...
Logo of Giraffe Manor in Nairobi
FAQs2023-07-25T09:31:28+00:00

FAQs

To understand more about Giraffe Manor, please read our FAQs or contact us with any additional questions.

Asante sana. Thank you.

I AM BOOKED TO STAY AT GIRAFFE MANOR, CAN I BRING MY OWN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO SHOOT MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE GIRAFFES?2020-07-24T07:53:40+00:00

Though we appreciate that our guests would like to have the best possible images of their Giraffe Manor experience, we are required to maintain manageable numbers of guests on site. If we were to allow everyone staying with us to also bring a photographer, the experience would become overcrowded with a gaggle of ‘paparazzi’ jostling for position, making the whole experience less safe and less pleasant for all. Additionally, most photographers do not know the individual giraffes like we do which can be hazardous, since one needs to be able to read subtle behaviours that can indicate an imminent problem. Our staff, though not professional photographers per se, are accustomed to helping guests get great shots with their own equipment. For guests who absolutely require a professional photographer, we kindly request that a room is also booked for the photographer and that he/she is accredited by Giraffe Manor and The Safari Collection. Kindly ask your reservations/travel agent for additional information. We thank our guests in advance for adhering to the photography rules of etiquette outlined in the room folders.

CAN I CHECK OUT AFTER LUNCH IF I MISS LUNCH ON ARRIVAL DAY?2022-10-11T15:27:53+00:00

Meals at Giraffe Manor are non-transferable and we kindly request that the check-out time is adhered to. Guests who wish to stay past the check-out time are welcome to book a day room at the Manor, if available, for the same rate as an overnight stay. If you are staying at one or more of our other properties (Sasaab, Solio Lodge, Sala’s Camp and/or Siruai Mobile Camp) then you might like to book one of our luxury day rooms or special passes at The Retreat which is right next door to Giraffe Manor. Here you’ll be able to enjoy all our wellness facilities (pool, stream room, sauna, hot tub, gym) as well as the restaurant, bar and gardens overlooking the giraffe sanctuary.
If you are not staying at another one of our properties, The Retreat is available to book as a standalone destination at 4 weeks from arrival if there is any last-minute space. Otherwise, our team are happy to assist you with booking day rooms at airport hotels or elsewhere within Nairobi if required. Full-day vehicle and driver rentals are also available.

CAN YOU OFFER PRIVATE/ROMANTIC DINNERS FOR GUESTS?2020-07-24T08:09:15+00:00

We are happy to accommodate private dining requests and there are several options from which to choose including the manor’s Orchid House, your room balcony (if applicable) or in various secluded parts of the courtyard garden. Kindly ask your reservations/travel agent to make note of your request for private dining on your reservation and, weather and space permitting, we will do our best to make it happen.

I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT LOCAL ATTRACTIONS EN ROUTE TO/FROM GIRAFFE MANOR AS PART OF OUR INCLUSIVE TRANSFER, IS THIS POSSIBLE?2020-07-27T14:40:44+00:00

Whilst we will be delighted to take you to nearby attractions after you have checked in, we kindly request that your initial transfers to Giraffe Manor be made without additional stops. Incoming guests are required to check-in, sign our indemnity and listen to our safety briefing prior to excursions. Should you wish, for example, to visit the elephant orphanage prior to your arrival, please make alternative transfer arrangements to the attraction and we will be pleased to collect you from there once you have completed your visit. Your departure transfer is also provided from Giraffe Manor to a single destination as we naturally require the vehicles and drivers to be available after your drop-off to collect incoming guests. We are happy to arrange for a vehicle/driver rental for guests who wish to visit multiple attractions after checking out, simply ask the duty manager.

DOES GIRAFFE MANOR OFFER ANY ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN DURING THE DAY?2022-10-05T08:33:08+00:00

Children and families are most welcome at Giraffe Manor; there is nothing more exciting for us than seeing the wonder in a child’s eyes as they feed and interact with the world’s tallest mammals. Giraffe Manor has several garden games like boules, giant Jenga and a large swing from which the giraffes can be fed. We also have some puzzles, colouring pages and board games including a lovely chess set to enjoy between giraffe feeding. Children might like to enjoy a swim in our 21 metre infinity pool at The Retreat – our wellness centre right next door to Giraffe Manor. More adventurous guests may wish to partake in a game drive in the nearby Nairobi National Park, visit a countryside tea estate or embark on a helicopter safari to some of the country’s most magnificent landmarks. Guests of Giraffe Manor also have complimentary access to the neighbouring Giraffe Centre where children can learn more about different giraffe species and feed them from a raised platform. Many of our guests also opt to partake in neighbourhood excursions to local shops, museums and restaurants with the family. A visit to the nearby elephant orphanage is always a huge hit for all ages.

WE ARE CELEBRATING A SPECIAL OCCASION DURING OUR STAY, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN OFFER TO HELP US CELEBRATE?2020-07-27T14:45:30+00:00

Giraffe Manor is delighted to help guests celebrate special occasions and we generally prefer to surprise guests with a little complimentary recognition of the life event or milestone that coincides with their stay. We also have a gift list from which guests or their friends, family and agents can purchase something to acknowledge the occasion. Please confirm the date of your occasion with your travel agent who will be happy to share the Giraffe Manor gift list.

WHAT ARE THE RESIDENT RATES AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2020-07-27T14:50:30+00:00

Rates at Giraffe Manor are the same for resident and non-residents of Kenya and can be found here.

IS GIRAFFE MANOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOTEL? WHAT DOES GIRAFFE MANOR DO IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABILITY?2020-07-27T15:57:13+00:00

Sustainability is a core part of our ethos and we prioritise environmentally conscious operations as part of everything we do. We work hard to minimise waste and reduce the mileage products travel to reach us by sourcing all food locally. As much as possible, we avoid packaged products, single-use plastics and ingredients containing palm oil. Our aim is to avoid imported goods altogether, reducing our packaged waste while supporting our local economy and celebrating all that is Kenyan. Through our Footprint foundation, we support a variety of conservation and community enrichment efforts which you can read about here.

WHAT ARE THE ROOM OPTIONS AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2020-07-28T09:29:59+00:00

There are 12 rooms at Giraffe Manor, each of which is described in detail with an accompanying floor plan on The Safari Collection’s website. There are nine superior double rooms, one triple superior room and two family suites. A few of the double rooms have sofa beds suitable for younger children or space for a baby cot. As a residential-style property, each room is unique in size, features and décor. We encourage you to review the available options online so you can choose a room to suit your needs – it is always helpful for our team to check availability with the knowledge of which rooms appeal to you most.

HOW CAN I HELP OR GET INVOLVED IN CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY PROJECTS?2020-07-28T08:55:26+00:00

Giraffe Manor is owned by The Safari Collection, which is proud to be part of several community and conservation initiatives through our charitable Footprint foundation. A lot of the support we are able to offer Kenya’s wildlife and people comes from kind donations from our guests. To find out more about the different projects we support and learn how you can help, please visit the Footprint page on our website.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STAY AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2024-02-28T11:37:00+00:00

Room rates start from US$ 1,168 per adult sharing and US$ 805 Per Child Sharing. Please review our rate sheet to see the different rates according to room type and number/age of guests. Our child rates are applicable from two to 11 years old. By 12 years of age, our guests are charged the adult rate.

I AM STAYING AT GIRAFFE MANOR AND I’D LIKE MY FRIENDS WHO COULD NOT GET A ROOM TO JOIN ME FOR A MEAL/VISIT WHILE I’M THERE – IS THIS POSSIBLE?2020-07-24T07:59:18+00:00

Giraffe Manor was originally built as a private residence and we strive to maintain the intimate, family-home feel which is so special to our guests. Meals are served in the dining room and courtyard space, both of which were only designed to accommodate the maximum number of overnight guests. Unlike most hotels, we do not have a traditional ‘à la carte’ restaurant and the kitchen caters only for expected guests, much like a remote safari lodge or private home does. For these reasons, and for the safety and enjoyment of all guests, only overnight guests have access to the property. Guests are welcome to meet friends at the nearby Giraffe Centre where they can interact with the giraffes together. Giraffe Manor is pleased to be able to offer complimentary transfers to neighbourhood attractions and eateries if you wish to meet up with people offsite.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL PART OF THE MANOR AND THE GARDEN MANOR?2023-07-19T10:18:57+00:00

The original manor was built in 1932 and has six rooms: Betty, Daisy, Jock, Lynn, Marlon and the Karen Blixen Suite. The latter three rooms were renovated in May 2019. In 2011, the current owners, Mikey and Tanya Carr-Hartley, built the Garden Manor which is a replica of the original manor and also has six rooms: Salma, Edd, Arlene, Helen, Kelly and the Finch Hatton Suite. Although the two buildings were built 78 years apart, you would never know the difference as much of the Garden Manor was built out of reclaimed materials from houses of a similar era to the original manor. The giraffe experience offered to guests is the same regardless of which section of the house they are staying and our resident giraffes regularly enjoy visiting both buildings in search of treats.

Currently, the Garden Manor provides accommodation exclusively for guests of The Safari Collection’s portfolio of properties, so that the main house can be kept as open and accessible as possible to all. If the open part of the manor is fully booked for the dates you’ve requested, you might like to consider a room in the section reserved for guests doing our circuit. We would love the opportunity to chat about your trip to Kenya and welcome you into our Safari Collection family. Don’t worry if you’ve already planned the rest of your trip – we’d be delighted to add you to the wait list for a room in the open part of the manor. If you’re planning your holiday last minute, then it does allow us a little more flexibility. Four weeks prior to travel, rooms in all sections of the manor can be booked without combining travel to our other properties. This is subject to availability, and more unlikely to be successful during peak seasons.

I KNOW SOMEONE WHO WILL BE STAYING AT GIRAFFE MANOR – IS IT POSSIBLE TO BUY THEM A SURPRISE GIFT FOR THEM TO ENJOY DURING THEIR STAY?2020-07-27T16:03:01+00:00

We have a gift list we would be pleased to send to you. Please email a request to info@thesafaricollection.com

WHAT DOES THE RATE INCLUDE?2022-10-11T15:28:28+00:00

Giraffe Manor is operated like a family home and as such we have a fully inclusive rate. This includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner), all drinks (excluding premium and sparkling wines and champagnes), laundry, Wi-Fi and entry into the AFEW Giraffe Centre. It also includes use of the facilities at The Retreat (swimming pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub and gym).Transfers to/from the manor from within Nairobi are included within check-in and check-out times, as are transfers to local attractions and shops. The only extras a guest might incur are for gift shop purchases, spa treatments or gratuities, as well as any additional food and drinks purchased at Daisy’s bar and restaurant at The Retreat.

WHERE IS GIRAFFE MANOR AND HOW FAR IS IT FROM THE AIRPORT?2020-07-28T08:57:27+00:00

Giraffe Manor is in the leafy Nairobi suburb of Karen and Langata. As the crow flies, it is not far from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport but Nairobi traffic can be unpredictable, so it usually takes approximately 45 – 60 minutes the manor. Domestic flights operate out of Wilson Airport, which is around a 25 minute-drive from Giraffe Manor but, again, due to the nature of Nairobi traffic we allow more time.

I AM STAYING IN THE GARDEN MANOR. WHERE WILL I EAT BREAKFAST AND INTERACT WITH THE GIRAFFE?2019-12-11T13:56:14+00:00

Guests who stay in both the Main Manor and Garden Manor will enjoy the opportunity to interact with the giraffes. The two buildings are simply separated by a small courtyard area where lunch is served but the experience is the same and the giraffes visit both buildings. Whether guests stay in a room in the Main Manor or in the Garden Manor, they are welcome to make use of the common areas in each space. The map of the property below will give you an idea of where each building is. Generally speaking, guests who stay in a Garden Manor room will have breakfast with the giraffes in the Garden Manor dining room and guests who stay in the Main Manor will have breakfast with the giraffes in the Main Manor sun room. Management reserves the right to assign breakfast tables as this must be determined in accordance with safety, traffic flow and group size etc. Guests may not reserve specific tables in advance and Giraffe Manor staff are not permitted to accept payment for preferential seating. Giraffe Manor staff will always do their best to ensure that everyone has meaningful and memorable interaction with the animals.

WHAT AGE IS A CHILD AS FAR AS YOUR RATES ARE CONCERNED?2019-12-11T12:25:02+00:00

Our child rates are from three years old to 11 years old. At 12 years of age our guests are
charged the adult rate. Children under two years old are considered infants and stay free
of charge.

I HAVE SEEN PICTURES OF THE GIRAFFES FEEDING FROM THE WINDOWS. HOW DOES IT WORK AND CAN I DO THIS WHEN I AM THERE?2019-12-11T12:25:30+00:00

Giraffe Manor is located within a sanctuary for the rare and endangered Rothschild’s
giraffes. The sanctuary is owned by AFEW and Giraffe Manor is located at one end of the
sanctuary. The sanctuary is approximately 150 acres split by a residential road, which the
giraffe cross twice a day to move from one side to the other. The giraffes are wild animals
and we cannot guarantee what sort of interaction you will have with them, if any at all. The
Manor is a lovely old home full of old-world charm and history; the giraffes are the icing on
the cake of what is already a very special experience. Although we cannot guarantee how
the giraffes will behave, it is highly unusual that guests would not experience some degree
of interaction with them. The giraffes can be fed from some of the bedroom windows and
they have become accustomed to feeding through the dining room windows at breakfast
which they do more often than not.

DO YOU HAVE A RESTAURANT AT THE MANOR WHERE I CAN COME FOR A MEAL IF I DON’T ACTUALLY STAY IN THE HOTEL?2019-12-11T12:30:48+00:00

Unfortunately, due to high occupancies and our very limited capacity as a small, residential
style property of only 12 rooms, we do not have a restaurant that is open to non-staying
guests. We always try not to diminish the unique Giraffe Manor experience for our resident
guests by overcrowding the manor – it’s such an intimate space that we do need to be
very sensitive to them. We are also obliged to adhere to a strict maximum capacity for the
benefit of everyone’s safety.

WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2019-12-11T13:59:10+00:00

Because the manor was originally a private family home, all the rooms are completely unique and different. In the Main Manor there is one Superior Family Suite (the Karen Blixen Suite with two en-suite bedrooms) and five Superior Double Rooms (Betty, Jock, Daisy, Marlon and Lynn). In the Garden Manor there is one Superior Suite (the Finch Hatton Suite with ground level double bed with twin beds on mezzanine) and five Superior Double Rooms (Helen, Kelly, Arlene, Edd and Salma). Please visit The Safari Collection’s website for more detailed information about the rooms including floor plans and imagery. A description of each room is provided below:

Betty’s Room – Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 24 m². Front-facing in the main manor with giraffe feeding access. Double bed with roof terrace, in-room fireplace and en-suite original art deco bathroom with bath and shower. Space for a cot for an infant on request only.

Daisy’s Room – Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 17 m². Side-facing with view toward the Ngong Hills in the main manor and giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds with roof terrace. En-suite bathroom with a shower.

Jock’s Room – Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 22 m². Front-facing room in the main manor with giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds and fireplace. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.

Marlon’s Room – Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 43 m². A spacious side facing room in the main manor with double or twin beds, adjoining lounge and giraffe feeding access from the balcony. Large master en-suite facilities with shower. Option for sofa bed for a child upon request. Additional compact toilet and shower off lounge area.

Lynn’s Room – Superior Room. Ground floor bedroom with double or twin beds and walk-out terrace with limited giraffe feeding access located on the west side of the main manor. Total approximate footprint including en-suite facilities of 49 m².

Karen Blixen Suite – Superior Family Suite. Large two-bedroom family suite of 113 m² with adjoining lounge and fireplace. Master bedroom with four-poster double bed and second room with four-poster twin beds, each with own en-suite facilities equipped with bathtubs and showers. Shared front-facing terrace with giraffe feeding access. Option for extra, small single bed in second bedroom for a child upon request.

Helen’s Room – Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 25 m². Front and west-facing with giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds with space to add a baby cot on request only. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.

Kelly’s Room – Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 33 m². Front-facing in the Garden Manor with giraffe feeding access. Double bed or twin beds and an extra single bed. Fireplace and en-suite bathroom with shower and bath.

Arlene’s Room  – Superior Room. Approximate footprint of 22 m². Front-facing in the Garden Manor with no giraffe feeding access. Double bed with en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.

Edd’s Room – Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 29 m². A ground floor room with private veranda overlooking the garden terrace with no giraffe feeding access. A double bed with space for an extra sofa bed for child on request only. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.

Salma’s Room – Superior Room. Approximate bedroom footprint of 23 m². Front- facing overlooking garden terrace with a balcony with no giraffe feeding access. Double or twin beds with space to add an extra sofa bed for a child on request only. En-suite bathroom with shower and bath.

Finch Hatton Suite. Approximate bedroom footprint of 40 m². Accessed from the ground floor beside the dining room with no giraffe feeding access. Ground level double bed with twin beds on mezzanine/loft level (suitable for children only) accessed via spiral staircase. In room fireplace and en-suite bathroom with double shower and bath.

WHAT TIME IS CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT?2024-01-11T09:30:07+00:00

Guests are welcome to arrive at Giraffe Manor from 12:00 noon. Check-out is by 10:00 am on the day of departure unless another room is booked and paid for.

PLEASE NOTE that check-in/check-out times must be strictly adhered to due to the unique nature of the property. Giraffe Manor does not have a reception area or restaurant for guests to wait in. It is still very much like a family home. Should guests wish to arrive or depart outside of check-in times, The Retreat next door offers day rooms and day passes for access to all the wellness facilities and the restaurant, subject to availability. The Retreat is available for anyone to book four weeks prior to travel; guests of our other properties may book further in advance.

MY FLIGHT ARRIVES VERY EARLY AND I DON’T NEED TO LEAVE UNTIL LATE AFTERNOON. CAN I CHECK IN EARLY AND CHECK OUT LATE?2022-10-11T15:29:24+00:00

Giraffe Manor is a small, residential-style property of only 12 rooms with limited capacity in the dining areas and lounges. The morning hours at the manor are amongst the most eventful as guests are partaking in the infamous giraffe breakfast experience whilst the team are catering to service and safety needs, followed by multiple check-outs and onward transfers. It is important to us that every guest is able to enjoy a unique and peaceful time which is why we carefully limit the number of people on site at all times. As such, we thank everyone for adhering to the check-in time and for understanding why early arrivals are not possible. We are pleased to be able to offer complimentary transfers to and from the manor but this is only possible if check-in and check-out times are adhered to.
If you are staying at one or more of our other properties (Sasaab, Solio Lodge, Sala’s Camp and/or Siruai Mobile Camp) then you might like to book a day room or special pass at The Retreat which is right next door to Giraffe Manor. Options include an Early Bird package for those arriving on early flights, a Retreat Day Pass for those wishing to use the facilities but who do not require a room or a Day Room. Each option will enable you to enjoy all the wellness facilities (pool, spa, steam room, sauna, hot tub, gym) as well as the restaurant, bar and gardens overlooking the giraffe sanctuary.
If you are not staying at another one of our properties, The Retreat is available to book as a standalone destination at 4 weeks from arrival if there is any last-minute space. Otherwise, our team are happy to assist you with booking day rooms at airport hotels or elsewhere within Nairobi if required. Full-day vehicle and driver rentals are also available.

WHAT IS THE RETREAT AND WHERE IS IT LOCATED?2022-10-11T15:08:10+00:00

The Retreat was built in 2021 to provide a tranquil wellness facility for guests of Giraffe Manor as well as a day room option for guests staying at one or more of our other properties (Sala’s Camp, Sasaab, Solio Lodge and/or Siruai Mobile Camp) and needing to transit through Nairobi. It is located right next door to Giraffe Manor on the same forested giraffe sanctuary and is a one-minute stroll away.

IS THERE A SWIMMING POOL?2022-10-11T15:30:14+00:00

Yes, we have a lovely 21 metre infinity pool and sundeck located at The Retreat, just a minute’s stroll from Giraffe Manor. It overlooks the giraffe sanctuary so you may be able to glimpse a giraffe or two as you swim up and down! You are welcome to use the pool at any time during the day.

IS THE RETREAT PART OF GIRAFFE MANOR?2022-10-11T15:09:15+00:00

Yes. The Retreat is right next door to Giraffe Manor and provides our manor house guests with a range of wellness facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and gym, as well as additional tranquil indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces. Our two spacious spa rooms are located at The Retreat and available to book for treatments, as well as Daisy’s, an à la carte restaurant and bar.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO DURING MY STAY AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2022-10-11T15:30:31+00:00

Indulge in some relaxation time at The Retreat right next door to Giraffe Manor. Here you’ll find our wellness centre with two spa treatment rooms, hot tub, steam room, sauna, swimming pool and fully equipped gym. These facilities are included in your stay at Giraffe Manor and available for you to use at any time. You’ll also find Daisy’s restaurant and bar here which has an à la carte Menu as well as cocktails and smoothies available at an additional cost.
If you’d like to venture out, then there is a lot to see and do in the area around Giraffe Manor. The Karen Blixen Museum and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage are both nearby and offer great insights into Nairobi’s history and future respectively. There are some lovely shops nearby (including our own little gift shop at the manor), as well as various cultural attractions and artisan workshops. It is also possible to do helicopter excursions, horse riding and game drives in Nairobi National Park, the world’s only national park within a major capital city. The extras and activity page on Giraffe Manor website gives a full break down of what you can do during your stay and our duty managers will be delighted to help you plan your day around the giraffe feeding times.
You might also be interested in learning about all the community and conservation projects we support through our Footprint foundation and how you can get involved. Giraffe Manor supports the Gifted Hands Primary School in Kibera and runs a Giraffe Sponsorship Programme to help protect this threatened species. Please ask the manager if you’d like to find out more.

HOW IS THE RETREAT DIFFERENT TO GIRAFFE MANOR?2022-10-11T15:09:42+00:00

The Retreat is our brand-new wellness centre and day room facility designed with the ultimate relaxation in mind. It is located on the same property as Giraffe Manor and provides a range of complimentary facilities for guests of Giraffe Manor to use at their leisure, including a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub and gym. Unlike Giraffe Manor, guests cannot stay overnight at The Retreat. Guests of Giraffe Manor have full access to The Retreat grounds and facilities as part of their manor stay, however they cannot book a Day Room, Early Bird package or Day Pass unless they are staying at one or more of our other properties (Sala’s Camp, Sasaab, Solio Lodge and/or Siruai Mobile Camp). The Retreat day rooms and special passes are available to book as a standalone destination at 4 weeks from arrival if there is any last-minute space.

HOW LONG WOULD YOU RECOMMEND I STAY WITH YOU?2020-07-23T10:45:45+00:00

Most of our guests use Giraffe Manor as an overnight base on their way through Nairobi before heading off on safari or ending a tour. Many people therefore spend only one night with us, yet they still have a wonderful experience. Those that do stay longer get the chance to really enjoy some of our extra activities and get to know Nairobi’s hidden treasures. We have, on the other hand, had guests stay for as many as seven nights! Generally, we would recommend two nights as the ideal and no more than three nights and then we can certainly help organise the rest of your itinerary around Kenya. We have three other properties that we own in wonderfully varied parts of the country and we also have a team that can help tailor a holiday and book other properties, internal flights and transfers as needed.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STAY AT THE RETREAT?2024-02-28T11:36:02+00:00

Day Rooms start at US$ 880 for two people sharing. Retreat Pass (access to The Retreat for the day) are US$ 275. We also offer an all-inclusive supplement option for Day Room and Day Pass guests which includes a set lunch, dinner and house drinks. Please review our rate sheet to see the different rates according to room type and number/age of guests.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?2019-12-11T13:05:03+00:00

Busy times of the year (June – October and Christmas/New Year) are typically booked a long time in advance. If your dates are fixed and there is no flexibility, we would suggest booking at least 12 to 24 months prior to travel. Some of our guests, on the other hand, get lucky and manage to book a room last minute as our occupancy can change. With only 12 rooms available at the Manor, the situation can be fluid, so it is worth checking back from time to time if you are unable to secure your preferred dates upon first try.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A STAY AT THE RETREAT?2022-10-11T15:10:32+00:00

The Retreat is not available for overnight stays, it is a day room facility only. Inclusions and exclusions will depend on which package you have opted for (Day Room, Retreat Pass or Early Bird) Our Day Room rates include arrival and departure transfers (if the collection time is after the 10:00 am check in and departure is prior to check out at 10:00 pm), complimentary water, a selection of soft drinks, a homemade snack and use of The Retreat’s facilities (pool, gym, steam room, sauna and hot tub) and Giraffe Centre access. Spa treatments, access to Giraffe Manor and all food and drink served at Daisy’s bar and restaurant are not included. However, we do have an all-inclusive supplement available which offers a set lunch, dinner and house drinks for an additional US$ 100. Please see our rates sheet for a full list of inclusions and exclusions.

IF I’M IN NAIROBI, CAN I POP BY TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE MANOR AND HAVE A COFFEE?2020-07-24T08:08:06+00:00

Due to the small and intimate nature of the property, as well as our commitment to ensuring guests enjoy a peaceful and undisturbed experience, we are unable to offer tours of Giraffe Manor. Given the high degree of interest in Giraffe Manor and the equally high volume of requests from people wanting to briefly pass through, we would be unable to offer overnight guests the level of service and serene, personalised hospitality they have come to expect if we did not control the flow of people wandering through the small spaces! We are confident that you, too, will appreciate this policy if you come to stay with us. Fortunately, the nearby Giraffe Centre affords people the opportunity to interact with the same giraffes as a day-visit option. Here, visitors can also catch a glimpse of the manor from the feeding platform.

CAN I VISIT GIRAFFE MANOR IF I AM BOOKED AT THE RETREAT?2022-10-13T09:13:58+00:00

Guests using The Retreat, either on a Day Pass, Early Bird or Day Room basis, do not have access to Giraffe Manor. However, they may be able to interact with the giraffes if the animals choose to visit the end of the pool or breakfast deck, although can never be guaranteed. Retreat guests enjoy complimentary access to the AFEW Giraffe Centre, a short stroll away.

ARE THE GIRAFFES THE SAME AS THE ONES AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2022-10-13T08:52:43+00:00

Yes. The Retreat is located on the same forested sanctuary as Giraffe Manor which is home to a herd of Rothschild’s giraffes. Any giraffes you see from The Retreat are the very same ones that visit Giraffe Manor and the nearby AFEW Giraffe Centre.

I AM A BLOGGER/INFLUENCER AND I AM INTERESTED IN WRITING/FILMING/VISITING THE MANOR, WHO SHOULD I SPEAK TO ?2024-01-09T14:14:11+00:00

Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we kindly ask that all media enquiries provide specific information to be considered. To apply, please provide the following evidence for your primary publishing platform:

Instagram – Travel-related content with a minimum of 100K followers

YouTube – Average of 100K views per travel related video, and a minimum of 50K subscribers

Blog
– Over 50,000 Monthly Unique Visitors – please provide clearly dated statistics from the last three months from Google Analytics or a similar source.

Photo shoots – Please note that photo shoots and filming requests require a location fee which is donated to The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Crew numbers are strictly limited and assessed on a case by case basis. Please provide as much information as possible on the shoot requirements and how The Safari Collection properties will be represented.

Media kit – Please provide a professional media kit detailing audience breakdown, previous partnerships, engagement rates and demographics.

Brand Partnerships – Please provide a breakdown of sustainability initiatives and how you envisage working with The Safari Collection on a long-term partnership.

All platforms – Evidence of regular content that shows a clear interest in luxury travel, sustainability and conservation.

CAN I COME AND DINE AT THE RETREAT IF I’M NOT STAYING THERE AS A GUEST OR AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2022-10-11T15:12:09+00:00

Unfortunately, due to high occupancies and our limited capacity as a small property of only four day rooms, Daisy’s bar and restaurant are not open to non-staying guests. We are mindful not to diminish the unique experience for our resident guests by overcrowding The Retreat – it is, after all, designed to be a tranquil space for rest and relaxation. We are also obliged to adhere to a strict maximum capacity for the benefit of everyone’s safety.

CAN I COME AND USE THE POOL AND SPA AT THE RETREAT IF I’M NOT STAYING THERE OR AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2022-10-11T15:14:07+00:00

Unfortunately, due to high occupancies and our limited capacity as a small property of only four day rooms, The Retreat pool and spa facilities are not open to non-staying guests. We are mindful not to diminish the unique experience for our resident guests by overcrowding The Retreat – it is, after all, designed to be a tranquil space for rest and relaxation. We are also obliged to adhere to a strict maximum capacity for the benefit of everyone’s safety.

I AM A TRAVEL AGENT, HOW DO I SEND MY GUESTS TO YOUR HOTEL?2020-07-27T16:06:23+00:00

We work with many agents all over the world and are always very happy to meet new potential partners. We do require some information from you before issuing contract rates, including your tourism licence number, certificate of incorporation and tax number. For all agent enquiries, please email info@thesafaricollection.com and one of our reservations agents will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have a marketing related enquiry, please email marketing@thesafaricollection.com.

CAN FRIENDS COME AND VISIT ME AT THE RETREAT IF I AM STAYING THERE OR STAYING AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2022-10-11T15:14:44+00:00

Unfortunately, due to high occupancies and our limited capacity as a small property of only four day rooms, The Retreat is unable to accept any non-staying visitors. We are mindful not to diminish the unique experience for our resident guests by overcrowding The Retreat – it is, after all, designed to be a tranquil space for rest and relaxation. We are also obliged to adhere to a strict maximum capacity for the benefit of everyone’s safety.

IS THE RETREAT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY / ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY CHALLENGES?2022-10-11T15:15:11+00:00

The Retreat wellness facilities, including the swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym and spa treatment rooms are all located on the ground floor and are accessible for guests with mobility challenges. Our cosy lounge and Daisy’s restaurant and bar are also located on the ground floor. All four of our day rooms, however, are located on the first floor with access by staircase only so are unfortunately not accessible to wheelchair users.

IS THE RETREAT CHILD FRIENDLY? WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE THERE TO DO FOR CHILDREN AT THE RETREAT?2022-10-11T15:15:41+00:00

Children of all ages are welcome at The Retreat. They are able to enjoy the use of our 21 metre infinity pool when supervised by an adult (there is no lifeguard on duty), however the gym, hot tub, steam room and sauna have a minimum age limit of 12 years and above for safety reasons. Visits to the next door AFEW Giraffe Centre are always enjoyed by our younger guests; here they will be able to interact with the giraffes from a raised feeding platform. We also have a variety of board games including Snakes and Ladders, Scrabble, Monopoly, Backgammon and Chess.

WHAT IS THE COMPLIMENTARY HOMEMADE SNACK IN THE DAY ROOMS?2022-10-11T15:16:04+00:00

You’ll find some delicious homemade cookies from our chef, such as our chocolate and ginger cookies, as well as a variety of dried fruits.

I AM AN INFLUENCER, CAN I COME TO THE RETREAT FOR FREE?2022-10-13T08:54:55+00:00

Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we kindly ask that all media enquiries provide specific information to be considered. To apply, please provide the following evidence for your primary publishing platform:

Instagram – Travel-related content with a minimum of 100K followers.

YouTube – Average of 100K views per travel related video, and a minimum of 50K subscribers.

Blog – Over 50,000 Monthly Unique Visitors – please provide clearly dated statistics from the last three months from Google Analytics or a similar source.

Photo shoots – Please note that photo shoots and filming requests require a location fee which is donated to The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Crew numbers are strictly limited and assessed on a case by case basis. Please provide as much information as possible on the shoot requirements and how The Safari Collection properties will be represented.

Media kit – Please provide a professional media kit detailing audience breakdown, previous partnerships, engagement rates and demographics.

Brand Partnerships – Please provide a breakdown of sustainability initiatives and how you envisage working with The Safari Collection on a long-term partnership.

All platforms – Evidence of regular content that shows a clear interest in luxury travel, sustainability and conservation.

DO YOU CATER FOR SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?2022-10-11T15:26:42+00:00

We are more than happy to cater for specific dietary requests if you notify us in advance (preferably at time of booking) so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

CAN I FEED THE GIRAFFES AT THE RETREAT?2022-10-13T09:17:38+00:00

Unlike Giraffe Manor, the giraffes do NOT have access to the building or windows at The Retreat, which includes all of the day rooms and restaurant area. However, guests can interact with the giraffes from the end of the swimming pool which overlooks their sanctuary, if they choose to visit (they are wild animals who act upon their own free will). Feeding is therefore possible from the end of the swimming pool at certain times. For guests opting for the Early Bird Package, it is also be possible to interact with the giraffes from the breakfast deck which is off the main lounge area, should the giraffes choose to visit.

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE AND THE ETHICS OF FEEDING GIRAFFES. CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT HOW GIRAFFE MANOR CAME TO EXIST AND HOW THE ANIMALS ARE TREATED?2020-07-28T08:46:49+00:00

By the 1970s, the Rothschild’s species of giraffe was in extreme peril with an estimated population of less than 100 remaining in Kenya. At that time, the manor was owned as a private residence by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. Their concern for animals led to the creation of The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and their decision to start a breeding programme on the manor grounds in the hope of saving this highly endangered giraffe. Their admirable efforts proved successful and, to this day, the manor grounds remain a vital breeding sanctuary which has helped the population of Rothschild’s giraffes grow from roughly 80 to 1000 in 50 years. Many of the giraffe that are born here are returned to the wild to repopulate areas where the species has already gone extinct. The giraffes are not here solely to interact with guests and have not been trained or domesticated in any way; it is simply a fortunate advantage of the breeding programme that the giraffes enjoy being fed by visitors.



The giraffes have 150 acres (the equivalent of approx. 113 football fields) of indigenous forest on which to browse natural food sources. They feed naturally more than they do on pellets as they each require approximately 65 kgs (143 lbs) of food per day. Only a few kilograms of pellets are used to feed the giraffes every day and they choose to visit the manor only when and if they want. As much as they enjoy the pellets, they only have access to them during 12 of every 24 hours and tend to wander off when they have had enough. The amount of pellets we use is strictly regulated as the giraffes’ health and ability to reproduce is everyone’s top priority.


The Safari Collection (parent company of Giraffe Manor) raised over 1.2 million US dollars for conservation and community work in 2019, a huge part of which came from Giraffe Manor. A portion of every guests’ bed night fee also goes directly to AFEW in support of conservation efforts. AFEW’s Giraffe Centre, which operates next door to Giraffe Manor, educates approximately 50,000 Kenyan school children about conservation annually. We believe that the future of Africa’s wildlife depends almost entirely on future generations understanding the importance of preserving these precious living resources. We are proud that our guests and the children of Nairobi can interact with these magnificent, threatened animals as this helps them to appreciate the perilous state of their existence and the importance of their conservation.

I WANT TO BOOK A STAY AT GIRAFFE MANOR, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ‘MAIN MANOR’ & THE ‘GARDEN MANOR’?2020-07-28T08:49:17+00:00

We would be delighted to welcome you! Giraffe Manor has 12 rooms, six of which are located in the original manor house built in 1932, and six of which are in the ‘Garden Manor’, a replica of the original house which was added in 2011. Both sections are near to each other, separated by a small courtyard where lunch is often served. Guests are welcome to use the common areas throughout the property regardless of which section their room is in. Generally speaking, guests who stay in the Main Manor will have breakfast with the giraffes in the Main Manor sunroom and guests who stay in the Garden Manor will have breakfast with the giraffes in the Garden Manor dining room. The giraffes visit both buildings every morning and the experience is the same, with plenty of opportunity to capture special moments with the giraffes on camera. All guests enjoy afternoon tea with the giraffes on the Main Manor terrace regardless of where their room is located.

IF THE MAIN MANOR IS FULL AND I WANT TO BOOK A ROOM IN THE GARDEN MANOR, WHY AM I REQUIRED TO ALSO BOOK ANOTHER ONE OF THE SAFARI COLLECTION PROPERTIES?2023-07-20T07:17:00+00:00

Giraffe Manor is owned and operated by The Safari Collection (TSC), a Kenyan tour operator that, in addition to Giraffe Manor, has a portfolio of three other beautiful properties in Kenya – Sala’s Camp, Solio Lodge and Sasaab. Many people approach The Safari Collection to book safaris throughout the region and often stay at several or all of the properties. When TSC first purchased the manor, only the Historic Manor section of the property existed. As the manor’s popularity grew, guests staying at our other lodges were often unable to secure rooms at the company’s flagship property (Giraffe Manor). Therefore, the Garden Manor was built to provide six more stunning bedrooms. Currently, rooms in the Garden Manor are earmarked for guests doing our circuit to give them the opportunity to make a Giraffe Manor reservation. From 2025, this booking policy will change: The Garden Manor will be available for guests not staying at another of our properties to book, whilst the Historic Manor will be reserved for guests doing our circuit.

The TSC bush properties offer an excellent cross-section of all that Kenya has to offer and are sure to be a fantastic addition to your itinerary. Your reservations/travel agent will be pleased to help you decide which of Giraffe Manor’s sister properties best suits your interests and you can read more about each of them here. Don’t worry if you’ve already planned the rest of your trip, we’d be delighted to add you to the waitlist for a room in the Historic Manor if it is fully-booked. If you are planning your holiday last-minute, then it does allow us a little more flexibility. Four weeks prior to travel, rooms in all sections of the Manor can be booked without combining travel to our other properties. This is subject to availability, and more unlikely to be successful during peak seasons.

WHAT IS THE EARLIEST AND/OR LATEST GUESTS CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE AIRPORT OR FROM ANY OTHER LOCATION IN NAIROBI?2020-07-23T10:37:23+00:00

The earliest possible pick-up time from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), or any other location/hotel within the city limits, is 30 minutes prior to the check-in time. The latest possible pick-up time for your transfer to Giraffe Manor is 11:00 pm. We kindly request that all guests plan for a 9:45 am departure from the Manor.

HOW CAN I CHECK AVAILABILITY TO BOOK A STAY AT GIRAFFE MANOR?2020-07-23T10:41:08+00:00

You are most welcome to contact us, but we also recommend that you use our online availability which is live on our website.

CAN I HAVE BREAKFAST/LUNCH/TEA AT GIRAFFE MANOR WITHOUT STAYING OVERNIGHT?2020-07-23T10:50:20+00:00

As much as we wish we could welcome everyone who would like to visit the manor for a short time, we regret that due to high occupancies and our very limited capacity as a small residential-style property, we are unable to welcome non-staying guests for meals, tea or day visits. Naturally, we try not to diminish the unique Giraffe Manor experience for our overnight guests by overcrowding the manor, but perhaps more importantly, we are obliged to adhere to a strict maximum capacity for the benefit of everyone’s health and safety. Fortunately, for those who are unable to stay at Giraffe Manor, there is an option to interact with the giraffes at the nearby Giraffe Centre where guests are able to feed and photograph the same endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. It is open to the public daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. We often recommend this, combined with lunch at the nearby MatBronze Art Gallery or Boho Eatery, as a nice alternative.

WE WILL BE STAYING AT GIRAFFE MANOR; CAN WE RESERVE A TABLE FOR BREAKFAST IN ADVANCE?2020-07-23T11:12:59+00:00

The tables for breakfast are pre-assigned by the Giraffe Manor team according to multiple variables that need to be considered and, most importantly, to ensure there is acceptable traffic flow for waiters and guests as well as ease of access to emergency exits. Tables need to be carefully assigned according to group size and to safeguard guests from the long, powerful necks of the giraffes who will be joining in on all the fun. Whilst it is not possible for guests to reserve specific tables for breakfast, we can assure you that everyone will have the opportunity to feed the giraffes during the breakfast service and we always do our best to make sure all guests get the photographs they want. Our breakfast dining rooms are small and the giraffes come in far enough for everyone to have meaningful interactions. In general, guests who stay in the Main Manor will have breakfast in the Main Manor sunroom and guests who stay in the Garden Manor will have breakfast in the Garden Manor dining room.

I HAD TEA AT GIRAFFE MANOR ONCE BEFORE AND NOW I CAN’T – WHY HAS THIS CHANGED?2020-07-24T07:52:14+00:00

In earlier years, when Giraffe Manor was less busy and less well-known, we were delighted to welcome visitors for afternoon tea as a stand-alone activity when the manor was not full. For better or worse, increased popularity has also increased safety concerns. Although the giraffes are gentle giants for the most part, they are still wild animals and can inadvertently cause injury in crowded situations. With the wellbeing of our guests and the animals always our top priority, we are committed to maintaining manageable numbers of people during periods of interaction with the giraffes. We also want to support our neighbours and friends at the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) who operate the nearby Giraffe Centre, a great day visit for people who wish to interact with these endangered animals.

FOR INFORMATION OR TO STAY AT GIRAFFE MANOR, CALL
+254 731 914 732 OR

SPECIAL OFFERS, SEASONAL RATES AND A FULL LIST OF WHAT’S INCLUDED

EXPERIENCE EAST AFRICA

If you are thinking of staying at Giraffe Manor and want to explore further a-field, our recommended itineraries, which include Giraffe Manor, could be just what you are looking for. Talk to us about creating a bespoke itinerary just for you.

GORILLA SAFARI

WEEK OF WILD ADVENTURE

MIGRATION SAFARI

BEACH SAFARI

FOR INFORMATION OR TO STAY

AT GIRAFFE MANOR OR OUR OTHER PROPERTIES CONTACT US

Go to Top