Imagine sipping your morning coffee as the long neck of a giraffe gracefully stretches through your window, gently nudging you for a snack. This surreal and magical moment is not a dream — it’s everyday reality at Giraffe Manor, a historic boutique hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, where you can enjoy the world’s most iconic breakfast… with giraffes.
But behind the Instagram-worthy scenes and fairytale façade lies a powerful story of conservation, purpose, and positive impact.
Tucked within 12 acres of lush private land and surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest in Nairobi’s Langata suburb, Giraffe Manor is one of Africa’s most extraordinary and sustainable stays. Owned by The Safari Collection, this 1930s manor house blends colonial charm, stately elegance, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Giraffe Manor is more than a luxurious hotel; it’s a cornerstone of a decades-long conservation journey. In the 1970s, Rothschild’s giraffes were on the brink of extinction, with only around 80 left in Kenya. Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, the original owners of the manor, launched a breeding program and in 1979 founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). Their pioneering work laid the foundation for giraffe conservation across Africa.
Guests at Giraffe Manor can stroll across the front lawn to visit the AFEW Giraffe Centre, an educational facility focused on conservation and community outreach. Here, you can learn about giraffe species, conservation programs, and even hand-feed the giraffes from a raised platform. The centre plays a key role in educating local school children and fostering a culture of wildlife stewardship in Kenya.
At Ownia Collection, we believe sustainability isn’t just a box to check — it’s a journey. Every hotel in our curated collection upholds the highest environmental and social standards. Giraffe Manor stands tall not just for its beautiful architecture and wildlife interactions, but for its commitment to conservation and positive impact.
When you choose Giraffe Manor, you’re not just waking up to one of the most iconic breakfasts on the planet — you’re supporting breeding programs, translocation efforts, education campaigns, and habitat protection for a critically endangered species.
Want to go a step further? Giraffe Manor offers a Giraffe Sponsorship Programme, where you can foster one of the resident giraffes for just $60/year. Half of this contribution goes directly to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) — the only NGO focused solely on giraffe conservation — while the other half supports local community and conservation initiatives via The Safari Collection Footprint.
Giraffes are silently disappearing. In the last 30 years, their numbers have dropped by nearly 40%, and they’ve already gone extinct in at least seven African countries. The Nubian giraffe, specifically, is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Giraffe Manor is a reminder that travel can be both breathtaking and impactful. It’s not just about where you go, but how you choose to go. With Ownia Collection, sustainability is always guaranteed — because your footprint matters.
Book your stay at Giraffe Manor through Ownia Collection and turn your trip into a conservation milestone.
