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
Ngare Serian Camp
Ngare Serian Camp, located in the Mara North Conservancy on the banks of the Mara River, offers up a private and intimate safari experience with only four luxurious tented suites on offer.
Ngare Serian is the perfect safari camp for a large family, a small group of friends or couples alike.
Rekero Camp
Rekero Camp is set amidst the teeming mass of wildlife in the Masai Mara area, inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve; the Camp is set up seasonally (June - October, December - March) and caters for up to eighteen guests.
Rekero is most certainly one of the best safari camps for viewing the great wildebeest migration.
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp with 12 magnificent tented suites et on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve offers guests the chance to view huge herds of elephant, prides of lion or the solitary leopard.
ol Donyo Lodge
ol Donyo Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of the 275 000 acre Mbirikani Ranch that borders Chyulu Hills National Park.
ol Donyo Lodge is located within wilderness area between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. A small luxurious safari lodge that offers it all.
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.
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.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
A quintessential classic safari experience awaits all guests when staying at AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, with sweeping views out across the surrounding plains and the Sabaringo River.
A fantastic option for single travellers, couples, families and small groups.
Sarova Panafric Hotel
Sarova Panafric Hotel is idyllically located 5 minutes drive from the Nairobi central business district, amidst beautifully landscaped gardens in a quiet suburb of Nairobi; 153 hotel rooms in a range of standard, superior, club and suites are all decorated in a vibrant style.
One of the better hotels in Nairobi if you are looking for a more city-based experience with a swimming pool.