Iconic boutique hotel where endangered Rothschild's giraffes visit for breakfast through the windows. Exclusive 12-room property in 12 acres of indigenous forest offers unparalleled wildlife encounters. Art Deco elegance combined with authentic Kenyan hospitality.
Giraffe Manor is an iconic boutique hotel set within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Lang'ata suburb of Nairobi, approximately 20 kilometres from the central business district. Operated by The Safari Collection, the property is renowned for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild's giraffes, which freely roam the grounds and regularly visit the dining room and guest bedrooms to interact with visitors. The daily feeding sessions — particularly at breakfast, when giraffes push their heads through the windows and over the tables — have made Giraffe Manor one of Kenya's most photographed wildlife experiences.
The manor house was originally constructed in the 1930s as a private residence for Scottish merchant Sir David Duncan, and its Art Deco character remains intact. The property now accommodates 12 individually designed rooms and suites spread across the main house and an adjacent cottage wing. Interiors combine colonial East African aesthetics with contemporary comfort: four-poster beds, antique furnishings, locally commissioned artworks, and quality linens feature throughout.
Accommodation ranges from garden-view rooms in the main manor to premium suites with private terraces and separate sitting areas. Select rooms feature clawfoot baths. All 12 rooms are en-suite with satellite television, minibar, and complimentary toiletries.
Dining follows a full-board format with all meals included in the room rate. Breakfast in the dining room or on the terrace is the centrepiece experience, where the Rothschild's giraffes — part of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) conservation programme — visit on cue. Candlelit three-course dinners are served each evening, and afternoon tea with homemade cakes is a highlight for arriving guests.
The property does not offer a spa or fitness centre, keeping the focus on the wildlife encounter and the intimate boutique atmosphere. A heated outdoor swimming pool sits in the indigenous garden, and a library provides a relaxed retreat. The adjacent AFEW Giraffe Centre, the breeding home of the Rothschild's giraffe conservation effort, is a ten-minute walk from the manor.
The Safari Collection's small staff-to-guest ratio delivers attentive, personalised service. The hotel is popular with honeymoon couples, wildlife photographers, and families with older children. Safari departures to Nairobi National Park — visible from the property boundary — and full multi-day Kenya safari itineraries are coordinated through the concierge. With only 12 rooms, advance booking of six to twelve months is standard practice during peak season.
Amenities
- giraffe encounters
- full board
- afternoon tea
- gardens
- boutique experience
Location
Gogo Falls Road, Lang'ata, Nairobi
-1.3646, 36.7519 View on map
Highlights
- Endangered Rothschild's giraffes visit the dining room and bedroom windows daily, creating one of Kenya's most extraordinary wildlife breakfast encounters
- Set in 140 acres of indigenous forest in Lang'ata, 20km from Nairobi CBD and close to Nairobi National Park
- Art Deco 1930s manor house with 12 bespoke rooms featuring four-poster beds, antique furnishings, and private terraces
- Full-board dining included with candlelit three-course dinners and afternoon tea service
- Walking distance to the AFEW Giraffe Centre conservation breeding programme
Tips for visiting
- Book 6 to 12 months in advance — with only 12 rooms, the hotel sells out quickly, especially July through October
- Arrive punctually for breakfast: the giraffes visit most reliably between 7am and 9am
- Giraffe pellets for hand-feeding are supplied by the hotel — bring a camera with a zoom lens for close-up encounters
- Request a room in the main manor house for the most traditional atmosphere; garden cottage rooms offer more privacy
- The hotel provides a strong base for day trips to Nairobi National Park, 15 minutes away, and longer Kenyan safaris
Accessibility
The historic manor house has steps at the entrance and between floors, which presents challenges for wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility. Some ground-floor rooms are more accessible than upper-floor suites; guests with mobility requirements are advised to contact the property directly before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Are the giraffes present throughout the year?
Yes, the resident Rothschild's giraffes visit the manor grounds daily throughout the year. Encounters are most reliable at breakfast time when feeding sessions take place in the dining room and on the terrace.
Is Giraffe Manor appropriate for children?
The hotel welcomes children aged five and above. Younger children may be accommodated at parental discretion, but the intimate boutique environment and early-morning wildlife schedule are best suited to older children.
What does the room rate include?
All meals — breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, and a three-course dinner — are included in the full-board rate. Alcoholic drinks, safari excursions, and activities are typically charged separately.
How far is the hotel from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
JKIA is approximately 30 kilometres from the property, a journey of 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic. The hotel arranges transfers for all guests.