Giraffe Manor is a unique and unforgettable stay in Karen
Location: Giraffe Manor is a unique and iconic boutique hotel set within 12 acres of private land in the charming suburb of Karen, just outside Nairobi, Kenya. This peaceful setting combines lush gardens, mature trees, and a tranquil atmosphere, offering an extraordinary urban wildlife experience. Guests enjoy proximity to the city’s amenities while being immersed in nature, with Nairobi National Park and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nearby. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and exclusivity in Kenya’s bustling capital.
Rooms: The manor itself is a beautifully restored 1930s colonial-style house featuring a collection of individually designed rooms and suites. Each room reflects classic elegance with tasteful décor, antique furnishings, and modern comforts like Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Spacious and inviting, the rooms offer garden or woodland views, while some suites boast private balconies or sitting areas. Staying here is like stepping back in time, but with all the luxury you’d expect from a world-class boutique hotel.
Amenities: Giraffe Manor is famous for its distinctive, intimate atmosphere and exceptional service. Shared spaces include elegant lounges, a cosy library, and a formal dining room where guests enjoy gourmet meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The manor’s gardens are a sanctuary for the resident Rothschild giraffes, who often poke their heads through windows and doors at breakfast and teatime, creating truly unforgettable moments. Additional amenities include personalised concierge services and tailored experiences to make every stay special.
Activities: The highlight of any visit to Giraffe Manor is the close encounter with its resident giraffes, who roam freely around the property. Guests can feed and interact with these gentle giants, a rare and magical experience that is uniquely Kenyan. Beyond the manor, there are numerous nearby attractions including Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage, and the Giraffe Centre, all easily accessible for day trips. Cultural visits and guided tours can also be arranged, providing insight into the rich heritage of Kenya and its wildlife conservation efforts.
Sustainability: Giraffe Manor is committed to supporting conservation and community initiatives in Kenya. It works closely with the neighbouring Giraffe Centre and other local organisations to promote education, wildlife protection, and sustainable tourism. The manor implements energy-efficient practices and waste reduction measures to minimise its environmental impact. By staying here, guests contribute to ongoing efforts to safeguard Kenya’s endangered Rothschild giraffes and support local communities, ensuring this special place continues to thrive for years to come.
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When to visit Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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