Built in the 1930s as a private home, Giraffe Manor is the kind of place where colonial charm meets conservation chic. Originally inspired by Scottish hunting lodges, it was transformed in the 1970s by conservationists Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville into a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Today, under the stewardship of The Safari Collection, the manor continues that legacy — funding wildlife conservation and community projects across Kenya while delivering one of the most whimsical hotel experiences on the planet.
The ivy-clad stone façade, sweeping lawns, and antique-filled interiors make it feel like stepping into an old-world safari novel. The beds are equally photogenic — four-posters draped in mosquito nets, crisp linens, and just enough creak in the floorboards to remind you you’re part of history. Don’t expect the softest sleep of your life; expect the most unforgettable.
Number of Rooms: 12
Sweet Suite: Finch Hatton Suite steals the show. Spacious, bright, and beautifully furnished, it’s the room most likely to grant you both sound sleep and prime giraffe encounters. The bed is the most forgiving of the bunch, and there’s ample space to stretch out — both for you and your sense of awe.
Favorite Thing: There’s no alarm clock quite like a giraffe gently nudging your window for breakfast. Feeding these gentle giants from your bed in your pajamas is equal parts surreal and sublime. You’ll never look at your morning cereal the same way again.
Nearby: Located in the leafy suburb of Lang’ata on the outskirts of Nairobi, the manor borders the A.F.E.W. Giraffe Centre, where the resident giraffes roam freely. Nearby, you’ll find the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust(elephant orphanage), the Karen Blixen Museum, and Nairobi National Park, where lions and rhinos lounge within sight of the city skyline.
Amenities: Four-poster beds with mosquito nets and high-quality linens, Historic and Garden Manor rooms with balconies or terraces, Gourmet dining with giraffes as breakfast guests, No air conditioning, but cool Nairobi nights and fans keep things comfortable Access to on-site giraffe interactions and conservation experiences, Concierge for local tours, transfers, and wildlife excursions
I saw a programme some years ago about this place. A must for animal lovers.
A magical experience with the gentle giants….a new item for the must do list! Thank you for this post.
What an experience!! Speechless. I follow Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, they do incredible work