Giraffe Manor

There are no words to describe this place. Giraffe Manor is in a category all by itself. It’s not 5 stars, it’s 10. Perfection is all I can say from the people, staff, food, giraffes roaming the ground with photo opportunities every evening during high tea. It’s a conservation environment for the Rothschild Giraffe. They breed and when ready the giraffes are returned to the wild. All very carefully planned and expedited. The grounds are Breathtakingly beautiful. Garden of Eden type of thing. We visited the Karen Blixen museum…Out of Africa movie. It’s worth the trip. We had a late flight so we spent the day at the adjacent Retreat. Again, perfection. My heart is still there!!!!!

Our stay at Giraffe Manor was, without a doubt, the highlight of our two-week trip. We spent two nights (which I highly recommend) and also enjoyed a day pass at The Retreat before flying home in the evening.

It's hard to put into words just how special this place is. Initially, I was worried it might feel like a tourist trap, unable to live up to the countless dreamy photos and videos online. But Giraffe Manor is the real deal—worth every penny, every moment on the waitlist, and every bit of anticipation. It truly exceeds the hype.

From the moment we were picked up and welcomed with a refreshing drink at check-in, we felt like we were visiting old friends. The staff is incredibly warm and hospitable, and the intimate, home-like atmosphere of the Manor itself adds to its charm. Originally a private residence, it retains a cozy, elegant feel that makes the experience even more unique.

We stayed in the Karen room, located on the top floor of the Garden Manor, where we had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of feeding giraffes right from our window in the morning. Waking up to a gentle nudge from a giraffe looking for a snack is simply magical.

Beyond the room feeding, there are two additional chances each day to interact with these incredible creatures. At breakfast, giraffes wander around the hotel, and the staff expertly guides guests on how to feed them and capture the perfect photo or video. Then, at 5:00 PM, there's another feeding session during high tea, where you can even feed them while sitting on a giant swing—a moment that feels straight out of a fairytale.

One standout feature of our stay was the food—easily among the best meals of our entire trip. Every dish was crafted with care, and the flavors were incredible. The bar also deserves a special mention; the staff created a custom cocktail for us, which we named the Triple A, and it became our signature drink for the rest of our stay!

As part of our stay, we also visited the Giraffe Center, where daytime visitors can learn about giraffe conservation. We had a private guide who walked us through their efforts in protecting and educating the public about these majestic animals. We were even there during a special moment—two giraffes were being transported for release, and witnessing the staff's emotions and dedication was truly moving.

On our last day, we spent time at The Retreat, which offers day rooms and passes for those with late flights. This recently built space, designed in the same timeless style as the Manor, is the perfect place to unwind before heading home. It features a cozy living room for board games and reading, a painting station, a restaurant with fantastic food, and top-tier wellness facilities—including a sauna, hot tub, steam room, gym, and spa. But the real showstopper? The pool, which extends into the garden, allowing you to greet giraffes as they stroll up to the edge. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip.

Visiting Giraffe Manor had been on my bucket list for years, and it exceeded every expectation. From the breathtaking giraffe encounters to the exceptional hospitality, delicious food, and thoughtful details, it was nothing short of magical. If you ever have the chance to go, don’t hesitate—it’s an experience you’ll treasure forever.

We had a marvellous experience. I recommend non holiday weekdays as it can become suddenly crowded