Located in the southern suburbs of Nairobi is an English manor house. When it was built, the country was unclaimed bush rampant with African wildlife. The home of Karen Blixen is nearby, who posthumously lends her name to this suburb, Karen. The house was built in the 1930s, but this is no Art Deco creation. It is pure Home Counties, a property that would not be unfamiliar to the admirers of Agatha Christie.
Interested in staying? Look no further; Giraffe Manor
The big difference, of course, is that it is in Africa, in Kenya, and in its own private domain populated by giraffe. The original owners of Giraffe Manor were very keen on giraffes, on protecting them and breeding them, in particular, the subspecies Rothschild. They established the Giraffe Centre next door to Giraffe Manor, and these ungulates roam free between the two establishments.
There is a great charm and excitement in sitting, having your breakfast, and being interrupted by a 6m tall creature peering at you with the supplicant look of an animal used to being fed treats. The treats, in this case, being fibrous pellets. The giraffes have a long, rough tongue, and it is not unlike being licked by a domestic cat.
Apart from the obvious pleasure of your own private wildlife kingdom, this is a very comfortable house. Two houses now, in fact, after the completion of the garden manor extension built in a similar style to the original property. The décor is a mix of home counties and colonial with a dash of contemporary African chic. Each of the 10 rooms is unique and is named after people connected with the family and house. Not all are colonial worthies; there is Marlon Brando, for example.
On a memorable evening, we were a party of eight and dined in a private, panelled dining room lit by candelabra. The quality of food is good, with fresh local ingredients being used extensively. However, it is more the atmosphere that clings to you. A presence of history coupled with the spirit of how life used to be lived many years ago. Like all boutique hotels, it is a home away from home. In this case, it is a dream home, in an exotic setting, far away.
Giraffe Manor Review by the team at Uyaphi.com
Mara Bush Houses
Mara Bush Houses are situated within the famed and wild Mara North Conservancy, surrounded by the best wildlife sightings that Kenya offers.
Two exclusive use three bedroomed Masai Mara houses await, perfect for both families or a small group of friends.
Giraffe Manor
Travellers worldwide now make The Giraffe Manor (and the giraffe centre) part of their East African safari, the only place where you can enjoy the breathtaking experience of feeding and photographing giraffes over the breakfast table.
Without question, one of the best and most popular boutique guest house options in Nairobi, a must-visit and stay for all.
Serena Mountain Lodge
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Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including climbing to Lenana Peak, exploring the forest and moorlands, sundowners, exclusive trout fishing, Kikuyu dancing and cultural displays, and walking in the forest.
Leopard Beach Resort
Situated on Diani Beach near Kenya's bustling port of Mombasa, Leopard Beach enjoys a position on Diani Beach with 158 comfortable and welcoming rooms. One of the more popular beach lodges near Mombasa.
Sea views, water-based activities and scuba diving are all exceptional, pair those with excellent service and location, and one will not be disappointed.
Mara Porini Camp
The Mara Porini Camp has only 6 tented suites sited in the shade of Yellow-barked Acacia trees along the banks of the Laetoli, a permanent spring, the tents are spacious and each has an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and safari shower.
An exceptional Masai Mara tented camp awaits a superb option for nature lovers.
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge offers a unique experience that extends beyond game drives in the reserve, a plethora of activities to indulge in from bird watching to camel safaris to the viewing deck along the river to feed and watch crocodiles.
AfroChic Diani Beach
Elewana AfroChic Diani Beach, a boutique hotel with only ten rooms and suites, is located on the famed "Diani Beach" just south of Mombasa. The perfect destination post a wildlife safari, a destination where one can sit back and relax as the cares of the modern world melt away.
AfroChic Diani Beach offers guests incredible sea views and activities year-round; a superb destination awaits.
Mara Expedition Camp
Mara Expedition Camp, a small, intimate and luxurious tented safari camp located in one of the best areas for wildlife in the Masai Mara region of Kenya.
When staying here one has access to not only the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve but also the private 70 000-acre Mara North Conservancy.