Second-Story Visitors: Why Giraffe Manor is Among the World's Most Unique Hotel Experiences
Modeled after a Scottish manor home, Giraffe Manor started as a family abode, built around 1932 by businessman Sir David Duncan. Over the years, it has transformed into a 5-star boutique hotel now owned and managed by the Safari Collection, drawing giraffe enthusiasts from around the globe.
Giraffe Manor is both a luxury hotel and a conservation center for Rothschild giraffes. The 12-acre estate provides a safe home for these once-endangered species, along with plenty of chances for guests to interact with them.
Upon check-in, you'll be assigned a room or suite in one of two buildings: the Main House or the Garden House. The Main Manor features six rooms, all offering direct giraffe feeding opportunities, making it the central hub of the property. The Garden House is the newer wing, also with six rooms, three of which provide direct giraffe feeding access.
If you're lucky enough to reserve one of the nine giraffe-feeding rooms, you might get a memorable 5 a.m. 'wake-up call' from a giraffe. They'll often wander up to your window or balcony looking for a morning treat. One of the most unforgettable moments at Giraffe Manor is enjoying breakfast with a giraffe poking its head through the windows, stretching its long neck toward your table. There's also a daily afternoon tea on the terrace, perfect for taking photos with the giraffes in the picturesque surroundings. Guests can feed them special food pellets provided by their assigned butlers, who also help tailor your interactions, ensuring a personalized – and giraffe-filled – experience throughout your visit.
While the giraffes are, of course, the main draw, there's more to explore on the gorgeous estate and in the lush surrounding areas. Next to the Main Manor is The Retreat, a wellness center where you can enjoy massages, work out, or take a dip in the infinity pool. You can also arrange a private candlelight dinner in the beautiful Orchid House, which boasts over 150 different types of orchids.
For those interested in the inner workings of the hotel's mission and the animals themselves, the Giraffe Centre is located right on the property grounds, offering programs focused on giraffe conservation. The Manor's grounds are also home to various other animals, including warthogs, monkeys and many bird species.
Can't get enough wildlife? Just a short drive from Giraffe Manor is Nairobi National Park, where guests can go on a safari to see a variety of wildlife, including lions, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, impalas and over 400 species of birds. The Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the Danish author of Out of Africa, is also nearby.
This unique haven, filled with giraffes, is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Its special setting and unforgettable animal encounters make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves animals and nature.
The dry seasons from June through October and December through March are generally the best time to visit Giraffe Manor. During these months, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. April through May and November tend to have heavy rainfall, which can make outdoor experiences less enjoyable. However, fewer tourists usually visit during these wetter periods, offering a quieter atmosphere and possibly more one-on-one time with the animals.
Booking a stay requires significant advance planning. While the Main Manor can only be booked as part of a package with one of the Safari Collection's other hotels, the Garden House can be reserved as a stand-alone stay based on availability. For either option, securing your reservation well in advance for this truly unique experience is highly recommended.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
17 hours ago
- Time Business News
The Ideal Solvang Wine Tours Dreams Of A Wine Lover
Solvang is a quaint Danish-style town with a twist. Right next to the windmills and bakeries, you'll find world-class wineries and tasting rooms. Take a Solvang wine tour and savor the Old World ambiance, taking in the scent of ripening grapes and the fragrant, flower-scented air. Find something for all types, from inquisitive novice to seasoned wine aficionado. We'll cover what makes Solvang wine tours special. You'll discover where to go, what to taste, and how to make the most of your visit. Is Solvang worth visiting for good wine tasting? Solvang is a picturesque town that serves as the hub of wine country. With vineyards rolling for miles around it, the area is a nexus for wine tourism. The region is famous for its premium wines, boutique producers, and friendly hospitality. Compared to larger wine regions, Solvang offers a more personal wine experience. Typically, tasting rooms are family-owned and operated, often located in the local community. That means you're talking to winemakers or the staff whose passion is real. Plus, Solvang wine tours are highly walkable. You can go to any number of tasting rooms without having to get behind the wheel. That makes your tour easy and safe, especially when tasting numerous wines! What to Look Forward to on a Solvang Wine Tour? A typical Solvang wine tour typically involves visiting 3–5 tasting rooms or wineries. They're wine flights, cheese pairings, and brief vineyard walks. Rented as private or group tours with local guides—Solvang Tours by Bike, Van, or Limo. We offer tours in Solvang wine country, traveling by van, limo, or bike. We are running guided walks around the town. There are also horseback wine tours at local vineyards. Most tours depart in the late morning and are done by late afternoon. And it leaves you with time to browse Solvang's restaurants, shops, and Danish bakeries after the smash. Planning For The Wine Tour Tours and tastings do book up, especially on weekends. Reserve your spot in advance. Choose to explore on foot, in a van, on a bike, or horseback. Each offers a different feel. Sip water in between tastings and eat a meal before you go to stay stabilized. Dress comfortably and wear appropriate shoes for the weather. Walking through the vineyards may be on uneven terrain. Pace yourself during the day. And remember: It's about drinking the wine, not drinking all the wine. Why choose us? Tours of the wine country in Solvang are the sweetest combination of outstanding vintages, beautiful scenery, and cultural richness. With its Danish-style streets and award-winning tasting rooms, this town has an experience that's both calming and invigorating. If you're taking a weekend away or a day trip, Solvang is a place you won't regret visiting again. Good wine, good friends, and good scenery make for great memories. Be sure to get a head start on planning your Solvang wine tours and raise a glass to California's best-kept secret! FAQ Should I book my wine tour in advance? Yes, particularly on weekends or holidays. Reservations guarantee availability and a more straightforward process. Is a wine tour in Solvang for beginners? Yes. They are great for beginners. Staff are friendly and walk you through each tasting. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Copenhagen ever after: Why are foreign couples flocking to Denmark to get married?
Shotgun weddings don't have to rhyme with Las Vegas anymore, as Denmark has become the European (and global) hotspot for fast weddings. Couples from all over the world are flocking to Copenhagen to get married, as the lack of red tape compared to other countries has led some to brand the capital as the "Las Vegas of Europe." Anita Okkels Birk Thomsen, who heads the marriage department at Copenhagen City Hall, reveals that approximately 8,000 wedding ceremonies took place there last year – with more than 5,000 involving couples who weren't Danish residents. "That's almost double what we saw five years ago," she notes. "They come from all over the world." So, what gives? Unlike other European nations, Denmark does not demand birth certificates or evidence of single status in order to obtain documentation permitting marriage. And that marriage can take place within a four-month period. Denmark's Family Law Agency (Familieretshuset) processes applications for a fee of 2,100 kroner (€282) and delivers a marriage certificate within five working days, provided couples meet the criteria, ie: those not residing in Denmark can simply show a passport or a tourist visa. Authorities may occasionally request civil status certificates when divorce documentation fails to clearly demonstrate finalised proceedings. Other than that, and especially compared to other countries, it's a very snappy affair. Bureaucracy overload For the sake of comparison, let's look at France. In the land of passion and romance, you need to fill in a 'marriage file' and 'build your marriage record', according to the service public website. You need to provide the original and a photocopy of documents like your identity card, passport or driving license, as well as proof of domicile or residence dated more than one month. And that's just if both partners are French. If you or your future partner are a foreigner, the City Hall 'may ask you to provide documents specific to your nationality', like a 'certificate of custom' and a 'certificate of celibacy'. If you happen to be divorced, you'll be asked for a final divorce decision or a family booklet 'corresponding to the former union with mention of divorce.' (That family record book is delivered to the newlyweds on the day of the wedding.) When all of that's sorted, witnesses also need to provide some information of their own, including date and place of birth, occupation and their very own ID. Provided you've filled all of that out thoroughly and completed your marriage file, you have to submit the file to the municipality of the chosen location for the ceremony. The file will be reviewed and the registrar tends to audition the couple. The date is then fixed, in agreement with the town hall – knowing that the marriage cannot be celebrated until the tenth day following the publication of the wedding reports. Finally, on the day, the celebration must be done by the mayor or a deputy. Swooning yet? France may have a reputation for passion, but anyone who has ever lived there can attest to the Gallic fervour for paperwork. Don't get us started about Germany. A foreigner's tale Back to Denmark, where tying the knot doesn't require as much patience. The standard procedure can be wrapped up in just five working days – which is enough to validate the paperwork and book a slot. "I had heard that the paperwork was very easy, and it was," shares an American citizen who lives in the EU and is heading to Aarhus in Denmark next month for a small and private ceremony. "20 minutes to fill in the online form and within four days, I got a response." "I have some friends in Aarhus, but it's true that the process was incredibly easy," she adds. "Naturally, you have to submit some proof that it's a real relationship and not some Visa scam, but it was such a smooth affair. And you don't need to submit proof of divorce, for example." "I was then told what the nearest date would be for the ceremony, and that was within a space of two months. Easy." As much as we wish her and her partner a long and happy life together, there are those who aren't best pleased about the amount of foreign couples heading to Denmark for their special day... Danish defence The locals aren't too thrilled about the influx of soon-to-be newlyweds, as demand for ceremonies at Copenhagen City Hall now vastly outstrips the number of available appointments. Mia Nyegaard, the Copenhagen official overseeing culture and leisure, told AP that the "significant rise" in foreign couples tying the knot in the capital "poses challenges for Copenhagen-based couples wishing to get married." This has led local officials to plan intervention measures. Nyegaard stated that roughly 40 per cent of wedding appointments at City Hall will be set aside for Copenhagen residents from late October onwards. Furthermore, Copenhagen councillors will examine additional measures after the summer break to ease the overall strain on the city's wedding capacity. Terms and conditions apply It is also worth noting that while a Denmark wedding may be appealing, especially for same-sex couples as the Scandinavian country is one of Europe's most inclusive in terms of LGBTQ rights and was the first country in the world to recognize same-sex civil unions in 1989, watch out for hidden paperwork and possible snags once you get home... While a Danish marriage may seem straightforward on paper, EU member states are not obligated to validate marriages performed in other countries. Recognition depends on each nation's laws. Thankfully, by in large, marriages performed abroad are valid in that country if they follow local laws. To swing back to France, it's a mercifully easier affair in this regard. The principle of lex loci celebrationis (law of the place of the ceremony) applies, meaning that if the marriage is valid under local law, it is considered valid in France. Phew. Sorry – ouf. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Trump Squeezes In Round Of Golf Before Returning To ‘Put Out Fires'
President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would 'quickly' play a round of golf on his newly-opened Scottish course before returning to the U.S. to 'put out fires all over the world.' The president wrapped up a five-day visit to the U.K. by cutting the ribbon on a new golf course in the village of Balmedie on Scotland's northern coast, his third in the country. The event, promoted by the official White House social media account, included a fireworks display and bagpipers, and capped a five-day foreign trip in which the president hyped his family's luxury properties and played multiple rounds of golf. The trip is estimated to cost American taxpayers $10 million. The president, flanked by his sons Eric and Don Jr., used a golden pair of scissors to cut a red ribbon at the ceremonial opening, before speaking to reporters about his priorities. 'I look forward to playing it today,' Trump said. 'We're going to play it very quickly, and then I go back to [Washington] D.C. and we put out fires all over the world,' he said, alluding in part to a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. 'We stopped a war ― we've stopped about five wars. So that's much more important than playing golf.' Before teeing off, Trump was asked about his recent break from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On Monday, Trump rejected Netanyahu's claim that there was 'no starvation' in the Palestinian enclave by saying there is 'real starvation' there. 'You can't fake that,' Trump added. Ahead of beginning the front nine holes, Trump on Tuesday yelled back to a reporter that he and Netanyahu are 'working together' to 'get things straightened out for the world.' The eclectic guest list at the new Trump International course opening included golfer Paul McGinley, Italian soccer legend Gianfranco Zola and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. On his return to the U.S., Trump is likely to face more questions on the Jeffrey Epstein affair, as he did on Monday when he offered a new explanation of why he fell out with the disgraced financier. Related... Trump Takes Break From $10 Million Golf Vacation To Put Forward New Jeffrey Epstein Explanation Critics Say Video Catches Donald Trump Cheating Like Hell In Golf Over Weekend Trump Set To Spend $10 Million Of Taxpayer Money To Market His New Scotland Golf Course Trump Says There's 'Real Starvation' In Gaza: 'You Can't Fake That'
