Giraffe Manor Kenya
Giraffe Manor Kenya : Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel located in Nairobi, Kenya. The manor is famous for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, which are free to roam the grounds and interact with guests. The property is situated on 140 acres of indigenous forest within 140 acres of land and is home to over 180 species of birds and other wildlife.
The manor was built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, and in 1974 it was purchased by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, who began a breeding program for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Today, the manor is run by The Safari Collection and offers luxurious accommodations and dining experiences, as well as opportunities to feed and interact with the resident giraffes.
Guests at Giraffe Manor can participate in a variety of activities, including nature walks, bird watching, and visits to the nearby Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage. The manor is also conveniently located near Nairobi’s top attractions, including the Karen Blixen Museum and the Nairobi National Park.
Staying at Giraffe Manor is a unique and unforgettable experience, offering guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of Africa’s most iconic animals while enjoying the comforts of a luxurious boutique hotel.
Here are some of the activities you can do at Giraffe Manor:
Feed the Giraffes: Guests can hand-feed the giraffes from the breakfast table or from their bedroom window. One of the unique experiences offered at Giraffe Manor is the opportunity to feed the resident Rothschild’s giraffes who frequently visit the property. The main attraction at Giraffe Manor is the opportunity to get up close and personal with the resident giraffes. You can hand-feed them pellets from the hotel’s supply or even get a giraffe kiss!
Guests at Giraffe Manor can enjoy breakfast with the giraffes and feed them directly from their hands, through the windows of the hotel’s dining room. The hotel also offers guided tours of the property where guests can learn about the history of the giraffes and the conservation efforts to protect their species.
To experience feeding the giraffes at Giraffe Manor, you will need to make a reservation in advance, as the experience is highly sought after and availability is limited. It is also important to follow the guidelines provided by the hotel to ensure the safety and well-being of both the guests and the giraffes.
Visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre: This nearby centre provides guests with an opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts to protect the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. The AFEW Giraffe Centre, also known as the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, is a non-profit organization that was established in 1979 to protect and conserve endangered species, particularly the Rothschild’s giraffe. The centre is located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, Kenya, and it is a popular tourist attraction.
The primary aim of the AFEW Giraffe Centre is to educate people about the importance of conservation and to provide a sanctuary for giraffes that have been rescued from various parts of Kenya. The centre also has an education programme that reaches out to schools and communities, teaching them about wildlife conservation and the environment.
Visitors to the centre can enjoy feeding the giraffes from a raised platform. The giraffes at the centre are accustomed to human interaction, and visitors can get up close to them for a truly unique experience. The centre also has a nature trail that visitors can explore, which leads to a small wetland area where you can see some of the birdlife and other wildlife that inhabit the area.
Explore the Ngong Hills: Guests can take guided hikes or walks to the Ngong Hills to enjoy breath-taking views of Nairobi.
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: This elephant and rhino orphanage is a must-visit for animal lovers.
Relax and unwind: Giraffe Manor offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding and relaxation.
Visit nearby attractions: Nairobi National Park, Karen Blixen Museum, and the Maasai Market are all located within a short drive of the hotel.
Opening Hours at Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is open year-round and guests can check in at any time after 11:00 AM. Check-out time is at 10:00 AM.
If you are interested in a day visit to Giraffe Manor, they offer several options that typically run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this time, visitors can enjoy breakfast with the giraffes, tour the property, and interact with the resident giraffes.
Wildlife at Giraffe Centre
Besides giraffes, the centre is also home to other wildlife such as warthogs, bushbucks, and various bird species.
Visitors to the Giraffe Centre can observe and interact with the resident giraffes up close, hand-feeding them with specially prepared pellets. These gentle giants are a highlight of the centre, and visitors can learn about their behaviour, habitat, and conservation efforts to protect them.
Apart from giraffes, the centre is also home to warthogs, which roam freely and are often seen grazing on the grounds. The bushbucks, a type of antelope, can also be spotted in the surrounding forest. Additionally, the centre is a bird watchers paradise, with over 180 bird species recorded in the area, including sunbirds, weavers, and hornbills.
The Giraffe Centre offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and diversity of wildlife in Kenya.
Giraffe Manor Kenya : Birdlife
The grounds of Giraffe Manor are home to over 180 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Some of the notable bird species that can be seen at the Manor include the Hartlaub’s turaco, which is a brightly coloured bird with a distinctive blue head, the African spoonbill, which has a spoon-shaped bill used for catching fish, and the grey crowned crane, which is the national bird of Uganda and is known for its elaborate dance displays.
Other bird species commonly spotted at the Manor include the Hadada ibis, which has a loud and distinctive call, the Speckled moosebird, which is a small, social bird with a long tail, and the African green pigeon, which is known for its bright green plumage.
In addition to the birdlife, the grounds of Giraffe Manor are also home to other wildlife, including warthogs, bushbucks, and the occasional dik-dik. Visitors to the Manor can enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife while also experiencing the unique opportunity to interact with the friendly resident giraffes.
Giraffe Manor Kenya : Giraffe Manor rates
The room rates at Giraffe Manor vary depending on the season and the type of room booked. The rates for a double room start at around $840 per night in low season and can go up to $1,270 per night in high season. These rates include accommodation, all meals and drinks (excluding premium drinks and champagne), and a complimentary visit to the AFEW Giraffe Centre.
It’s worth noting that the Manor has a minimum stay policy of two nights, and there may be additional charges for activities such as guided walks, horse riding, and spa treatments. The hotel also offers exclusive-use options for groups or families, which can be arranged by contacting the hotel directly.
In general, Giraffe Manor is a luxurious and unique Kenya Safari experience that comes with a price tag to match. However, for those who can afford it, the opportunity to interact with the friendly resident giraffes and enjoy the natural beauty of the grounds is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
