Giraffe Manor, Kenya Hotel

It doesn’t get more up-close-and-personal when it comes to KENYA‘s wildlife – at this sanctuary-cum-manor house, gentle Rothschild’s giraffes are your co-guests and companions as you soak up the hospitality.

It’s possible you’re familiar with this idiosyncratic Nairobi hotel, laid out over 57ha of forest in the upscale Karen district. Images of its resident ‘tower’ of rare Rothschild’s giraffes are a social media favourite and the iconic property also featured on BBC’s Amazing Hotels. Despite appearances, Giraffe Manor is no gimmick, however – this is one seriously smooth-running affair and the leggy creatures are just the start of the story. Sitting on the cusp of Nairobi National Park, it embodies the spirit of Kenyan hospitality – think part Out of Africa, part members’ club: all wonder. A residence since 1932, the manor was taken on in the Seventies by the Leslie-Melvilles, who set out to create a sanctuary for at-risk giraffes. In 1984 it opened as a hotel to help raise funds for their plight. Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley have been responsible for its legacy since 2009, catapulting it to global renown. Twelve stylish rooms are set over two buildings – The Garden Manor and The Historic Manor (the latter bookable only to those visiting other Safari Collection properties). In some rooms, feed is left ready for the morning rounds, when the giraffes pop their heads through windows or over balconies. Lounges are all about comfort, with games and log fires; and the food is a globe-trotting paean to how things can be done simply and well.

As guests gather on the terrace for afternoon tea, giraffes meander over and expert staff choreograph guests to hand-feed and stroke the stunning creatures. The next day, tag on a pass to beautiful open-air manor space The Retreat – this recent addition is filled with art, thoughtful pieces and bold colour, with a pool, spa, restaurant and day rooms for those pre-flight hours.

A unique, must-do bookend to any Kenyan adventure. Two-night, all-inclusive stays from
£2,336pp.

Words by Blossom Green.

This review was taken from the August/September 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.