level double bed and with twin beds on a mezzanine. The Historic Manor rooms are reserved for guests staying at one of our other properties.

1. The Historic Manor (the 1930s wing)

This is the heart of the property, the original ivy-clad house where it all began. Steeped in history, its rooms are named after giraffes and past residents.

• Betty Suite – Perhaps the most iconic room, with large windows where giraffes can stretch their necks right in for morning treats.

• Daisy – Another favorite, named after one of the first giraffes brought to the estate, also with prime giraffe access.

• Marlon, Jock, Lynn – Luxurious, charming, but not all offer the same giraffe through the window moment. Some face away from the feeding lawns, so guests will interact with giraffes mainly during communal mealtimes or outside in the gardens.

Staying here is the truest way to feel the Manor’s history, with creaky staircases, wood-paneled lounges, and a sense that you’re in someone’s old, elegant home rather than a hotel.

HISTORIC MANOR Betty’s Room	Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 24 m². Front-facing in the historic manor with giraffe feeding access. Double bed with a roof terrace, an in-room fireplace, and an en-suite Art Deco bathroom with bath and shower. Space for a cot for an infant on request only.
Daisy’s Room	Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 17 m². Side-facing with a view toward the Ngong Hills in the historic manor and giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds with a roof terrace. En-suite bathroom with a shower.
Jock’s Room	Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 22 m². Front-facing room in the historic manor with giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds and a fireplace. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.
Marlon’s Room	Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 43 m². A spacious side-facing room in the historic manor with a double bed, adjoining lounge, and giraffe feeding access from the terrace. Large master en-suite facilities with a shower. Option for a sofa bed for a child upon request. An additional compact toilet and shower off the lounge area.
Lynn’s Room	Superior Room. Ground floor bedroom with double or twin beds and a walk-out terrace with limited giraffe feeding access located on the west side of the historic manor. Total approximate footprint including en-suite facilities of 49 m².
Karen Blixen Suite	Superior Family Suite. Large two-bedroom family suite of 113 m² with adjoining lounge and fireplace. Master bedroom with a double bed and a second room with twin beds, each with its own en-suite facilities equipped with bathtubs and showers. Shared south-facing terrace with giraffe feeding access. Option for a third single bed in the second bedroom for a child upon request.

2. The Garden Manor (the newer wing)

Added in 2011 to meet demand, this wing mirrors the original architecture but with a lighter, more contemporary feel. Its rooms are just as beautiful, but their giraffe access varies.

• Salma, Arlene, Kelly, Helen, Edd – These rooms surround the central courtyard and gardens. Guests here will usually meet giraffes in the shared dining terrace or lawns rather than directly at their windows.

The Garden Manor was designed with families and groups in mind; it has larger suites and more space, but it doesn’t always carry the same storybook magic as the Historic wing when it comes to giraffe visits.

Helen’s Room	Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 25 m². Front and west-facing with giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds with space to add a baby cot on request only. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.
Kelly’s Room	Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 33 m². Front-facing in the Garden Manor with giraffe feeding access. Double bed or twin beds and an extra single bed. Fireplace and en-suite bathroom with shower and bath.
Arlene’s Room	Superior Room. Approximate footprint of 22 m². Front-facing in the Garden Manor with no giraffe feeding access. Double bed with en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.
Edd’s Room	Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 29 m². A ground-floor room with a private veranda overlooking the garden terrace with no giraffe feeding access. A double bed with space for an extra sofa bed for a child on request only. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.

3. THE RETREAT AT GIRAFFE MANOR

Located on the same sanctuary as Giraffe Manor, The Retreat offers Manor House guests a tranquil space in which to relax and enjoy a range of wellness facilities at any time during their stay, within check-in and check-out hours. These include a pool, gym, steam room, sauna, and hot tub. A selection of pampering spa treatments is available to book at an extra cost. A perfect place for a day room, to refresh and look good after your long safari.

 

How to Book a Stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

Giraffe Manor is one of the most sought-after properties in Africa. With only 12 rooms in total and the whole world wanting that photo of a giraffe at breakfast, the demand is way higher than the supply. Which means two things: you can’t just hop online, grab a night, and be done. And you definitely can’t expect to slide in last minute.

What to Know before Booking Giraffe Manor. The Safari Collection Booking Policy

The Giraffe Manor is part of The Safari Collection, which also owns three other luxury lodges across Kenya:

• Sasaab in Samburu – desert landscapes, Samburu culture, elephants, and rugged beauty.

• Solio Lodge near Nanyuki – a private rhino sanctuary with incredible wildlife density.

• Sala’s Camp in the Maasai Mara – a classic tented camp for big cat action and migration sightings.

Here’s the catch: to book Giraffe Manor, especially the historic manor, where you have an opportunity to feed and have breakfast with giraffes, you need to combine your stay with at least one of these other lodges. This is The Safari Collection’s way of making sure the Manor isn’t treated as just a quick photo-op stopover in Nairobi, but rather part of a bigger Kenyan safari journey.

There are exceptions (especially in very low season), but the general expectation is, if you want Giraffe Manor, you build a whole Safari Collection itinerary.

How Far in Advance do You Need to Book Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya?

• Prime rooms (like Betty or Daisy): often booked 12 to 18 months ahead.

• Other rooms in either wing: you might find space 6 to 9 months ahead if you’re lucky.

• Last minute? Very rare, unless someone cancels. Even then, you’ll need flexibility.

How much does it cost to stay at Giraffe Manor?

Giraffe Manor is an exclusive property with very high demand from all over the globe. With its unique product and high activity in conservation, Giraffe Manor ensures it provides high-quality services, and at the same time, is sustainable and mindful of their cause of giraffe conservation.

You might be wondering how much it costs to spend a night at Giraffe Manor. Due to its high demand, it attracts high rates, making it an amazing, exclusive property in Nairobi, Kenya, for your safari. Below, we have broken down the costs and rates of Giraffe Manor.

Giraffe Manor Rates in Summary:

• Superior Family Suite (Karen Blixen):

  • $4,392 minimum (covers 2 adults and 2 children).

  • $566 for an additional child.

• Family Suite (Finch Hatton):

  • $3,953 minimum (covers 2 adults and 2 children).

  • $512 for an additional child.

• Superior Rooms (Standard):

  • $1,284 per adult sharing.

  • $885 per child sharing.

  • $2,016 for a single occupant.

SUPERIOR FAMILY SUITE Karen Blixen Suite		RATE PER PERSON SHARING
Minimum Room Rate (based on up to 2 adults & 2 children sharing)	Fully Inclusive / Day room	US$ 4,392
3rd Child Rate (3yrs to 11yrs inclusive)		US$ 566
FAMILY SUITE Finch Hatton Suite		RATE PER PERSON SHARING
Minimum Room Rate (based on up to 2 adults & 2 children sharing)	Fully Inclusive / Day room	US$ 3,953
3rd Child Rate (3yrs to 11yrs inclusive)		US$ 512
SUPERIOR ROOM Jock, Betty, Daisy, Marlon, Lynn, Arlene, Kelly, Helen, Edd & Salma		RATE PER PERSON SHARING
Per Adult Sharing	Fully Inclusive / Day room	US$ 1,284
Per Child Sharing		US$ 885
Single Room		US$ 2,016

Rate Inclusions & Policies

Included in the Rate:

• Dining & Drinks: All meals, plus house wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks.

• Transport: Airport/local transfers (within specific time windows) and transport around the Karen/Langata area.

• Activities & Access: Entrance to the AFEW Giraffe Centre, Orchid House dining, and access to “The Retreat.”

• Amenities: Laundry services, high-speed Wi-Fi, and lawn games (boules and croquet).

Excluded (Extra Cost):

• Premium Drinks: Champagne, luxury spirits, and select wines.

• Personal Services: Massage treatments, tips/gratuities, and health insurance.

Child Policy:

• Age Brackets:

  • Infants (0-2): Free of charge (FOC).

  • Children (3-11): Discounted child rate.

  • Adults (12+): Charged at full adult rates.

• Rooming:

  • Child sharing rates apply only to Superior Rooms.

  • Children in their own single room pay the full adult single rate.

  • Extra beds are subject to availability and room size limits.

Recommended Nights and Minimum Stays at Giraffe Manor

Most guests stay 1 to 2 nights. That’s enough time to enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea with the giraffes without it feeling repetitive. But you can’t count on getting “just one night” unless you’re tying it into a bigger trip with The Safari Collection.

What the Booking Includes

All-Inclusive Stay Summary

• Comprehensive Package: Covers all meals, drinks, and unlimited giraffe interactions.

• Convenient Logistics: Includes airport transfers to and from Wilson Airport for safari connections.

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi.

• Strategic Planning: Ideally used as the starting or ending point of a broader Kenyan safari.

Activities and What to Expect at Giraffe Manor

A stay at Giraffe Manor is short and sweet; most people book just one or two nights, but those hours are packed with charm. The giraffes, of course, are the headline act, but the property and its surroundings offer much more if you lean into it.

The Iconic Giraffe Encounters

• Breakfast with giraffes: The main event. In the Historic Manor dining room or on the terrace, the giraffes wander up to poke their heads through tall windows, hoping for pellets. It’s equal parts hilarious and surreal to have a giraffe sharing your toast and tea.

• Afternoon tea on the lawns: Another highlight. Picture delicate pastries, scones, and champagne served as giraffes stroll by and warthogs snuffle in the grass. It feels like stepping into a scene from a storybook.

• Bedtime visits (sometimes): Guests in the right rooms (Betty, Daisy, Marlon) may have giraffes come up to their windows in the evening, looking for a final treat before retreating into the sanctuary for the night.

The rhythm of the giraffes is predictable; mornings and late afternoons are their social hours. Midday, they tend to wander off into the forest.

Beyond the Giraffes at Giraffe Manor

• The Giraffe Centre: Right next door and also run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the Giraffe Centre is open to the public but free for Manor guests. Here you can learn more about the Rothschild’s giraffe conservation program and even feed the giraffes from a raised platform.

• Exploring the grounds: The Manor is set on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest. Guests can stroll the lawns, birdwatch, or just soak up the peace of Nairobi’s leafy suburb of Karen.

• Cultural visits: The Safari Collection can arrange trips to nearby spots like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (famous for its orphaned baby elephants), the Karen Blixen Museum (former home of the Out of Africa author), or shopping trips to local artisan markets and beadwork centers.

• Wellness & downtime: The Manor offers spa treatments, cozy lounges with fireplaces, and quiet corners for reading or sketching. It’s designed to feel like home rather than a hotel, so downtime here feels restorative, not transactional.

  

How to Get to Giraffe Manor from the Airport

The most effective method to reach Giraffe Manor from either Nairobi Airport or Wilson Airport is to book a private transfer or taxi, which is both convenient and quick, taking between 25 and 60 minutes based on traffic conditions.

On the other hand, you could opt for a mix of public buses for a more budget-friendly choice, although this will take considerably more time and necessitate transfers.

Although Giraffe Manor offers private transfers from either Nairobi Airport or Wilson Airport using their own transfer vehicles, it is highly recommended.

We advise our guests to alert us while making their bookings for Giraffe Manor with us, to ensure they note if they would like us to arrange a private transfer for them. This can be organised by our experts to ensure seamless transfers.

How safe is Nairobi for tourists visiting Giraffe Manor?

Conclusion

What makes Giraffe Manor unforgettable isn’t just that you get close to giraffes; plenty of safari lodges offer wildlife encounters. It’s the intimacy of the place.

With so few rooms, every guest is known by name, and every giraffe interaction feels personal. Meals are communal but warm, the staff treats you like part of the family, and the whole stay feels suspended in time, equal parts Edwardian manor house and African sanctuary.

In the end, Giraffe Manor isn’t just a hotel, it’s a story, a conservation legacy, and a living fairytale. For those willing to play by its rules, it delivers something no other place in the world can.