You’d probably expect a lodge named “Giraffe Manor” to have some sort of African decor. You might even guess that a lodge with such a name would be in Africa and perhaps be located within the vague vicinity of where giraffes sometimes roam. But you’d never imagine this . . .

Giraffe Manor is not merely in the vicinity of real giraffes. It is inundated by them!

What’s more surprising, Giraffe Manor is located in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, only a 30 drive from the bustling center of Kenya’s capital and a place where giraffes are not usually found.

Of course, when Giraffe Manor was built as a private residence in 1932 Nairobi was not as bustling, or as large, as it is today. By 1974 the urban encroachment threatened the natural beauty of the estate; it was sold to a family who turned it into a sanctuary for all giraffes but most especially the near-extinct Rothschild species. A decade later the family moved away and the estate was opened to visitors.

Today, the six-room Giraffe Manor sits on 140 acres that’s home to warthogs, Bush Bucks and birds as well as dozens of giraffe. The Manor’s windows and doors are designed especially to allow the long-necked herbivores to peak in on—and get fed by—the estate’s human visitors. While enjoying your breakfast or reading a book in you room don’t be surprised if you see a giraffe stick his head in through the window. In fact, if you spend more than a few days here you are likely to view turning around finding yourself eyeball-to-eyeball with a giraffe a perfectly normal experience.

Giraffe Manor is a wonderful place to stay and would be the best hotel in Nairobi even if it weren’t for the ubiquitous giraffes. You’ll feel like a well healed aristocrat residing in this mansion with its log fireplaces, candle lit dinning room and attentive butler service.

The full board plan at Giraffe Manor costs $360 per person, quite reasonable considering that the rate includes all taxes and the entrance into the sanctuary as well as three (excellent) meals a days, an open bar, complimentary laundry service and use of a sightseeing vehicle. And, besides, where else can you get served a gourmet cup of coffee and ask a giraffe to pass you the sugar.

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