GIRAFFE MANOR & GIRAFFE CENTRE

Nestled in the tranquil, leafy suburb of Lang'ata on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, lies one of the most iconic travel experiences in the world: meeting, feeding, and interacting with endangered Rothschild's giraffes up close. 

Whether you are seeking an exclusive stay at the historic Giraffe Manor or taking a day tour to the Giraffe Centre, this sanctuary offers an unforgettable blend of conservation, history and safari magic.

PART 1: The Magic of Giraffe Manor

Set within 12 acres of private land surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest, Giraffe Manor is a 1930s historic Tudor-style Manor House operated by the Safari Collection. It offers an intimate, boutique experience where the resident herd of giraffes roams freely across the lawns.

Top Attractions & Activities at Giraffe Manor

1. Breakfast with Giraffes

• Reserved exclusively for overnight guests, this is the manor's flagship experience. As you sit down to morning coffee and breakfast, friendly giraffes poke their long necks through the large manor windows hoping for a treat of dried grass pellets.

2. Afternoon Tea on the Lawn

• Enjoy a classic high tea service set against the backdrop of the sun setting  over the Ngong Hills. Guests can feed pellets to the giraffes from the terrace or lawn, often accompanied by visiting warthogs.

3. The Retreat, Spa & Wellness Facilities

• Located right on the property, The Retreat features an infinity pool where giraffes frequently wander up to the edge. Guests can also unwind in the sauna, hot tub, steam room, fully equipped gym, or book pampering treatments at the spa.

4. The Orchid House

• A serene, light-filled sanctuary growing over 150 orchid varieties. It provides a quiet retreat for reading, relaxing, or enjoying a private, candlelit dinner surrounded by foliage.

5. Lawn Games & Courtyard Leisure

• Between giraffe visits, spend a relaxing afternoon playing croquet or boules on the lawns, or enjoy a game of giant Jenga and hand-carved wildlife chess inside the sitting room.

PART 2: Conservation in Action at The Giraffe Centre

Located just a short walk across the lawn from the manor is the Giraffe Centre, managed by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). Founded in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, the centre was established to protect the endangered Rothchild's giraffe. Thanks to their breeding and reintroduction program,  the population has grown significantly from under 100 in th 1970s to nearly 2,000 today.

The Giraffe Centre is open daily to the public and offers day visitors an educational and interactive wildlife encounter.

Top Attractions & Activities at the Giraffe Centre. 

1. Elevated Feeding Platform

• Step onto the raised wooden deck that brings you eye-to-eye with these gentle giants. Staffs provie=des pellets so you can hand-feed the giraffes or snap photos up close.

2. Conservation Information Centre

• Learn about the life cycle, behaviours, and ongoing conservation work saving Rothschild's giraffes and other native species across Kenya.

3. Gogo River Nature Trail

• Take a peaceful 1.5 - km walk through the indigenous forest located directly opposite the main centre. The trail winds down to the seasonal Gogo River and is ideal for birdwatching, plant identification, and spotting smaller wildlife like warthogs and diks-diks.

4. Curio Shop & Tea House

• Pick up locally crafted African souvenirs, artwork, and gifts, with proceeds directly supporting AFEW's wildlife education programs for Kenyan youth.

Planning your Visit

• Booking in Advance: Giraffe Manor books out up to a year in advance due to its limited number of rooms, so plan well ahead if you want an overnight stay.
• Giraffe Centre Hours: The centre is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it an easy half-day excursion wen visiting Nairobi.
• Nearby Highlights: Combine your visit with nearby Karen attractions such as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, the Karen Blixen Museum, or la=ocal artisan centers like Kazuri Beads.