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Forbes
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Discover The Hidden Gems Of Nairobi's Exclusive Giraffe Manor
We're wild about Giraffe Manor for a number or reasons. Giraffe Manor The thing about social media is that you don't really know what to believe. With apps and filters and AI software, you can make anything into a perfect post nowadays. Maybe that's what you've been thinking about the Safari Collection's Giraffe Manor, a beloved animal sanctuary and nearly-impossible-to-reserve resort in Nairobi, Kenya. Every Instagram post you've ever seen of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star getaway looks like a page from a Rudyard Kipling novel that's come to life. Giraffes duck into windows at the precise moment a camera shutter goes off. Animals strut by the second a swimmer lifts her head out the infinity pool. Nothing about this seems real. The stretched-neck stars of the show. DeMarco Williams The instant you step onto the 12-acre property you realize that the hotel wasn't embellishing on its Instagram feed. The place is pure magic. Between the lush greenery streaming along the walls or the hand-carved furnishings filling the rooms, the resort has an authentic aura. And after just a few minutes walking around, you also will discover that there's so much more than giraffe feedings and effortless IG posts. In fact, here are three aspects of Giraffe Manor that will most pleasantly surprise you during your visit. Relax and unwind in one of the Retreat's day rooms. DeMarco Williams It's well-documented how challenging it is to get an overnight stay at the boutique hotel. With only 12 rooms spread across two buildings, the Historic Manor and the recently refreshed Garden Manor, it makes sense that the property's waiting list would be longer than a giraffe's neck. But those who are lucky enough to score a reservation (or find themselves with a Nairobi layover while visiting other Safari Collection outposts) receive access to The Retreat at Giraffe Manor. Just a stroll from the manors, the Retreat is like a day club with a full-service spa, gym and a restaurant (more delicious details on it in a bit) open to guests with a day pass. The tranquil space is great for catching glimpses of the tall, hoofed residents or simply unwinding. The Retreat's snazziest amenities are the day rooms, which are essentially lavish suites (a living area, full bath, plenty of fresh juices and water) meant for visitors exploring at least one other Safari Collection property to rent for a few hours of relaxing, napping and snacking. While you can't stay overnight in these rooms — the giraffes don't come this far for their window feedings, either — the plush beds are brilliant detours on a busy travel day. Daisy's Café is a delicious highlight of the visit. DeMarco Williams The Food In just about every social post you've seen of Giraffe Manor, the photo subject has been at a table, feeding pellets to a giraffe. But have you ever paid attention to the human food on the plate? No. And that's a shame, too, because the cuisine here is wildly delicious. All-day restaurant Daisy's Café mixes global flavors with Kenyan flair, and the results are tremendous. From breakfast to burgers to tapas bowls, every dish comes out beautifully plated — not that you'd expect anything less from one of the most photogenic properties in the world — and wonderfully seasoned. The pappardelle chicken piccata is one of the kitchen's standout items. This symphony of lemon, capers, tomatoes and juicy chicken harmonizes with the smooth Pumba's Pombe (bourbon, maple syrup, soda water and orange zest) from the bar — oh yes, Giraffe Manor has a full bar, too. Warthogs wonder about the property like their taller roommates. DeMarco Williams The Other Animals A herd of Nubian and Rothschild giraffes visits the grounds, mostly for its famous feedings early in the morning. If you miss these 6:30 a.m. calls, make the short walk next door to the neighboring Giraffe Centre, where you can feed the outstretched mammals some pellets from your hand while also learning about conservation efforts to protect them. Back at Giraffe Manor, you'll notice that the most prevalent animal isn't spotty and 16 feet tall but rather has tusks and stands just 30 inches off the ground. Playful warthogs freely roam the property, photobombing and generally keeping up mischief wherever they can find it. When you're having lunch on the Daisy's Café patio, there's a great chance that a few of the wild pigs will harmlessly graze around a landing beneath your table. The resulting photo won't be an image you're used to seeing at Giraffe Manor, but it'll still be an impressive nature shot that'll wow your Instagram followers. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes 27 Hotels With Luxury Car Collaborations By Melinda Sheckells Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Award Winners By Jennifer Kester
Los Angeles Times
01-07-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Second-Story Visitors: Why Giraffe Manor is Among the World's Most Unique Hotel Experiences
Located just minutes outside Nairobi, in the Langata suburbs, the Giraffe Manor stands out as one of the world's most unique hotels and a truly bucket-list-worthy destination. It's famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes, offering guests an intimate and luxurious experience with these magnificent animals. 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.
