Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel owned by The Safari Collection. One of the most unique places to stay in the world, Giraffe Manor blends extraordinary wildlife encounters with exquisite hospitality and a long-term commitment to giraffe conservation. The historic manor house is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi and is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. It has extraordinary appeal that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author, Karen Blixen.

One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. The Rothschild’s species of giraffe was once highly endangered, but Giraffe Manor has long been part of a breeding programme which has successfully grown their numbers in the wild. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made Kenya safari with The Safari Collection.

The original manor house was built in 1932 and has six rooms: Betty, Daisy, Jock, Lynn, Marlon and the Karen Blixen Suite. Since the acquisition of the Giraffe Manor in April 2009, Tanya and Mikey have turned this property into one of the most sought-after hotels in the world. They have lovingly remodelled the interiors with a passion to ensure that the manor retained its 1930s character and charming history. An original art deco bathroom, antique furniture and the names of each room all reveal something of the manor’s colourful past.

In 2011, a new section of the manor was created – The Garden Manor – which sits right next door. Although built 78 years later, Tanya and Mikey used reclaimed materials from the period in which the original manor was built and its design replicates that of the main house. The Garden Manor also has six lovely guest rooms: Salma, Edd, Arlene, Helen, Kelly and the Finch Hatton Suite..

The Garden Manor is a replica of the original manor house, and although built 78 years apart, you would never know the difference. Constructed in 2011 by the current owners Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, much of it uses reclaimed materials from houses to a similar era as the original manor. It also has six rooms: Salma, Edd, Arlene, Helen, Kelly and the Finch Hatton Suite. Each room enjoys views over the sanctuary and the giraffe experience offered to guests is the same regardless of which area of the house they are staying in -– our resident giraffes enjoy daily visits to both buildings in search of treats! The primary difference is that the Garden Manor was created to provide accommodation exclusively for guests of the Safari Collection’s portfolio of properties, so that the main house can be kept as accessible as possible to all.

Garden Manor Rooms

Finch Hatton Suite

• Located in the Garden Manor
• Footprint of 40 m²
• King-size bed, 6ft twin beds and a small day bed
• En-suite bathroom with a uniquely large double-headed shower, twin sinks and a bathtub

Helen Superior Room

• Located in the Garden Manor
• Footprint of 25 m²
• King-size bed or twin beds (possible to add a baby cot)
• Access to feeding giraffes through the window
• En-suite bathroom with twin sinks, bathtub and shower

Kelly Superior Room

• Located in the Garden Manor
• Footprint of 33 m²
• King-size bed or twin beds and an extra twin bed
• Access to feeding giraffes through the window
• En-suite bathroom with twin sinks, bathtub and shower

Arlene Superior Room

• Located in the Garden Manor
• Footprint of 22 m²
• King-size bed (not possible to add an extra bed)
• No access to feeding giraffes
• Quirky-shaped bathroom with bath and shower

Salma Superior Room

• Located in the Garden Manor
• Footprint of 23 m²
• King-size bed or twin beds (not possible to add an extra bed)
• No access to feeding giraffes
• En-suite bathroom with bathtub, shower and single sink
• Balcony

Edd Superior Room

• Located in the Garden Manor
• Footprint of 29 m²
• King-size bed (not possible to add an extra bed)
• No access to feeding giraffes
• En-suite bathroom with bathtub, a large double shower and twin sinks
• Verandah with a private bar
• Wheel-chair accessible

Manor House Rooms

Karen Blixen Suite

• Located in the Main Manor
• Footprint of 113m²
• Two separate en-suite bedrooms both with a bathtub and shower
• Shared living room area with fireplace
• Master room has a king-size bed
• Twin room has twin beds (possible to convert into a double)
• Large balcony with access to feeding giraffes

Betty Superior Room

• Located in the Main Manor
• Footprint of 24 m²
• King-size bed (possible to add a baby cot)
• Access to feed giraffes from front window and balcony
• Original art deco bathroom with bathtub and shower
• Balcony

Daisy Superior Room

• Located in the Main Manor
• Footprint of 17 m²
• King-size bed or twin beds (not possible to add an extra bed)
• Access to feeding giraffes from the balcony
• En-suite bathroom with twin sinks and spacious shower
• Balcony

Jock Superior Room

• Located in the Main Manor
• Footprint of 22 m²
• King-size bed or twin beds
• Access to feeding giraffes from the front view window
• En-suite bathroom with bathtub, shower and twin sinks

Marlon Superior Room

• Located in the Main Manor
• Footprint of 43 m²
• King-size bed or twin beds and adjoining lounge with a sofa which converts to a bed for a child
• Private terrace with seating area and giraffe feeding access
• Two en-suite bathrooms, one large bathroom with shower and one compact bathroom with shower

Lynn Superior Room

• Located in the Main Manor
• Footprint of 47m²
• King-size bed or twin beds (not possible to add an extra bed)
• Private walk-out terrace with seating area and access to feeding giraffes
• En-suite bathroom with shower and bath