Are you wondering if Giraffe Manor lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s most unique hotels? In this review, I will take you through everything you need to know about staying at Giraffe Manor, including the experience of feeding giraffes, the day-to-day schedule, what to pack, and how to choose the best room.

Samantha feeding 3 giraffes out of her palm while staying at Giraffe Manor

You can trust this review because I have spent over two decades travelling and exploring luxury properties worldwide. As a former luxury travel advisor, I conducted numerous site visits to evaluate high-end hotels, focusing on service, amenities, and quality.

With this expertise, I will help you decide if Giraffe Manor deserves a spot on your bucket list.

What Activities Can You Do at Giraffe Manor?

Grounds at Giraffe Manor with brick building, leafy gardens, giraffe statues and bright green hedges

When I first planned my stay at Giraffe Manor, I was unsure how much time I would have for outside activities. Although my safari coordinator recommended visiting nearby attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Park, or the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, I kept my schedule open, reserving those activities for later in my trip.

Being in the Giraffe Manor is an experience on its own. It is a gorgeous property with plenty of things to see and do. For example, there are beautiful gardens to look at and different indoor seating areas that are perfect for reading a book, playing board games, or sipping a cocktail by the fire.

Plus, there is the Retreat Spa, the gift shop, and the Giraffe Centre to visit. I bought a couple of items from the gift shop at Giraffe Manor as there was so much to choose from.

All the above-mentioned activities will easily fill up your spare time at the Giraffe Manor. But do not forget that the main reason you are staying at Giraffe Manor is to see the giraffes. There are numerous encounters to give you the chance to meet, feed, and photograph the giraffes during your stay.

A Day at Giraffe Manor: Timeline

Before my stay, I was not sure what a typical day at Giraffe Manor would entail. As someone who likes to plan, I wanted to know what to expect so I could pack accordingly and be prepared for each part of the day.

However, if you prefer a more spontaneous experience, you will find that the staff at Giraffe Manor is excellent at guiding you through the timings during your stay. Either way, here’s a look at what a typical day might look like.

12:00 PM

Giraffe Manor entrance gates with name written on brick wall and trees

Arrive at Giraffe Manor and check in (this is the earliest check-in time).
Enjoy a welcome drink (coffee or lemonade) and check-in.
Luggage is taken to your room, and you can settle into your room. If your room is not ready, you can explore the property.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Table set for lunch with wine classes on outdoor terrace with tall trees and bushes at Giraffe Manor

Lunch is served on the back terrace (weather permitting).
A three-course meal is served – you can choose a suitable time between 1 and 3 PM. My family was the only people eating at our selected time, so it felt exclusive and private.

Afternoon

You are free to enjoy activities on your own. There is the option to visit the Giraffe Centre, relax at The Retreat spa and pool, or visit nearby attractions, like the Karen Blixen Museum. Alternatively, you can rest in your room or the communal areas of the hotel.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Samantha feeding a giraffe pellets wearing a blue dress and on a grey rainy day

Afternoon tea.
The Giraffe Centre closes at 5:00 PM, so the giraffes will make their way over to be fed at the manor at this time.
This is your first interaction with the giraffes at Giraffe Manor. Your assigned member of staff will help you to feed and take photos with the giraffes.
If it rains, as it did for us, afternoon tea will be served indoors, but the giraffes will still likely come for food in front of Giraffe Manor.

6:00 – 7:30 PM

Glass of white wine and a water on a coffee table in front of a lit fire at Giraffe Manor

Relax in the main manor by the fire with drinks or board games.
If you return to your room following afternoon tea, you may also notice your room has been “turned down” for the night with the mosquito nets, and there may be a small gift. We got a luggage tag, which was extremely helpful for us to tag our luggage for our upcoming African safari.

7:30 – 9:00 PM

Table set for dinner at Giraffe Manor with brown wood furniture and faint light outside

Dinner is served, featuring a three-course meal.
You can choose where you would like to eat (in a dining room, on the terrace, or one group can eat in the Orchid House). Again, we ate inside as it was rainy.

Nighttime

Get an early night after dinner.
If you look out the window in the night, you may notice giraffes standing outside. (I woke up at 5:00 AM and the giraffes were nearby but not coming to the windows yet).

6:00 – 8:00 AM

Samantha feeding a giraffe through a window in a hotel room at Giraffe Manor - wearing a green jumpsuit

The giraffes come to select rooms sometimes as early as 5:00 AM. Feed them with the pellets provided in your room.
Head downstairs for breakfast either in the main dining room or the Garden Manor breakfast room (depending on which building your room is located.)
Feed the giraffes inside and outside.
Eat breakfast (if you can focus on eating with giraffes around – I lost my appetite as I was too excited).

10:00 AM

Pack up and depart for your next destination. Giraffe Manor drivers will handle your transfer, such as to Wilson Airport or Nairobi International Airport.
It is also the perfect time to visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust as the daily public visit starts at 11:00 AM, but it is recommended to arrive at 10:30 AM.

The Giraffe Manor Experience

Samantha sitting at breakfast table with giraffe leaning through window who is eating from her hands and she is looking at the giraffe and smiling

Staying at Giraffe Manor is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The intimate interactions with the Rothschild giraffes, known for their distinctive markings, that roam freely on the property are unforgettable.

You may wake up to giraffes poking their heads into the room for a morning treat and feed the gentle giants during your mealtimes.

To say you are treated like royalty would not be an overstatement. The limited number of guests on the property at one time and the extremely high level of service make you feel like you are the most important people.

For that reason, I would suggest putting Giraffe Manor toward the end of your trip, as it may make your other hotels pale in comparison.

The cost of staying at Giraffe Manor is typically quoted per person and includes meals, drinks, and unforgettable giraffe encounters. For more information on pricing at Giraffe Manor, visit the Safari Collection website.

You can also learn more about my opinion on how long to stay at Giraffe Manor. Staying for just one night at Giraffe Manor offers plenty of opportunities to interact with the giraffes, but extending your stay can provide a more leisurely experience.

Additionally, I discuss the difference between Giraffe Manor and the Giraffe Centre in my other Giraffe Manor guide.

Giraffe Encounters

The Rothschild Giraffes are free to walk around the property on their own. However, they typically follow the same schedule by spending the early morning at Giraffe Manor, going to the Giraffe Centre for the main part of the day, returning to Giraffe Manor for afternoon tea, and then going to the forest for the evening.

There are two main opportunities to come face to face with the giraffes as guests of Giraffe Manor. The first time you will meet the giraffes is during the afternoon tea and the second is the following morning at breakfast.

To avoid any doubt, it is not possible to have an animal interaction at Giraffe Manor without being a paying customer. You cannot visit for a few hours.

Afternoon Tea

Samantha feeding 2 giraffes outside in the rain wearing a blue and white dress and black trainers on grass

The iconic afternoon tea set-up is your first chance to meet the giraffes up close. You may have had a small taste of the experience by feeding the giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, but you can get much closer to them during afternoon tea.

At afternoon tea time, the giraffes come over while you are served cakes, tea and snacks on the front lawn. The giraffes sometimes make their way over on their own; otherwise, the staff will shake the bowls of giraffe food and encourage them to come over.

At this encounter, you will have the opportunity to feed them directly from your hand or mouth, the latter I tried but wimped out at the last minute. You have plenty of time to take photos and videos with them, and they will stick around if you constantly feed them.

When standing next to the Rothschild giraffes, you will understand how tall they are.

I found feeding the giraffes at afternoon tea an adrenaline-filled experience because you feel excited and nervous at the same time. Plus, someone in your team must constantly be feeding the giraffe or it may walk away to another group.

There are plenty of giraffes that come over to feed, and there is a small group of guests at Giraffe Manor at a time, so you will not feel like you are waiting long to get your turn.

You may also be able to feed the giraffes from the famous swing.

You will want to head back to your room to clean up as you will have giraffe saliva on your hands.

Breakfast

Samantha smiling while standing in front of brick building with giraffe peering into window at Giraffe Manor

If you have a room with a window or balcony facing the courtyard on the upper floor, your day will start by feeding the giraffes from the windows. A bowl of giraffe food will be left in your room the night before so you are ready to go in the morning.

The giraffes tend to stir around 6:00 AM or whenever people start to stir. However, some reported that the giraffes started to ask for food at 5:00 AM.

Either way, it will be an early morning, and you may not sleep well due to excitement.

I set an alarm for around 5:30 AM, but I was awake from 5:00 AM because I did not want to miss the giraffes. Plus, I wanted to make sure I was showered and presentable before going down for breakfast and getting more photos.

On reflection, I would have showered the night before and then I would not have had to wake up so early.

Once you have finished giving out the giraffe food in your bucket, or once the giraffes start to get distracted, head down to the breakfast room where you may find the giraffes peeking in from the lower windows or doors.

You will be able to feed the giraffes from plates at the breakfast tables. Your dedicated member of staff will be there to assist you. You can also go outside onto the terrace and take photos with the giraffes.

At one point, when we were outside, there were three giraffes all feeding from my hands, which was the most incredible experience and made for the best photos. However, my dad got headbutted when he was feeding the three giraffes as there was a lot going on and many moving parts! So be careful.

Plus, I took another of my favourite photos at this time – I was standing in the doorway and the giraffe bent over to eat from my hand.

Depending on your schedule, you may get to keep interacting with the giraffes. But given that we had an early departure, we had to get started on ordering breakfast.

In the Garden Manor, they typically shut the windows while you are eating so you can eat quickly and peacefully. They will open them again after you eat, but the tables look a bit messier as you have dirty dishes on the table, so it is not as good for photos.

You may also have time to play around on the swing with the giraffes after breakfast.

What Should You Pack for Your Stay at Giraffe Manor?

Samantha wearing short green dress and grey trainers and smiling while standing in front of vine covered Giraffe Manor building

For your stay at Giraffe Manor, you will want to pack outfits that are stylish and comfortable, given the numerous photo opportunities with the giraffes. But you are welcome to wear your safari outfits, if that is all you packed.

For daytime, I recommend a comfortable short-sleeved outfit paired with trainers. Avoid shoes made of suede or mesh, (my mistake), as they can get dirty easily in the dusty environment at Giraffe Manor. Instead, opt for leather-style trainers or wipeable shoes like these Reebok trainers or this pair of Converse.

In the evenings, the atmosphere leans toward smart casual. While there is no formal dress code, most guests choose to dress up slightly.

When I visited in early October, I wore a maxi dress with a cardigan, which worked well for the cooler temperatures. I also recommend packing a long-sleeved option for evenings—not just for warmth, but also to fend off mosquitos.

I packed some sandals to wear, but I wore the trainers again in the evening to avoid mosquito bites.

Pack flat-soled shoes for walking around the property. The ground can be uneven and dusty, covered with plenty of giraffe pellets. So, leave your heels at home.

Trainers or other sturdy, wipeable footwear are ideal for exploring the grounds, walking to the Giraffe Centre, or visiting nearby attractions in Nairobi.

If you plan to visit The Retreat spa during your stay, pack your swimwear in your bag for Giraffe Manor. If you need tips, I have a guide on packing for a safari in Kenya.

You should also pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent. I learnt the hard way when I got several mosquito bites on my walk back from The Retreat to the Manor, even in light rain.

Room Types at Giraffe Manor

When booking your stay at Giraffe Manor, it is important to consider both the room’s features and your own needs. Your safari coordinator can guide you toward the best room option, depending on what you are looking for.

Rooms offering giraffe feeding access include Betty, Daisy, Jock, Marlon, Karen Blixen Suite, Helen, and Kelly, while rooms like Lynn have limited access. Rooms such as Arlene, Edd, Salma, and the Finch Hatton Suite do not have direct feeding access.

As you make your decision, also keep mobility in mind. Some rooms, especially those on the upper floors, require navigating stairs, which might not be ideal if you are travelling with limited mobility. Luckily, there are ground-floor rooms available for easier access.

For families, some rooms are larger and can accommodate extra beds. My family stayed in Kelly’s Room, which comfortably fit three of us with its double/twin beds and an additional bed.

Rooms with giraffe access are sought after, so it is best to book early to secure your preferred choice.

Guests without direct access to giraffes from their rooms can still enjoy plenty of encounters in shared spaces like the breakfast terrace and garden. Even if your room does not have giraffe access, you can leave your room in the morning and head to the ground floor to find the giraffes and enjoy the experience from there.

Room rates are all-inclusive and charged per person, covering meals, drinks, and giraffe experiences. However, single travellers should be aware of the single supplement fee when staying in a room alone.

Weather at Giraffe Manor: What to Expect When It Rains?

Rainy terrace at Giraffe Manor with lit up windows at Garden Manor building and garden furniture with seats tipped up

Nairobi’s weather is typically mild year-round, but rain can occur, especially during the rainy seasons (April-May and November). During my stay at Giraffe Manor in early October, it rained in the afternoon, and while this affected some activities, it did not diminish our overall experience.

Luckily for us, it cleared up in the morning, so we had some excellent photo opportunities at breakfast time.

If you are worried about photo opportunities, rest assured—you will still have plenty of chances to interact with the giraffes, even in wet weather.

When it rains, afternoon tea is served indoors rather than on the terrace, but the giraffes still make their way to the manor to be fed outside.

Make sure you have packed an outfit that could work with feeding the giraffes outside. For example, easily wipeable shoes, a waterproof layer or hat, and clothes that do not discolour when they become wet.

The staff at Giraffe Manor are always prepared for unexpected weather and will help you get set up inside for meals if required. If the weather clears up, they will help you go outside to feed the giraffes, and they are even happy to stand with you in the rain if the giraffes come over.

Warthogs at Giraffe Manor

Warthogs grazing on the grass surrounding Giraffe Manor - a brick building covered in vines

When walking around Giraffe Manor, keep an eye out for warthogs—they roam freely on the grounds. While they are generally harmless, they can be a bit territorial, so it is best to give them space. Do not try to feed them – they get enough from feeding on the leftover giraffe pellets on the floor from the giraffes.

When we wanted to walk from Giraffe Manor to the Giraffe Centre, a member of staff escorted us carrying an umbrella to warn them off if they were to approach us. But we were fine.

Conclusion

Staying at Giraffe Manor offers a unique blend of luxury accommodation and intimate wildlife encounters. The property’s carefully orchestrated schedule ensures multiple opportunities to interact with the Rothschild giraffes, but the experience never feels rushed or artificial.

The cost and exclusivity make it a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many, but the staff will help you make it a memorable experience.

If you are considering a visit, get it booked many months or years in advance, pack wisely, and prepare to immerse yourself in one of the most unique hotel experiences in the world.

Learn my other tips on Giraffe Manor in my article about if it is possible to visit Giraffe Manor without being an overnight guest.

Plus, discover other tips on Nairobi in my hotel guide, my review on the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, whether to go on a Nairobi National Park tour, and how to spend a day in the city.

What Is It Really Like Staying at Giraffe Manor?

What Activities Can You Do at Giraffe Manor?