Giraffe Manor is a unique boutique hotel set in a 140-acre forested sanctuary in Nairobi. It offers close encounters with its resident giraffes during breakfast and afternoon tea, making for a magical experience. The manor is part of a breeding program for endangered Nubian/Rothschild’s giraffes and supports conservation efforts across Africa through its Giraffe Sponsorship Programme. With fine dining, excellent hospitality, and wellness facilities, it's the perfect start or end to your East African safari.
15
Rooms31
+/- Occupants3
Dining Experiences0
Event VenuesBetty Superior Room
Betty the giraffe, born in 2000 and arriving at Giraffe Manor in 2002, is one of the smallest and most beautiful giraffes, though also the shyest. She is named after Betty Leslie-Melville, ‘The Giraffe Lady,’ who, along with her husband Jock, purchased the manor in the 1970s. Upon learning about the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, they dedicated themselves to conservation. The breeding and conservation program at Giraffe Manor, which continues today, stands as Betty's lasting legacy.
Daisy Superior Room
Daisy II, named after the original Daisy Rothschild, was hand-raised by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. Her last calf, Ibrahim, was born in October 2011, and her daughter Helen was born in front of the manor in 2009. Daisy II also had other calves, including Frank, who was released into Lake Nakuru National Park at two years old. The Leslie-Melvilles wrote the bestselling book “Raising Daisy Rothschild,” which helped fund the relocation of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes to Kenya's national parks. Today, Daisy IV remains at the manor, born in August 2009, recognizable by her right ear with a missing pointed tip. Her room offers westward views of the Ngong Hills.
Jock Superior Room
Jock-the-giraffe, named after Jock Leslie-Melville, lived to be 22 years old and 19 feet tall, fathering over twenty calves, many of which have been successfully released into Kenya’s national parks. He passed away in July 2009. His room, which still attracts giraffes seeking treats in the early mornings, offers pellets that guests can feed to the giraffes through the window, just as the Leslie-Melvilles did when they first raised giraffes at the manor. From Jock’s room, you can also see the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) Giraffe Centre, founded by Jock in the 1970s.
Marlon Superior Room
Built in 1932 as a private residence, the manor's rooms were originally designed to meet the family's needs and reflect the style of a traditional Scottish hunting lodge. Marlon’s room was once two smaller children’s or nanny bedrooms, known as Lynn and Marlon. In June 2019, the wall between them was removed to create a spacious 36-square-meter room. The room features twin beds that can be converted into a large double, with an adjoining sitting area and a sofa that can turn into a child’s bed. An east-facing balcony offers guests the perfect height to feed giraffes as they pass by.
Lynn Superior Room
Lynn’s room is named after a beloved giraffe who was the guardian of the Rothschild’s giraffe herd for many years. Born in 1996, Lynn had five calves at the sanctuary and was known for her kind, reliable nature. She passed away in 2015. Lynn was named after Lynn Sherr, an award-winning ABC news correspondent and passionate giraffe enthusiast. Sherr’s book, Tall Blondes, is a celebrated work on giraffes. The room, located on the ground floor of the manor, was once the original kitchen before being transformed into the welcoming space it is today.
Karen Blixen Suite
Karen Blixen came to Kenya from Denmark to marry Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke and start a dairy farm, only to discover that he had invested in coffee instead. Despite her struggles with coffee cultivation, her resilience earned her great respect. In 1964, the Danish government gifted Blixen’s house to Kenya as an independence present. After her autobiography Out of Africa was turned into an Academy Award-winning film in 1985, the house became a museum. The Karen Blixen room at Giraffe Manor, located on the top floor, offers a spacious two-bedroom suite, the largest at the manor. Rebuilt and relocated in 2019, the room features a south-facing balcony where guests can feed giraffes in the early morning.
Helen Superior Room
Helen-the-giraffe, born in front of the manor on August 1st, 2009, sadly passed away in May 2015. A natural leader with a mischievous streak, she was the daughter of Daisy II. Helen was named after Sister Helen, a Catholic nun and friend of Betty Leslie-Melville, who co-purchased the manor with her husband Jock in the 1970s. Sister Helen played a key role in bringing Betty to Africa for the first time. Helen’s room, located in the Garden Manor, is a spacious 43-square-metre corner room, often visited by giraffes seeking treats in the morning. Guests can enjoy feeding the giraffes from Helen’s windows before breakfast.
Kelly Superior Room
Kelly-the-giraffe, born in Nakuru National Park and brought to the Giraffe Centre in 2002, is affectionately nicknamed Grace Kelly due to her graceful, aloof nature. Easily recognized by her light coat and prominent ossicone, Kelly is often the first to arrive for treats and the last to leave. Known as the resident "head-butter," it's best to stay in front of her! She was named after Kelly O’Connell, a US-based wildlife supporter and director of The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). Kelly’s room, located upstairs in the Garden Manor, is 45 square metres and features traditional cane furnishings, along with a striking stained-glass wall in the bathroom.
Arlene Superior Room
Arlene-the-giraffe, born in June 1994, sadly passed away from natural causes in April 2012. Despite her petite size, she was known for her affectionate nature, sharing love with visitors. Arlene was named after Arlene Burzinski, who headed the British Airways Conservation projects that greatly supported The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). Although Burzinski has since left British Airways, she remains on AFEW's board of directors. Arlene’s room, located on the upper floor of the Garden Manor, is 28 square metres in size.
Salma Superior Room
Salma-the-giraffe, born at Giraffe Manor in November 2011, is Betty’s daughter. While friendly, she is a bit shy, likely due to a traumatic experience when she was attacked by a lion at just one year old. Salma still carries the scars of that attack and has shown incredible resilience, surviving the loss of two calves shortly after their birth. Her room is one of the newest at the manor, added in April 2017 to the top floor of the Garden Manor. It offers south-facing views over the lunch courtyard and the sanctuary forest beyond.
Edd Superior Room
Edd-the-giraffe, born at Giraffe Manor in July 2011 to Jock and Lynn, is now the dominant male and father to all the young calves at the sanctuary. A gentle giant, Edd enjoys being fed from Jock’s room and is known for his affectionate nature, happily accepting hugs in exchange for a few pellets. Easily recognized as the largest giraffe, his offspring quickly move aside in deference when he appears. Edd’s room is one of the newest at the manor, added in April 2017 to the Garden Manor section of the property.
Finch Hatton Suite
In 1911, Denys Finch Hatton came to British East Africa with money inherited from his late uncle, purchasing land near what is now Eldoret. He met Karen Blixen in 1918, and after her divorce in 1925, he moved into her house, where he stayed until his tragic death in May 1931, when his Gypsy Moth crashed in Tsavo National Park. Per his wishes, Blixen buried him in the Ngong Hills. The room named after him is located on the ground floor of the Garden Manor, offering views of the giraffes and other wildlife that often wander nearby in the early morning.
Breakfast with Giraffes
Waking up to breakfast with a giraffe is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re in the main manor or the Garden Manor breakfast room, the giraffes will find you. Watch out for their long, curious tongues as they check out what's on offer—luckily, they’re after the nutritious dried grass pellets, not your pancakes!
Afternoon Tea with Giraffes
A traditional afternoon tea at the manor is a delightful experience not to be missed. Relax in the tranquil gardens with giraffes in view, enjoying an assortment of cookies, cakes, sandwiches, scones, and fruit platters. You'll have plenty of opportunities to feed and interact with the giraffes, and the team will help capture the perfect photo memory.
Daisy's Café
Daisy’s Café, located at The Retreat next to Giraffe Manor, offers a vibrant menu of freshly prepared snacks and meals, along with a fully stocked bar. Our expert chef uses locally sourced, nutritious ingredients—many grown in the veggie garden—to create nourishing farm-to-fork dishes. Enjoy dining al fresco in the leafy garden terrace or under the vaulted ceilings of the café. Additional costs may apply.
AFEW Giraffe Centre
Your stay at the manor includes access to the AFEW Giraffe Centre, just a gentle stroll across the front lawn. The centre offers fascinating information about the rare Rothschild’s giraffes and features a small nature trail perfect for a relaxing walk.
Swimming Pool at The Retreat
Glide through our 21-meter infinity pool with stunning views of the giraffe sanctuary. Our charming Rothschild’s giraffes often wander up to the pool’s edge, offering a unique, long-legged spectacle. The poolside deck with sun loungers provides a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the soothing birdsong from the surrounding trees.
Orchid House
Fragrant and filled with light, the orchid house is a peaceful retreat within the manor. Whether reading, meditating, or sketching one of the 150 orchids, it offers a soothing escape. If you’re interested, we can arrange a romantic, candlelit dining experience among the foliage, subject to availability.
Sauna, Steam, Hot Tub & Gym
Unwind after a long journey or thrilling safari in our relaxing spa area, featuring a traditional sauna, steam room, and bubbling hot tub. For those looking to stay active, our fully equipped gym offers beautiful garden views and everything needed for a full-body workout.
The Retreat Spa
The Retreat's spa offers a variety of massage and beauty treatments to restore your body’s natural balance and ease stress. We use Healing Earth, a premium organic brand inspired by ancient African healing traditions.
Chess
Enjoy a unique game of chess anytime with our handmade chess board, featuring giraffes, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and rhinos as the traditional pieces!
Lawn Games
Our lush lawns are ideal for a leisurely game of croquet or boules, with both available at the manor. At The Retreat, enjoy some family fun with giant Jenga. Our friendly staff are on hand to help set up the games, best enjoyed during the day when the giraffes are browsing in the sanctuary.
Enquiries
For more information on customised individual, family, small groups and incentive travels to exclusive Southern and East African destinations, please feel free to contact us weekdays during office hours 9am-5pm UCT+2
Contact Us
TEL: +27 (0)21 430 3930
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