How to Visit the Giraffe Manor Giraffes on a Budget

I’m sure you’ve seen the amazing videos on social media of Giraffe Manor. The most well-recognized probably of the beautiful Rothschild giraffes peeking their heads through the second-story windows as guests eat their breakfast.

If you love giraffes as much as I do, you’ve probably been tempted to book a stay. However, one look at the prices on their website are high enough to leave a stay here solely on a ‘when-I-win-the-lottery’ list.

The intimate hotel with only six rooms offers a bed and breakfast deal, and a minimum number of nights just be booked (depending on the season, between 2-4 nights minimum).

This (potentially) amazing experience (they are constantly letting you know that the giraffes are wild, and having them waltz up to the breakfast window to share your coffee isn’t a guarantee), will cost you a minimum of 550$ US, per person, per night (and remember the minimum night rule), and that’s an off-peak price. Add to the fact that the hotel is currently fully booked for the next 16 months…

Thankfully, because these giraffes are wild animals, there is another way to interact with them; one that won’t force you to take out a loan to stay at the manor.

The Manor is actually situated on a conservation area for the endangered Rothschild giraffes. They work with a variety of groups to promote and protect the species.

The Giraffe centre is located at the opposite end of the manor, about five kilometres from the centre of Nairobi. There is a small information centre, a souvenir shop, and of course, a raised feeding platform where guests can grab a handful of pellets and hand-feed the giraffes (and of course, if you so desire, place a pellet at the tip of your lips for a wet surprise…)

Gift shop at the Giraffe Centre

With the longest neck of all the animals, it is difficult to tell exactly how large these animals area, but they are extremely friendly and gentle, as proved by the dozens of school children clambering over each other to feed the beautiful animals.

Dozens of friendly local school kids enroute to the Giraffe feeding area.

For best views, try to go first thing when they open at 9:00am, as the giraffes are ready for a few treats, or towards the end of the day when school groups are gone. Feeding times are from 9:00-17:00.

My new best friend and I 😝

While there is no public transport directly to the Giraffe Manor, Uber is incredibly inexpensive in Nairobi and the drivers are courteous and friendly. They will gladly wait for you while you visit the giraffes.

Consider pairing this outing with the nearby elephant orphanage!