Kenya's Most Unique Boutique Hotel Brings You Face-To-Face With Giraffes

Just about half an hour outside the thriving city center of Nairobi, Kenya, nestled among an indigenous forest in the suburb of Langata, you'll find one of the world's most unusual hotels. The highly sought-after Giraffe Manor is a stunning boutique hotel that has been delighting visitors for over 15 years. After all, there are very few places where you can have breakfast with a giraffe, making it one of the best vacation spots for animal lovers. 

What started as a stately 1930s hunting lodge became a wildlife sanctuary for endangered Rothschild's giraffes in the 1970s. Then, it was purchased in 2009 by Kenyan citizens Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley and transformed into a world-class hotel with a continued focus on wildlife conservation in addition to luxury. Many guests opt to stay just one or two nights on their way to or from incredible luxury African safaris (no more than three nights is recommended per the website to leave time to explore more of beautiful Kenya). But regardless of how long travelers hang their hats at Giraffe Manor, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience.

This iconic property is home to a herd of endangered Rothchild's giraffes who routinely make an appearance looking for the dried grass pellets the hotel provides. You just might wake up to a giraffe peering through the window into your room, or you may have a very tall, inquisitive guest joining your conversation at breakfast. They often amble up to the manor for afternoon tea while guests enjoy refreshments on the terrace overlooking the Ngong Hills. 

If you just can't get enough of these majestic creatures, you can take a short stroll across the property to the AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) Giraffe Center and learn even more about them. Keep in mind that as friendly as these creatures are, they are wild animals nonetheless. Loud noises, sudden movements, flash photography, or overcrowding can make them uneasy. It's always ideal to seek guidance from a staff member on how to best interact with the giraffes.

Originally built in 1932, the Historic Manor is a stately structure that would look more at home in the rolling green hills of Scotland than in the African bush. It houses six stylishly appointed guest rooms with antique furniture and Art Deco influence. Most of the guest rooms are more fitting for couples or friends, but families will love the spacious Karen Blixen Suite (named for the author of "Out of Africa"). This suite not only has two bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, and a lounge with a fireplace but also a shared balcony perfect for feeding giraffes.

In 2011, the owners added a new section to the property — The Garden Manor. It was built with reclaimed materials from the same time period and in the same style as the original house. The new section added six guest rooms including the stunning Finch Hatton Suite, which features a spiral staircase leading to a loft perfect for giraffe watching. Room rates include all meals, drinks, transfers, laundry, WiFi, admission to the AFEW Giraffe Center, and use of many of the amenities such as the pool, hot tub, sauna, and gym. Luxury travel doesn't get much better than this.