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£412.00
Giraffe Manor is famous for its friendly neighbours – a herd of Rothschild giraffes that delight in sticking their long necks through the windows to be fed treats. Revel in getting up close to these magnificent animals while basking in the comforts of a gorgeous 1930s manor house.
5 in stock
Situated next to Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre, the manor is in an exceptional location for interacting with Kenya’s wildlife. The international airport is 19 miles away, or Wilson Airport, where many tourists fly in and out on safari, is eight miles away. Nearby are the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum, and Nairobi National Park, along with the many restaurants and shops in Langata and Karen, Nairobi’s upmarket suburbs.
Set in 140 acres of indigenous forest, the house and grounds are simply beautiful. Built in 1932 as a house for Sir David Duncan, it retains the design and feel of its former days, and you feel you are staying in a friend’s house. During the day sit outside watching butterflies flutter through the trees. In the evening recline in the lounge in front of a grand fireplace reading a book or playing chess. There’s even a cabinet hiding away spirits, wines and beers for you to help yourself to. Giraffe artwork and sculptures throughout the property are tastefully curated.
Given it was built as a family home, rooms vary from suites to twin rooms. But regardless of size, each is furnished in keeping with the 1930s design. Find fireplaces in some, mahogany desks in others. There are six rooms in the original house, and four in a new building that replicates the original manor. The bathroom in my room needed an upgrade, with chips in the vintage bath, but the historic features add character. Handmade toiletries unique to Giraffe Manor are a nice touch.
Breakfast and lunch are served in a light chandelier-decorated room with vast windows for those giraffes to say hello. Dinner takes place in a candle-lit wood-panelled drawing room either around a large communal table or at private tables, depending on guest preference. Cuisine is modern European cuisine: fresh fish, pasta, soups and salads, and heavenly desserts (an orange and basil sorbet and a rich chocolate mousse served with a white chocolate spoon), with a selection of recommended wines.
Doubles from $525 (£360) per night based on two people sharing on a full board basis including airport transfers, transportation around Karen and Langata, food and drink. It may be a pricey night but the experience is well worth it.
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