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A NIGHT WITH GIRAFFES
What’s it like to stay at one of Africa’s most iconic hotels where breakfast and tea are shared with the world’s tallest animal? We got the inside scoop from one of our team members who recently spent a night with the giraffes.
Look who came to breakfast!
Did the bucket-list breakfast live up to expectations? It exceeded them! As much as I knew what to expect having seen countless photos of people posing with their coffee cups, giraffes joining them through the windows and eating treats off the tables, living it yourself is a whole different matter! You can’t quite believe it, the absurdity of the breakfast scene, the utter delight when they appear through the window and poke their purplish tongues out expectantly. Because they sweep down to table height, I found myself eye to eye with Betty, it was quite magical.
I was so engrossed in the experience, making sure I fed her one treat at a time, admiring her ridiculously long eyelashes and marvelling at being so close to her, that I forgot all about taking any photos. Luckily Vincent, my dedicated waiter, was on hand to make sure I captured some insanely cool moments to share with my family.
What I hadn’t known from the photos, is that breakfast is actually a two-course affair. The first course: green grass pellets for the giraffes. When the long-legged breakfast guests have had enough, that’s when the bacon and eggs appear. Otherwise, as explained to me by Vincent, you might find a curious giraffe tongue giving your pancakes a lick!
Was there anything you didn’t know before you went? I was surprised to discover that some of the giraffes born at the manor actually go on to live in the wild. I was immediately full of questions. Why are they moved? Can they cope in the wild? Do they miss the pellets? The team directed me to the story of Lily, Alizeti and Jock VIII, three young giraffes born at the manor and moved to a new home last year. It addressed my many burning questions and is worth reading. I discovered that even before Giraffe Manor became a hotel, it was part of the AFEW Giraffe Centre’s breeding programme for endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, with the aim of increasing their numbers in the wild.
Betty the giraffe
I also discovered their ‘Behind The Selfie’ social media campaign which was explained on a little table card at breakfast. This encourages guests to share facts about the threatened status of giraffes alongside their manor moments posted on social media.
What was the famous teatime experience like? After a frenzy of snapshots, slobbery tongues and giraffe kisses (yup, I gave that a go), golden hour was upon us and a calm quiet descended on the teatime deck. We relaxed on the sofas with a cup of tea to enjoy the cake selection, or in my case a scrummy caramel filled homemade doughnut, and watch the sunset. One by one, the giraffes turned and wandered off into the bushes for the night, satisfied with their full tummies of pellets.
Giraffe kisses
Fresh mint tea with the best view
How was the check-in process? When I arrived for the 12-noon check-in, the giraffes were over at the AFEW Giraffe Centre (right next door and visible across the lawn). This was actually great, as I didn’t feel like I was missing out on any long-legged action and had time for an hour of pre-lunch relaxation at The Retreat (that’s the newest wellness area just across the lawn from the manor). Everyone was so welcoming. Upon arrival, the manager on duty personally greets guests, explaining everything they need to know to ensure they feel at home.
What was it like waking up with giraffes? Lying in bed in the knowledge that gentle giants were silently gliding around right outside my window was surreal. I can only describe it as a similar feeling to Christmas morning when you’re little: waking up, suddenly remembering what day it is and the rush of anticipation! Drawing back the curtains and peering out, I could see the towering figures at the window next door to mine and across the courtyard.
You can’t help but smile, however much of a grumpy morning person you are!
I was staying in Arlene’s Room, a first floor Garden Manor bedroom which doesn’t have direct giraffe feeding access.* This didn’t matter however, as the experience of looking out at them was just as magical and I knew I’d soon be hand-feeding them at breakfast. You can’t help but smile (however much of a grumpy morning person you are).
Giraffes in the morning light
What was the food like? A perfect blend of deliciousness, indulgence and lightness. As well as the naughtier treats like afternoon tea, there were plenty of light and healthy elements too. My first experience was lunch in the dappled shade of the terrace, looking out over the sanctuary with quintessential African acacia trees in view.
Dinner was equally atmospheric, taken al fresco on the terrace which was aglow with candles, cosy fires and twinkling stars above. It was rather romantic! Cicadas provided the musical backdrop and a warthog my entertainment who was hoovering up leftover pellets on the lawn nearby. The starter, a rich risotto sprinkled with crispy root veggie shavings and accompanied by whole roasted garlic, was one of the best I’ve had.
Did anything about your stay surprise you? The peaceful atmosphere, relaxed vibe and authentic feel of the historic manor house. Nothing feels ostentatious; it’s remained true to its roots and retained a lot of character. You can wander around and come and go as you like. Everyone who works there is extremely friendly and it feels rather like you’re a guest in a family home. Vincent, the waiter assigned to my group (so just me!) was totally on it, making sure I had everything I needed from my favourite drink to ensuring I got the giraffe snaps of my dreams.
Dwarfed by Edd, the dominant male
What are the bedrooms like? I was a little anxious that my excitement of waking up to a giraffe at my window would disrupt my slumber. I needn’t have worried; after a relaxing soak in my bathtub with natural salts, as soon as I sunk into the sumptuous king-sized bed it was hard not to enjoy a deeply restful night. Dark and quiet, the rooms, of which there are just twelve, have everything you need including a coffee machine to help you wake up for the morning feeding, a wealth of reading matter on the giraffes/history of the manor and thoughtful personal touches. I loved the welcome note from the manager and pillow card.
What was your favourite spot on the property? The Retreat. I had no idea what to expect from this latest addition to the manor and was surprised to find an enormous building, stunningly designed in a contemporary style and flooded with light. A towering metal fretwork giraffe dominates the entrance hall, there’s a restaurant and bar with stone vaulted ceilings and a rooftop garden.
You won’t want to leave The Retreat in a hurry!
It’s such a tranquil space. I lounged by the pool after check-in, listening to birdsong and the breeze rustling the trees and watching distant giraffes in the sanctuary. The spa area was definitely going to be on my agenda the following morning! Luckily the lovely therapist managed to squeeze me in for a massage, but book ahead if you don’t want to miss out.
Did you have a favourite giraffe? I fell in love with a tiny new two-week-old baby who appeared on the front lawn, one of her (or his) first times venturing into the open for so long. It was fascinating to watch her Mum, Betty, being so attentive, searching at intervals between feeding to check where her baby was. Apparently, it’s hard to determine their gender right away, and they also wait a few weeks before receiving a name.
What’s your top tip to anyone booking a stay? Make sure you arrive bang on check-in time (12 noon) and don’t leave a moment before check-out at 10:00 am. If it means changing travel plans, then do! You don’t want to miss a moment here. Aside from the giraffe interactions, relaxing at The Retreat and visiting the AFEW Giraffe Centre to learn about the conservation status of giraffes are a must, both of which are included. Two-night stays are ideal to experience it all, but if not, be sure to maximise your time well.
Giant legs for such a little body!
Two-night stays are ideal to experience it all, but if not, be sure to maximise your time well.
Swinging at teatime
What’s your takeaway memory? Peering out my bedroom window at dawn to find a magical surprise. The giraffes were there, as promised, reaching their long necks up to the first floor in the soft sunrise light. It’s safe to say that when check-out time arrived, I wished I could have stayed longer.
Fast facts
Room stayed in: Arlene in the Garden Manor (no direct access to giraffes)*. Giraffe feeding is available from all bedrooms in the Main Manor and three in the Garden Manor.
Month visited: January
Cost: Rooms start at US$ 1,062 per person sharing, per night
How to book: Giraffe Manor can be booked directly with The Safari Collection as a stand-alone property, or as part of a tailor-made safari across Kenya. You can check availability here or email the team with your booking enquiry.
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