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
Ol Malo Lodge
Ol Malo Game Lodge is a privately owned game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Kenya's wild and beautiful Laikipia County, overlooked by Mount Kenya and teeming with the elusive antelope and wildlife.
A truly magnificent lodge that offers views and safari activities that very few can match.
Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs
The luxurious Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs lodge offers up incredible views out over the 57 000 acre Loisaba Conservancy, a Laikipia Conservancy famed for its huge herds of elephants, large lion population, wild dog, leopard and cheetah.
Cottars 1920s Camp
Cottars 1920s Camp is located far away from the maddening crowds of the Masai Mara.
Only 9 luxuriously appointed tented suites are available, including 2x honeymoon suites, 4x double tents and 3x family suites.
Elsas Kopje
Elsa's Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa's Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film 'Born Free', released into the wild here in Meru.
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience by means of game drives in the stunning Tsavo West National Park.
The entire lodge is raised on high stilts above watering holes and feeding pastures, offering a spectacular view of the wildlife from above and all around.
Elewana Loisaba Star Beds
Elewana Loisaba Star Beds is located within the amazing Loisaba Conservancy and Laikipia Plateau that offers guests one of the finest wildlife and safari experiences on offer in Kenya today.
Loisaba Star Beds is poised on top of a kopje offering commanding views out over the plains and valleys of the Laikipia. One of the more unique and in-demand safari lodges in Kenya.
Galdessa
The riverside location of the lounge and dining room of Galdessa Camp ensure frequent wildlife sightings without the need to leave camp, as the game seeks relief from the heat of the day in the cool waters of the Galana River.
Galdessa Camp, with its amazing swimming pool, is located in the Tsavo East National park on the banks of the Galana River.
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge bordering that Amboseli National Park is framed against the glorious backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.
All 92 guest rooms at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offer an uninterrupted view over the ever-changing vistas of the African plains.