Last Updated on February 13, 2026
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Ever since first seeing photos of Giraffe Manor in Kenya – a small hotel where you can have breakfast with giraffes – I was dying to stay there. Making it happen was not easy, as by the time I discovered it, the hotel had already become extremely popular and getting a room was difficult. With only 12 rooms and high demand, you need to book months in advance, not to mention, it’s not exactly a budget stay.
After two years of planning, I finally had a chance to stay at Giraffe Manor for one night, at the start of my Kenya trip.
This is definitely one of the most unique hotels in the world, thanks to the Nubian/Rothschild’s giraffes that roam around the estate and visit the hotel twice a day. Since they are free to go where they want and are never forced to do anything, the interaction is never guaranteed, but the giraffes are also very habitual.
They know very well when and where the food is. They don’t come to the Manor because they are dying to hang out with you, as much as we all want to believe that. All they care is the grass pellets, so they stick around where the food is.
In this post I’ll share everything you need to know about staying at the Giraffe Manor in Kenya, including how early to book a room, which one to choose and what exactly to expect during your stay. And finally, the question everyone has: is staying at Giraffe Manor worth the money? (spoiler, it is! – if you can swing it).
About Giraffe Manor in Kenya
The Giraffe Manor is a very exclusive boutique hotel set on a 12 acres land in the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. The property is made up by two buildings: the main Historic Manor and the newer Garden Manor and there are only 6 rooms in each.
The original house was built in 1932 by David Duncan, a Scottish aristocrat and it’s inspired by Scottish hunting lodges. In 1974 it was bought by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, who became very interested in Rothschild’s giraffes, one of three giraffe types found in Kenya and the one that was becoming endangered.
Jock and Betty rescued a baby giraffe named Daisy and raised it on the property. This led to creating the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and the Manor became rehabilitation and breeding center, which over the years helped grow the number of Rothchild’s giraffes from a scary 130 to over 1,000. Many of the giraffes born at the Manor have been successfully released into the wild.
So long before it was an Insta famous hotel, the Giraffe Manor was a breeding center for the endangered giraffes, and this is exactly how those beautiful animals became part of the hotel. Now there are 12 of them living on the property, roaming freely between the hotel and the nearby Giraffe Center.
In 2011, the new owners added a second house, the Garden Manor, which is a replica of the original house. Guests can access both buildings and there is a shared patio between the two, where weather permitting, lunch and dinner are served.
Giraffe Manor is one of five properties that belong to The Safari Collection, a group of luxury accommodations in Kenya. The other four are Sala’s Camp, Solio Lodge, Sasaab and The Retreat at Giraffe Manor.
Nubian/Rothschild’s Giraffes
As lovely as the hotel is, the biggest draw to Giraffe Manor are the giraffes. For years they were known as Rothschild’s giraffes, one of the three types of giraffes found in Kenya (the other two are Maasai and Reticulated). Just recently, scientists found that they are genetically identical to the Nubian giraffe, so they are now officially recognized as such. Although you might still hear both names used.
You can tell Nubian giraffes apart from other giraffe species by the markings and white lower legs. They have large chestnut brown patches, and they look like they are wearing white socks.
If I remember correctly, there are currently 12 giraffes on site, but only a few of them show up at the Manor at a time. Some are more social; others prefer to stay away.
Warthogs
Besides the giraffes, there are also resident warthogs aka pumbas, that live on the property. Just like the giraffes they roam freely, mostly following the pellets that fall on the ground. You’ll notice that they kneel down when eating and that is because their necks are too short to reach the ground.
They are really entertaining to watch, especially when they dart across the lawn with their tails up. The locals have a nickname for them; they call them Kenya Express.
Booking a room at Giraffe Manor
Despite the high cost and prices going up each year, the rooms at Giraffe Manor are in high demand. If you’d like to stay at the hotel, you need to start planning 18-24 months ahead, especially if your trip falls during the high season.
The rooms fill up quick, because there are just 12 of them, and on top of that, 6 rooms in the Historic Manor are reserved for guests who also book one of the other properties that belong to the Safari Collection (Sala’s Camp, Solio Lodge or Sasaab).
You can check the availability of Giraffe Manor rooms here.
Having said that, cancellations do happen, so I recommend checking the calendar. Most people book so far in advance, and sometimes life happens and they can’t make it. You might also be able to find a room a few months ahead, but that’s more likely in low season.
The hotel is closed for refurbishment in April, and you’ll see a few weeks blocked off on the calendar.
They ask to pay 30% deposit to secure the room, and the remaining balance is due 45 days before the stay.
Which rooms are the best
There are 12 rooms at Giraffe Manor, 6 rooms in the Historic Manor and 6 in the Garden Manor.10 of the rooms are Superior Rooms and 2 are Family Suites, that can accommodate up to 4 people. All the rooms are named after either giraffes or people who were once part of the Giraffe Manor.
Some of the rooms allow the giraffes access to either a window or a balcony, which means you can feed them right from your room during the morning visit. So, these rooms are considered to be the best ones and book up the quickest.
If that’s a priority for you, then you need to book a room in the Historic Manor (all 6 have direct access) or one of the three rooms in the Garden Manor, which are Kelly, Helen or Finch Hatton Suite. In these rooms, giraffes often approach windows or/and balconies in the early morning looking for food and there will be a bucket full of pellets ready in your room.
We stayed in Arlene room, which is one of the Superior Rooms in the Garden Manor. The room overlooks the patio, but giraffes have no direct access to the window. At first, I was a bit bummed about it, but it really didn’t matter that much because we just came outside on the patio and had giraffes right next to us. Staff was already there bringing out hot coffee and pallets, so we can feed the giraffes, even before the official breakfast started.
So regardless of the room you book, you’re going to get the amazing experience and plenty of opportunities to hang out with the giraffes, as well as many great photo ops.
If you are traveling with the family, best room options are Karen Blixen Suite (Historic Manor) and Finch Hatton Suite (Garden Manor). They are spacious enough and can accommodate up to 4 people.
If you need help deciding which room to book
To help you with choosing a room at Giraffe Manor in Kenya, here are a couple of links:
– detailed description of each room
– map/layout of the hotel
How much does it cost to stay at Giraffe Manor
A lot! Staying at Giraffe Manor comes with a hefty price tag and many get a sticker shock when they find out the cost. It was the most expensive place I’ve ever stayed at for sure.
The cost depends on which room you book, the Superior Room or one of the larger Family Suites. They publish new rates for each calendar year, and they are valid throughout the year, from January 1 – December 31, rather than changing depending on the season. Unsurprisingly, prices increase each year, which doesn’t stop the hotel from being fully booked year after year.
But let’s talk the actual numbers. In 2026, one night at the Superior Rooms costs $1,413 (per person sharing) or $2,218 (single room). Staying at one of the bigger rooms, which are Karen Blixen Suite and Finch Hatton Suit costs $4,832 (for 2 adults and 2 kids sharing).
On the Giraffe Manor website, you can find the rate sheets for both the current as well as the following year. If you plan on booking more than 2 years in advance, those rates are not published yet, but you can send the inquiry, and they will let you know the cost for that year.
Looking at the pattern in previous years, the price per night goes up $200-300 each year so you can figure out more or less how much to expect.
They ask to pay 30% deposit to secure the room, and the remaining balance is due 45 days before the stay.
What’s included
The short answer is everything. Yes, the price is steep, but at least the amazing experience of having a breakfast with giraffes is not the only thing you get to enjoy.
- Pick up and drop off
- Meals and drinks
- Laundry
- Entrance to Giraffe Center
- Access to The Retreat
The Retreat
Adjacent to the Giraffe Manor is The Retreat, which is a wellness facility, that was added to the property in 2021. It has a spa, hot tub, a gym, a swimming pool and a cafe.
As a guest of Giraffe Manor, you are welcome to stroll over and use the facilities at The Retreat like the swimming pool etc., but the restaurant is not included in your stay, so if you order anything, you’ll have to pay for it.
There are also four dayrooms that can be booked (no overnight stays), if you need a place to rest either before or after your stay at Giraffe Manor. For example, if you have a very early arrival before you can check in. They also offer to passes, first one is Early Bird Package for $275, which includes breakfast, the use of all the facilities and luggage storage (but not the day room) from 6 am-12 pm. Day Pass for $350 is the second option, which covers all meals, use of all the amenities and luggage storage from 10 am-10 pm.
The Retreat is available exclusively to the guest of the Giraffe Manor or one of the other Safari Collection properties.
Giraffes don’t have access to The Retreat, but sometimes they approach the end of the infinity pool. The pool also overlooks the grounds, so can often you can see the giraffes and warthogs in the distance.
Your Giraffe Manor stay
Here is what staying at Giraffe Manor in Kenya looks like:
Arrival and Check In
One of the things included in your Giraffe Manor stay is private transportation to and from the hotel, with the earliest pick-up time at 11.30 am. Whether you are coming from the airport or another hotel, the driver will pick you up and bring you the Manor.
Check in starts at 12 pm and it’s strictly enforced. At arrival you get a welcome drink and a quick tour of the property. Each room also gets a member of staff assigned, which is sort of like your person for the entire stay. They are your waiter, they assist with feeding the giraffes, taking photos and are there to help with anything you might need. Basically, they look after you while you are there.
In the meantime, your luggage is taken to your room. We stayed in the Arlene room, which is one of the rooms in the Garden Manor. Giraffes do not have access to the windows of this room, but in the end, it didn’t really matter that much.
Lunch
After you settle in, it’s time for lunch which is served between 1-3 pm on the outside terrace (weather permitting). The food is really outstanding. I’m guessing the menu changes, but we had an appetizer, salad, then either chicken or cauliflower wings to choose from, and dessert.
You don’t get to meet the giraffes until the Afternoon Tea, which starts at 5 pm, so after lunch you have some free time. You can fill it by visiting the Giraffe Center next door, relaxing at The Retreat by the pool or simply enjoy the grounds and common areas.
If you choose to visit the Giraffe Center, there’s a short path that goes directly from the Manor to the Center and you enter through a special gate. You do need to go with one of the staff members though. As a guest of Giraffe Manor, this is included in your stay, so you don’t pay the entrance fee.
Afternoon Tea
This is a very exciting moment, because it’s when you first get to meet the giraffes. Around 5 pm, which is when the Giraffe Center closes, the giraffes start making their way towards the Manor. This is when the Afternoon Tea takes place. Guests are served an assortment of snacks, sandwiches, cookies along with drinks. And the giraffes come looking for snacks as well.
The Afternoon Tea takes place on the sitting area right in front of the main entrance to the Manor. The giraffes come up right to the terrace area but stay on the other side of the low wall.
There is also a big swing on the side by the Garden Manor, which is another opportunity to feed them and get some nice pictures. The giraffes stick around for about one hour, until 6 pm or a little after.
Staff is there at all times to help interact with the giraffes, showing you how to best approach them and making sure you always have some grass pellets on hand. The giraffes are very friendly, but they are still wild animals and have different personalities. Kelly, for example, is known for being a bit of a head-butter, so the staff knows the right way to get close to her. They are also pros at helping you get great photos. I can’t praise them enough.
Dinner
Dinner is served between 7-9 pm, either on the terrace, if weather is nice or in the dining room. Again, it’s a 3-course meal. We started outside by the fire but eventually moved indoors when it started raining.
If you would like to have a private dinner, that can be set up as well.
Breakfast
Breakfast is the highlight of the stay for many people. If you have one of the rooms, that giraffes have access to, either balcony or window, you will find a bucket with pellets in your room. So, you are ready when you get some early morning visitors sticking their heads through the windows.
I highly encourage you to set your alarms early, so you don’t miss any time with the giraffes. You can expect first ones on the grounds as early as 5 am. We couldn’t feed giraffes directly from our window, but our room overlooked the courtyard, and we could see Edd already waiting by the balcony shortly after 5 am.
Breakfast starts at 6 am and while you can join later, I think you should take advantage and maximize your time interacting with the giraffes. I mean, how often do you get an experience like that?
There are two dining rooms, one at the Historic Manor, the other in the Garden Manor and you’re assigned a table in the building where you’re staying. But that doesn’t matter much, because everyone gets a chance to take photos at the best tables in both dining rooms. Before anyone actually sits down to eat, there’s dedicated ample time for photos and staff moves people around in a way, that everyone
I have to say, I was really impressed how organized everything was and how dedicated staff was to make sure everyone was happy.
We sat down to actually eat around 7.30 am and most of the giraffes stuck around until around 8 am or so. Around that time, they started wandering back to the Giraffe Center. This is why stress that it’s important to get up bright and early, if you want to have best chances to interact with the giraffes. They don’t sleep much (about 2 hours a day), so by early morning they are ready to wander over to the Manor and look for treats. So, the earlier you’re at breakfast, the better.
When Giraffe Manor first became famous on Instagram, many of the photos were taken at one particular window table in the main dining room. It was the spot to get that perfect shot and as a result, everyone wanted to get that table assigned to them. As the hotel’s popularity grew, that table became the ultimate goal for every guest.
These days, to make everyone happy and give them a chance for that iconic photo, that famous table is now used as a photo spot, not just someone’s private table for the entire breakfast. The staff rotates people and gives them opportunity for get their shots. So, don’t worry, no matter which table you’re assigned. you’ll still get to sit at that iconic window table for your photos.
If I’m being completely honest, I actually like the photos taken in the second breakfast room better.
Check out
10 am is the checkout time and just like the check in, it’s very strict. Your driver will be ready to take you to your next stop. If you are in no rush to get anywhere and would like to hang out at the property, you can book a day pass at The Retreat.
Giraffe Manor FAQ
Can you visit the Giraffe Manor without staying there
No, only guests of the Giraffe Manor are allowed on the property. You can meet and feed the same giraffes between 9 am – 5 pm at the Giraffe Center next door, but there’s no way to interact with them at the Giraffe Manor, unless you are a guest of the hotel.
How early should you book your room
Rooms at Giraffe Manor can be reserved up to 6 years in advance and most of them usually book up 2 years ahead, especially in high season (June-October). Keep in mind, that now only 6 out of 12 rooms can be reserved on their own. The other 6 are only available if you also book another property from the Safari Collection.
So, if you are only interested in Giraffe Manor, you can only choose from 6 rooms and with the crazy demand, those sell out quick. Book as far in advance as you can, ideally 18-24 months in advance. If there are no rooms available for your dates, you can also be put on the waitlist, and you might get lucky.
Because people book so far in advance, sometimes life happens and so do cancellations. You might be able to score a room relatively last minute, but you’d have to be flexible and keep checking the calendar. It’s also easier to find an opening in the off season.
How is the service
From the moment you are picked up by your driver until the check out, the service is impeccable, and you will be treated like royalty.
I was really impressed with the staff, every single one of them. They are really well organized and go above and beyond to make sure everyone is happy and expectations are met. They manage the guests and the giraffes so well and make sure gets a chance to get their dream pictures. And I’m sure the pressure is there.
So don’t forget to bring some cash and show some appreciation. There’s a tip box in the main foyer where all the tips go.
How much time do you have with the Giraffes
Not as much as you probably think. When I first learned about Giraffe Manor, I assumed they walk around the hotel all day long. Well, they don’t. They are on the property, but for the most part of the day they hang out at the Giraffe Center next door. They follow the food, and that’s where they get fed by visitors between 9 am-5 pm.
You’ll see them in the distance, but they don’t show up at the Manor until about 5 pm, when the Center closes. They know that’s where they will get fed next, so they start making their way towards the hotel and stick around for a little over one hour. That’s when the Afternoon Tea happens (5-6pm).
Next time you’ll see them is at the famous breakfast, which is from 6-9 am. Although a couple of them might already be waiting around as early as 5 am. When I looked out the window shortly after 5 am, Edd was already there looking for pallets. I recommend setting your alarm early, so you don’t miss any time with the giraffes.
Are kids allowed to stay at Giraffe Manor
Yes, Giraffe Manor is a family friendly property with no age limit.
Is one night at Giraffe Manor enough?
For most people, Giraffe Manor is a one-night stay, because it’s so pricey. If not for the high cost, I would have loved to have another night, just to hang out around the giraffes more, have the experience of having breakfast with them twice and enjoy the pool at the Retreat during the day.
Having said that, one night is enough to have the full experience of the afternoon tea with the giraffes and the famous breakfast with them. During both encounters you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get those iconic photos. The staff is really wonderful making sure everyone gets the perfect shots, they rotate people to different spots, so everyone gets a chance to get their photos.
Is Giraffe Manor worth the price?
Staying at Giraffe Manor in Kenya is definitely a major splurge, and the most money I ever spent on a hotel, but if you can swing it, it’s absolutely worth the price.
Sometimes you see these amazing places online, but then in reality they don’t live up to the hype. Well, that’s not the case with Giraffe Manor. That hotel and the entire experience is just as magical as it looks.
So, if you can afford it, I cannot recommend it enough. Yes, this place is no bargain, but keep in mind, a lot of things are included in your room rate (meals, drinks, transportation). And the service is second to none.
You can meet and feed the exact same giraffes at the Giraffe Center next door for just a fraction of money, but you can’t even compare it to the experience of staying at the Giraffe Manor.
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