Our take
Giraffe Manor is a twelve-room boutique hotel in Nairobi’s Lang’ata area, known for its resident giraffes and distinctive breakfast encounters. Historic and Garden Manor rooms have individual layouts, while the neighbouring Retreat provides pool and wellness facilities during your stay.
The 1930s manor house stands in gardens beside indigenous forest, giving it a secluded, residential atmosphere within Nairobi. Resident giraffes move around the sanctuary and may approach at breakfast and afternoon tea. The experience is closely organised around the small number of overnight guests rather than operating as a public restaurant. Historic Manor and Garden Manor rooms retain different characters, and The Retreat next door adds places to swim, exercise and unwind.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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Accommodation
Twelve rooms are split between the Historic Manor and Garden Manor, including two family suites. Room sizes, bathrooms, stairs and outlooks vary because the property developed from a private home. Some rooms accommodate an extra bed or cot, while the family suites provide more generous space. Named room categories should be selected on their actual floor plan rather than assuming that every room offers the same giraffe access or arrangement.
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Food & drink
Breakfast is the signature meal, with giraffes sometimes approaching the dining windows. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner follow a more relaxed house-hotel rhythm, with indoor and terrace settings. The Orchid & Bean coffee house adds another garden venue. Daisy’s Café at The Retreat is a separate dining option, with charges and access determined by the package booked.
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What to do
Breakfast and afternoon tea provide the main giraffe encounters, alongside visits to the neighbouring Giraffe Centre. The Retreat has a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and treatment facilities, with some services charged separately. Depending on timing, a Nairobi stay can also include the Karen Blixen Museum or a pre-booked Sheldrick Wildlife Trust visit. Encounters remain guided by the animals and staff rather than guaranteed individual performances.
Planning your stay
Children are welcome, with two family suites and selected rooms offering additional sleeping arrangements. Room access and layout differ, so a floor plan is useful before choosing. At The Retreat, children need pool supervision and some wellness facilities have minimum ages.
The giraffe encounters are unusual, but the manor’s small scale and residential character are equally important. The nearby Retreat gives guests more space for a pool or wellness break without turning the historic house into a large resort.
Strict check-in and check-out timings affect early flight arrivals and late departures. A separate day room or Retreat package may be needed outside your overnight stay. Room availability and portfolio booking conditions also influence whether it fits the wider safari.
Make it part of a journey
Treat Giraffe Manor as a considered Nairobi experience rather than a routine airport hotel. It is most useful at the start or end of a safari when flight timings allow a relaxed stay. Securing an appropriate room early helps avoid reshaping the entire route around unsuitable availability.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Nairobi or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
Twelve rooms are split between the Historic Manor and Garden Manor, including two family suites. Room sizes, bathrooms, stairs and outlooks vary because the property developed from a private home. Some rooms accommodate an extra bed or cot, while the family suites provide more generous space. Named room categories should be selected on their actual floor plan rather than assuming that every room offers the same giraffe access or arrangement.
Breakfast and afternoon tea provide the main giraffe encounters, alongside visits to the neighbouring Giraffe Centre. The Retreat has a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and treatment facilities, with some services charged separately. Depending on timing, a Nairobi stay can also include the Karen Blixen Museum or a pre-booked Sheldrick Wildlife Trust visit. Encounters remain guided by the animals and staff rather than guaranteed individual performances.
Children are welcome, with two family suites and selected rooms offering additional sleeping arrangements. Room access and layout differ, so a floor plan is useful before choosing. At The Retreat, children need pool supervision and some wellness facilities have minimum ages.
Treat Giraffe Manor as a considered Nairobi experience rather than a routine airport hotel. It is most useful at the start or end of a safari when flight timings allow a relaxed stay. Securing an appropriate room early helps avoid reshaping the entire route around unsuitable availability.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
Start planning