What It’s Like to Visit Giraffe Manor Solo

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Giraffe Manor in Kenya is a dream destination for many travelers and it promises an adventure that’s both unique and memorable. Nestled in the outskirts of Nairobi, this boutique hotel is famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes that freely roam the grounds and frequently poke their heads through the windows in search of a snack. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like to visit Giraffe Manor solo.

Getting to Giraffe Manor

Pre-arrange your transfer with Giraffe Manor (it’s included with your stay) to make getting to the Manor a breeze. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel or be waiting for you at the airport with a friendly smile and a name card. The 45-minute drive to the manor gives you a taste of Nairobi before transitioning into the serene ambiance of the Langata suburb.

Giraffe Manor’s ivy-covered façade is like something out of a movie. The manor’s charm is immediately apparent, with its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens. The gracious and welcoming staff and welcome cocktails add to the charm. In this movie, you’re the main character, so embrace it and enjoy it!

Once you check in to your well-appointed room, it’s time to enjoy lunch. Weather permitting, meals are served in the outdoor courtyard and you’re given a two- to three-hour window in which lunch will be served. There are tables in a variety of sizes and on my visit to Giraffe Manor, I was shown a two-top right in the center of the courtyard with excellent views. There’s no stuffing the single person in an awkward table by the kitchen door here!

Each room is assigned a waiter and your waiter will take care of you throughout your stay. So they’ll serve you at mealtimes, walk you to the nearby Giraffe Center, be your own personal photographer at tea time, check to make sure the giraffes have visited your room in the morning, and anything else you may need throughout your visit.

While you’re at Giraffe Manor, a visit to the nearby Giraffe Center is a must. After lunch is the ideal time to do this because the giraffes are all at the Center there getting fed by day guests. Giraffes live by the motto, “No food, no friend“.

It’s a short walk from the manor to the Giraffe Center, and there you can learn more about the conservation efforts to protect the Rothschild giraffes. Your waiter will walk you to the Center (sometimes the wild warthogs along the path get a little rambunctious) and introduce you to one of the Center’s guides who will give you a personal tour and take plenty of photos for you!

Local area transportation is included so if you want to head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and see the elephant orphanage or do some shopping for local crafts, Giraffe Manor can arrange that as well. I chose to stay at the manor because I wanted to make the most of my time there, but it’s wonderful to know that you’ve got a safe mode of transportation to leave the manor should you choose, especially as a solo traveler!

Plan to be back at the manor by 5 pm because afternoon tea awaits. And so do the giraffes! This is a delightful time to feed the giraffes, as they wander back to the manor from the Giraffe Center looking for treats. The tea includes an assortment of pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, making it a quintessentially British experience. But the delicious spread went largely neglected as we all clamored to feed the giraffes and take photos.

The staff was excellent in not only managing the small crowd but in ensuring that everyone got equal time with the giraffes and plenty of great pictures! My waiter literally took a few hundred photos and a bunch of videos of me with the giraffes during tea time. And they’re good, too! I swear they must get a course in “how to get the shot” when they’re hired because I was absolutely thrilled with the variety and angles and giraffe interactions captured. As a solo traveler, I had wondered how I was going to be able to get some good photos of myself with the giraffes and I had nothing to fear!

During tea, I also chatted with a lovely couple that was enjoying an extended honeymoon and another group of friendly travelers. Photos were swapped and we all agreed that Giraffe Manor had already exceeded our high expectations!

Evenings at Giraffe Manor are lowkey and offer a chance to unwind. Dinner at the manor is exquisite, though the setting does lean a bit romantic as you dine al fresco in the courtyard under the starry African sky.

After dinner, you might enjoy a nightcap in the cozy lounge or retire to your room to soak in the peaceful atmosphere. As a solo traveler, evenings in the lounge are a great time to meet and connect with other guests, share stories, and make new friends

Each room is uniquely appointed and has all the modern comforts. The beds are incredibly comfortable, and I slept like a baby! Out of habit, I locked my doors and slept with the windows closed to enjoy the air conditioning, but I genuinely feel like if I hadn’t, safety wouldn’t have been an issue.

One of the most magical aspects of staying at Giraffe Manor is waking up to the sight of giraffes grazing outside your window. Giraffe food is provided in your room and you’ll have a giraffe (or two or three) all to yourself as you shovel treats into their eager mouths. This is one time you won’t have your waiter acting as your photographer, but I simply set my phone on video mode, propped it up against my water bottle, and let it record the magical moment.

Once I ran out of giraffe food, I ended up chatting with a family whose balcony overlooked my patio. Even at 6 am and in their pajamas, every guest I encountered at Giraffe Manor was happy to engage in conversation and marvel at the experience, which was truly lovely as it was fun to share the experience with different people. A short while later my waiter came to make sure that I’d been visited by the giraffes and to offer me more giraffe food.

After the giraffe’s breakfast, it’s time for yours. Get ready for the day and head to the breakfast room, where you might find a giraffe or two poking their heads into the dining room, eager for some treats. It’s an extraordinary experience to hand-feed these gentle giants while enjoying your coffee. And your waiter will be on hand, not only to help you feed the giraffes and take photos but to make sure you’re fed because it’s easy to forget that you need to eat too when it’s so much fun to feed the giraffes!

While I was having my own personal giraffe photo shoot with my waiter, the couple at the next table who I had been chatting with earlier took some videos from a different angle and air dropped them to me. It was such a sweet and much-appreciated gesture!

After breakfast, it’s sadly time to check out of Giraffe Manor. Your departure transfer is included, so be sure to take advantage of that and pre-arrange it before your trip.

Safety Tips for Going to Giraffe Manor Solo

Traveling alone as a woman can be empowering, but it’s important to stay mindful of safety. Giraffe Manor provides a safe and welcoming environment. Here are some tips to ensure your trip is both enjoyable and secure:

1. Pre-Arrange Transportation: It’s included and it’s safe, so use the manor’s transfer services to travel to and from the manor or for local activities.
2. Stay Connected: Ensure your phone works internationally, and keep important contacts handy. The manor has reliable Wi-Fi, so you can stay in touch with family and friends.
3. Secure Your Belongings: Use the in-room safe for your valuables. While the manor is secure, it’s always good to take precautions.
4. Travel Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and unexpected situations.

Cost Considerations for Going to Giraffe Manor Solo

Giraffe Manor is a luxury destination, and the experience comes with a price tag to match. However, the cost includes more than just accommodation. You get all meals, afternoon tea, airport transfers, and entrance to the Giraffe Centre. Of course, as a single traveler, the price is painful because there is a single supplement. Expect to pay around $1800 (all-inclusive) as a solo traveler for a one-night stay.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Giraffe Manor Solo

While Giraffe Manor is certainly a splurge, I found the experience well worth the cost (even with the single supplement) for the unforgettable interactions with the giraffes and the luxurious setting.

Visiting Giraffe Manor solo is a safe, enriching, and unforgettable experience. From the moment you arrive until your departure, you’ll be surrounded by beauty, history, and the incredible presence of giraffes. The staff’s attentiveness and the manor’s secure environment make it an ideal destination for women traveling alone.

So, pack your bags, bring your camera, and prepare for an adventure like no other. Giraffe Manor awaits with its unique charm, warm hospitality, and, of course, those friendly, towering giraffes ready to make your stay magical.

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