Giraffe Manor: a fairytale breakfast with Kenya’s giraffes

Some places are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. Giraffe Manor in Kenya is one of them. The cozy hotel draws people in not only with its handsome architecture and leafy gardens, but also with remarkable neighbors. Rothschild’s giraffes wander the grounds, and in the morning they peer through the windows to share breakfast with guests. It’s hard not to smile when a long‑lashed face appears at the window at daybreak.

How the Hotel Came to Be

Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 as a private home. In 1974 it was purchased by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. They noticed that Rothschild’s giraffes were an endangered subspecies. To help them, the owners created a sanctuary on the estate. Later, they decided to open a small hotel here.

What Sets It Apart

Giraffe Manor looks like a snug European manor: stone walls, wooden shutters, fireplaces, and antique furniture. Green lawns spread out around it, where giraffes stroll freely. Accustomed to people, they come to the dining room windows every day, lean in, and wait for a treat.

Breakfast with Giraffes

From 6 to 9 a.m., guests gather in the dining room, and by then the giraffes are already at the windows. Everyone can feed the animals special pellets provided by the staff. These pellets are a wholesome mix of dried grass and vitamins. The ritual is calm and respectful, which is part of its charm.

Some guests feed the giraffes by hand, while others try a playful ‘kiss’ when a giraffe takes a pellet with its lips. Moments like these turn into some of the most popular posts on social media.

The encounters don’t end in the morning. During the day the giraffes roam the property, and by evening they return to the terrace where guests take tea.

Guest Impressions

People who have visited Giraffe Manor call it a dream destination. Many say they felt like characters in a fairy tale. What strikes them most is that the giraffes are not kept in cages: they move freely and choose for themselves when to approach the guests. It’s easy to see why that freedom leaves such a strong impression.

Why It Matters

Giraffe Manor is more than a beautiful backdrop. It shows how tourism can go hand in hand with caring for nature. The money guests spend supports the protection and breeding of the giraffes.