Giraffe Manor in Kenya: "Charming, Stylish and Unforgettable"

The Giraffe Manor in Kenya, which boasts a Victorian architectural look, is a small exclusive Nairobi hotel that is world-renowned for its gorgeous Rothschild giraffe inhabitants.

But it is also home to quite a few warthogs, bushbucks and a plethora of birdlife.

It offers you a unique opportunity to enjoy your African holiday by getting astonishingly close to real wildlife, much closer than you ever can on a safari or at a zoo.

Lovely views of the mighty Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain and of the nearby Ngong Hills complement the already surreal experience.

To complete the African wilderness experience, the Giraffe Manor hotel is surrounded by 140 acres of private indigenous forest.

This is especially surprising given that the hotel is located in the posh Karen suburb, which is located on the outskirts of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

After being closely associated with the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife for decades, the Giraffe Manor is now the flagship of the Tamimi camps and lodges in Kenya.

A Bit of History...

The Giraffe Manor in Kenya was built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan. He was himself part of the British family that then manufactured the Mackintosh Toffee, a popular candy that is now sold by Nestle.

More than 4 decades later, Jock and Betty Melville purchased the house and called it home. Because the couple loved Kenya animals, they brought a pair of the gravely endangered Rothschild giraffe onto the property.

Although many of these giraffes' descendants continue to live on the property, many have, under the auspices of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, been successfully translocated into the wild, notably Lake Nakuru National Park.

As a result, the Rothschild Giraffe population has grown from a paltry 130 in 1974 to well over 500 today.

This project deserves credit for single-handedly bringing the Rothschild giraffe back from the brink of extinction. In many ways then, the Giraffe Manor is an inspiring lesson in conservation.

In 2009, ownership of the Giraffe Manor changed.

Its new owners, Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, who are also behind the Tamimi camps and lodges in Kenya, have injected a new energy into the boutique hotel's management.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the Giraffe Manor in Kenya consists of 6 rooms, 1 of which is suitable for a family. Each room's unique decor has been preserved intact for decades and helps lend a sense of history to your stay.

Meals are all served at one time so all of the guests (and giraffes!) eat together at the same table like a big family.

Services and Amenities

As part of your room price, you receive plenty of extras. For example, the price includes all of your meals, plus wine at lunch and dinner time.

Other alcoholic beverages (except, understandably, champagne!) are also included in the price. Also included are the Giraffe Center entry fee, a sightseeing vehicle and laundry fees.

Independent Reviews

I just love the Giraffe Manor Hotel's Victorian architecture.

But here are some independent reviews of some real people who stayed there.

"Charming and Stylish... The food was excellent and each meal was an experience."

"Over the top... dinner at the manor is a treat fit for royalty."

"This place is magical, and a must stay when in Nairobi."

"I can not think of a better way for anyone to start their holiday in Kenya."

Some of the guests felt that the beds could have been more comfortable and that the hotel is rather pricey. At about $360 per person per night, it certainly isn't the cheapest of the Nairobi hotels. But then again, where else do you get to stroke and eat with a dozen or so real, untamed giraffes?

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