Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is a renowned boutique hotel located in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. Set within 12 acres of private land and surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest, the property is celebrated for its unique resident herd of endangered Nubian giraffes, which interact daily with guests. Originally built in 1932 as a private residence, the manor has evolved into a globally recognised hotel, blending historic charm with contemporary hospitality. With just 12 rooms and suites, Giraffe Manor offers an intimate experience, where guests can enjoy close encounters with giraffes during breakfast and teatime, as well as participate in conservation efforts. The property is part of The Safari Collection, owned by Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley since 2009, and is consistently recognised for its quality, service, and conservation leadership.

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya is rated 3-star — one of 140 three-star houses on Earth, among just 777 starred hotels; seat 16 of 140. The case for that grade rests on consistent guest and expert recognition: an EMPTYJET Consensus of 96/100, the house is named Best in Country (N°1 house in Kenya) and it holds MICHELIN Three Keys. With 12 rooms and daily giraffe encounters, including breakfast, the property pairs notable guest approval with a distinctive local offer.

Giraffe Manor was originally constructed in 1932 as a private residence for Sir David Duncan, a member of the Mackintosh family, on a 150-acre estate. The manor was modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge, reflecting the architectural tastes of the era. In 1974, the property was purchased by Betty Leslie-Melville and her husband, who pioneered the conservation of endangered Nubian giraffes on the estate. The 1970s marked the beginning of the giraffe breeding programme, which aimed to reintroduce Nubian giraffes into the wild. In 1983, Rick Anderson and his wife took over hotel management, further developing the property’s hospitality offering. The current owners, Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, acquired Giraffe Manor in April 2009 and have since expanded and restored the property, including the construction of the Garden Manor in 2011. Today, the estate covers 115 acres and continues its legacy as both a conservation centre and a celebrated hotel.

The original Giraffe Manor was built in 1932, modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge, and retains much of its 1930s character. The interiors have been thoughtfully remodelled to preserve the period’s charm, featuring art deco bathrooms and antique furniture. The Garden Manor, constructed in 2011 by Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, was built using reclaimed materials from houses of a similar era, ensuring architectural harmony with the historic manor. Each room is unique in size, features, and décor, with many offering views over the sanctuary and opportunities for close interaction with the resident giraffes. The property’s design seamlessly blends historic elegance with the natural beauty of its surroundings, creating a distinctive sense of place.

Giraffe Manor offers 12 rooms and suites, accommodating up to 29 guests. The Historic Manor features six uniquely designed rooms, each named after figures from the manor’s history. The Garden Manor also comprises six unique rooms: Salma, Edd, Arlene, Helen, Kelly, and the Finch Hatton Suite. Each room is individually decorated, with no two alike in size, features, or décor. All rooms overlook the sanctuary, providing guests with the opportunity for close interaction with the giraffes. One notable suite is furnished with belongings of Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen), adding a literary and historical dimension to the guest experience. The property’s intimate scale ensures a personalised stay, with daily giraffe visits at both the Garden Manor and Historic Manor.

Dining at Giraffe Manor is a highlight of the guest experience, with full board including all meals and most drinks (house wines, spirits, beers, and soft drinks). Breakfast is a signature event, where guests in the Historic Manor enjoy their meal in the main sunroom, while those in the Garden Manor dine in a dedicated breakfast room. These settings allow for the celebrated breakfast encounters with the resident giraffes, who often join guests at the table. Breakfast tables are assigned by management to ensure safety and smooth flow, and reservations are not possible. The property’s culinary offering is complemented by the unique opportunity to share meals with the world’s tallest animal, making dining at Giraffe Manor a memorable and interactive affair.

Giraffe Manor is situated in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, at an altitude of 5,889 feet above sea level. The property is set within 12 acres of private land, surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest, offering a tranquil and secluded environment. The estate currently covers 115 acres and provides a sanctuary for endangered Nubian giraffes. Its proximity to Nairobi allows for convenient access, while the setting within a forested area ensures a sense of retreat from the city. The location is integral to the property’s identity, enabling daily giraffe encounters and supporting its conservation mission.

Giraffe Manor is ideally suited for travellers seeking an intimate, conservation-focused experience in Nairobi. Its combination of historic architecture, unique wildlife encounters, and high standards of service make it a compelling choice for those interested in both luxury and purpose-driven travel. The property’s limited number of rooms ensures exclusivity, while its global recognition and guest reputation attest to its consistent quality. Giraffe Manor is particularly recommended for guests who value close interaction with wildlife, appreciate historic settings, and wish to contribute to conservation efforts during their stay.

• Only overnight guests have access to Giraffe Manor; day visitors are not permitted.
• Check-in is from 12:00 noon and check-out by 10:00 am; early check-ins and late check-outs are not allowed due to limited rooms and dining spaces.
• Transfers within Nairobi and to nearby attractions are included, as are arrival and departure transfers.
• Full board includes all meals and most drinks (house wines, spirits, beers, and soft drinks).
• Children are welcome at Giraffe Manor.
• A portion of guest fees supports AFEW and giraffe conservation education.
• Each room is unique in size, features, and décor, and all offer views of the sanctuary.
• Complimentary chauffeured vehicles are available for sightseeing, subject to demand and availability.