History, Magic, and Wildlife Elegance in Nairobi
Tucked into the quiet, forested suburb of Lang’ata in Nairobi, Kenya, Giraffe Manor is far more than just a luxury boutique hotel—it’s one of the most enchanting and unique properties in the world. With ivy-draped walls, elegant 1930s architecture, and a resident tower of endangered Rothschild giraffes, the manor blends old-world charm with unforgettable wildlife encounters that turn every moment into a story worth sharing.
A Manor with a Mission
Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 and modeled after Scottish hunting lodges. Originally a private home, it gained worldwide attention in the 1970s when Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville acquired the property and launched a conservation program to save the endangered Rothschild giraffe, whose population had dwindled due to habitat loss and human encroachment. The Leslie-Melvilles founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), also known as the Giraffe Centre, which still operates adjacent to the Manor today. Their legacy lives on as the giraffes continue to roam the grounds freely, safe from harm and full of curiosity.
What It’s Like to Stay at Giraffe Manor
Imagine sipping your morning coffee as a giraffe gently nudges its head through the window, hoping for a treat. At Giraffe Manor, these magical encounters are part of the everyday rhythm. The Manor has just 12 individually styled rooms and suites, offering an intimate, exclusive experience for guests. Each room is tastefully designed to reflect the classic elegance of the 1930s, complete with antique furnishings, four-poster beds, and views of the surrounding sanctuary.
Your stay includes full-board gourmet meals, with many ingredients sourced locally. But it’s the experience that makes Giraffe Manor legendary: breakfast with giraffes peeking in for pellets, afternoon tea on the lawn surrounded by wildlife, and the quiet joy of watching giraffes roam just steps from your room.
Guests also enjoy complimentary entry to the Giraffe Centre, where you can learn more about giraffe conservation, participate in educational talks, and hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform. Visits to nearby attractions such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Karen Blixen Museum can also be arranged.
Supporting Conservation Through Luxury Travel
A stay at Giraffe Manor directly supports the conservation of the Rothschild giraffe through the work of AFEW. The giraffes at the manor are part of a breeding and education program that has successfully helped reintroduce this species into protected wild areas across Kenya. By choosing to stay here, travelers become part of this conservation story—helping ensure that future generations can continue to witness the grace and wonder of giraffes in Kenya.
Whether you’re traveling for a honeymoon, a family adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife journey, Giraffe Manor offers the perfect blend of purpose, luxury, and playfulness. It’s not just a hotel stay—it’s a personal connection with one of Africa’s most gentle giants, wrapped in timeless elegance and backed by an inspiring mission.
