Pastries, fruit and fresh juice are laid out at a table near the window. It’s time for breakfast and as appetising as it looks, guests often wait until a special visitor arrives before they tuck in.
The breakfast table. Picture: Giraffe Manor.
At Giraffe Manor, located within almost 57 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, there is bound to be a giraffe or two sticking their head through the window to show signs of endearment towards guests and tuck into a sweet treat. Known as one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, Giraffe Manor is a retreat with verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards.
There are treats left in bottles for guests to feed the giraffes. Picture: Giraffe Manor.
One of the reasons why many people plan a holiday to Kenya is to see the hotel’s herd of resident Rothschild giraffe, one of the most endangered giraffe species in the world. These friendly animals wander into the main area each morning and evening to mingle with guests, and are not afraid to pose for pictures. Those who prefer quiet would be glad to know that the hotel can only accommodate 25 guests.
The hotel’s 12 rooms each have their own distinct personality, elegant furnishings and art deco features. There is the main manor, which is the original 1930s manor house. Each room is named after a different person, including famous author Karen Blixen. There is also Daisy’s room(superior room), Lynn’s Room (standard room) and Marlon’s Room (standard room).
A giraffe comes to say hi. Picture: Giraffe Manor.
Giraffe Manor also offers other activities, from a guided forest walk, interaction, feeding of a baby elephant at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to enjoying afternoon tea at sunset.
There are also special dinner spots to help guests spend quality time with their loved ones. Picture: Giraffe Manor.
Whatever your reason to visit, there will always be a giraffe that will make it a memorable one.