Giraffe Manor; A unique hospitality experience in Nairobi, Kenya

Nestled within the verdant landscapes of Nairobi Kenya, Giraffe Manor is a truly exceptional destination that seamlessly fuses the enchanting allure of African wildlife with the Redefined elegance of a bygone era.
The hotel was modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge, and was constructed in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, a member of the Mackintosh family, of Mackintosh’s Toffee fame, originally sitting on 150 acres (61 ha) of land running down to the Mbagathi River, the southern boundary of the city of Nairobi. In the 1960s, the Manor was purchased by a local investor who leased it to a succession of people, including the late Dennis Lakin, before it fell into disrepair, unoccupied.
In 1974, the Manor was purchased by Betty Leslie-Melville and her husband Jock, along with 15 acres (6.1 ha) of the original 150 acres (0.61 km²). It was shortly after purchasing the Manor, that Leslie-Melvilles learned that the only remaining Rothschild giraffes in Kenya were in danger and intensified her conservation efforts.
Today, Giraffe manor remains the most unforgettable bucket-list breakfast in the world. One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. The Rothschild’s species of giraffe was once highly endangered, but Giraffe Manor has long been part of a breeding programme which has successfully grown their numbers in the wild. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made Kenya safari with The Safari Collection.

Sasaab lodge

The lodge is Perched on the edge of a river valley,with its architecture blending with Swahili and Moroccan design principals in which the African heat is of primary consideration. Each of the eleven canvas-sided rooms is over 100m² with private plunge pools and breath-taking views across the Laikipia Plateau toward the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya. Its position above the river naturally facilitates watching the herds of elephants that come to bathe below as well as a host of other wildlife.

Solio Lodge

The lodge is famed for its unique and mind-blowing rhino viewing experiences. Tucked in the valley between the lofty slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, it is the only guest accommodation on the incredible 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve. Internationally recognised as one of the most successful private rhino breeding sanctuaries in East Africa, visitors will find that sightings of up to 40 rhinoceros at a time are not uncommon. The wildlife experience here is intense and exclusive: 19,000 acres of conservancy surrounded by a 45,000 acre ranch and just one luxury lodge.

Sala’s camp

The Camp first hosted guests in 2004 and has become renowned for delivering an authentic Masai Mara safari experience with exceptional personalized service and fine dining. Seamlessly combining a traditional ‘under canvas’ safari experience with contemporary comfort, including private plunge pools and glass fronted tents, Sala’s Camp offers an unforgettable and magical Mara retreat. Owned and operated by The Safari Collection, it can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made safari. The magic of a Kenya safari doesn’t end with Sala’s Camp. With just seven tents and as it’s located away from the busier areas of the Masai Mara, the Camp provides an intimate and exclusive safari experience. Guests often enjoy game drives without meeting any other vehicles. The surrounding landscape is spectacular, with lush river valleys to explore and rolling hillsides giving panoramic views. Guests can often hear the roars of the ‘Sala’s’ lion pride at night which resides in the area, along with the chorus of other nocturnal species.

Samburu Game Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is a game reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river in Kenya and bordering Buffalo springs National park and the area is inhabited by the Samburu people. It is 165 km² (64 sq mi) in size and is 350 km (220 mi) from Nairobi. It ranges in elevation from 800 to 1,230 m (2,620 to 4,040 ft).

The reserve is home to diverse wildlife species and In the middle of the reserve, lies the Ewaso Ng’iro River which flows through doum palm groves and thick riverine forests. It provides water for the samburu community and animals without which life would be a challenge.

The Reserve was one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness, made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. The Elephant Watch Camp, of which Saba Douglas-Hamilton is director, lies within the park. Samburu National Reserve is also the home of Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves.

It also borders Kalama conservancy, which is Eight kilometers north of Archer’s Post.The 384-sq-km wildlife conservancy, which opened in 2004 and is home to Grevy’s zebras, elephants and reticulated giraffes, among others, and acts as a vital wildlife corridor for animals migrating between the Samburu and Marsabit areas, its drier habitat means animals are considerably less visible than in Samburu.

Maasai Mara Game reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve offers a transformative experience blending Maasai culture, the Great Migration, and bush walks. Immersing in Maasai culture unveils their vibrant attire, intricate beadwork, and traditional wisdom about the land and wildlife. Witnessing the Great Migration is awe- inspiring as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains, facing predators and crossing rivers in their quest for fresh pastures. Guided bush walks provide an intimate connection with nature, led by experienced Maasai guides who share insights into the reserve and diverse flora and fauna. This holistic experience allows visitors to appreciate the intricate balance of life in the Mara and gain a deeper understanding of its ecological significance. Whether observing wildlife migrations or engaging with Maasai traditions, each aspect contributes to a profound and unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most renowned natural reserves.