Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic historical buildings dating back to the 1930s and is reminiscent of the early days of Europeans in East Africa. Whilst the building itself resonates with the past, very much present is the herd of eight resident Rothschild giraffe who tend to visit the Manor in the mornings and evenings to greet guests and sniff out some snacks before venturing out into their sanctuary of 140 acres. From 1974, Giraffe Manor was the home of Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, whose lifelong ambition became the preservation of this beautiful and threatened species of giraffe.

• There are 10 luxury rooms which are all en-suite, one of which is the Karen Blixen Room; suitable for wheelchair users and families.
• Accommodates 25 people, with the option of extra beds in rooms.
• Children of all ages are welcome at Giraffe Manor.
• Sightseeing vehicles can be arranged for tourist attractions in the local area. The cost of the driver and vehicle is included in the rate.
• Local excursions include: Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum, Kazuri Beads, Matt Bronze and Marula Studios.
• Giraffe Manor is closed in May for annual maintenance.
• From US$440 per person per night (full board); US$390 per person per night (half board). Various day room rates available.

By car: Giraffe Manor is a 40 minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta airport and a 20 minute drive from Wilson Airport.

Directions: Take the 1st left onto Airport North Road and go through 1 roundabout, take a slight right at Mombasa Road. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Langata Road and go through 2 roundabouts. Turn left at Langata South Road and continue onto Ushirika Road. Turn left at Koitobos Road and continue following the signs to The Giraffe Centre. The gates to Giraffe Manor will appear on your right before you reach The Giraffe Centre.

Initially built as a family home, Giraffe Manor was acquired by Jock and Betty Leslie Melville, whose work with the endangered Rothschild Giraffe has become renowned worldwide. Their efforts of rearing and re-introducing giraffe to the wild have had a considerable impact on the increasing number of the species. The Rothschild giraffe are still an endangered species, as they number under 700 globally. However, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (set up by the Leslie-Melvilles) continues to protect and nurture the Rothschild Giraffe.