Giraffe Manor

Jock-the-giraffe was named after Jock Leslie-Melville who purchased the manor house in the 1970s. He lived to be 22 years old, 19 feet tall and was responsible for fathering over twenty calves, most of which have now been successfully released into Kenya’s national parks. Sadly, he passed away in July 2009. Jock’s room is approximately 28 square-metres in size and can accommodate either a couple or two singles (as a double or a twin). It has a fireplace for cosy Nairobi nights and both a bathtub and shower, as well as twin sinks, in the adjoining en-suite.

This 36 square-metre bedroom has twin beds that can be converted into a large double bed. There is also an adjoining sitting room with a sofa that can convert into a bed for a child. An east-facing balcony at the foot of the master bed offers guests the opportunity to feed our elegant, long-necked friends as they pass by. It’s the perfect giraffe friendly height! The spacious master bathroom has a shower and there is another compact shower and toilet at the opposite end of the room, ideal for an accompanying child. Guests who stay in Marlon enjoy the privilege of staying in the room named after one of the manor’s original giraffes. Her namesake was everyone’s favourite godfather, Marlon Brando, a friend of the previous Giraffe Manor owners.

Lynn’s room is named after a giraffe who was, for many years, the guardian of our herd of Rothschild’s giraffes. Born in 1996, she was blessed with five calves whilst here at the sanctuary. The space (Which was once the Manors House kitchen) was cleverly converted into a beautiful 47 square-metre room in 2019 with a decadent en-suite bathroom including bathtub, shower and twin sinks. The bed can convert between a double or two singles and the room can be accessed via the old service staircase or from the ground level for guests who may have mobility issues. There is a small veranda with access to a larger, covered outdoor seating area where guests can enjoy feeding the giraffes who amble past.

Helen-the-giraffe was born in front of the manor on 1st August 2009 but sadly passed away in May 2015. The daughter of Daisy II, she was a natural leader, but could also be extremely naughty! Helen was named after a Catholic sister who was a friend of Betty Leslie-Melville – the lady who bought the manor with her husband Jock in the 1970s and began the giraffe breeding programme.At 43 square-metres, this large corner room in the Garden Manor is one of the most spacious and is often visited by hungry giraffes looking for treats in the morning. Guests who stay here are most welcome to feed them from Helen’s windows before breakfast. The room has two four-poster beds which can be put together to make a large double bed or separated for two singles. The room is large enough to accommodate a small extra bed for a child or baby cot if required upon request. The en-suite facilities consist of twin sinks, a bathtub and shower.

Kelly-the-giraffe was born in Nakuru National Park and was brought to the Giraffe Center in 2002. She is nicknamed Grace Kelly due to her aloof and graceful nature. She is easily recognisable due to her light coat and the large ossicone on her forehead. Often the first to arrive for treats and the last to leave, she has become infamous as the resident ‘head-butter’ so be careful to always stay in front of her. Kelly’s room is located upstairs in the Garden Manor, is approximately 45 square-metres in size and is beautifully appointed with traditional cane furnishings and a striking stained-glass wall in the bathroom. The room has three single beds, two of which can be put together to accommodate a couple if preferred. It also has a fireplace and views towards the south over the sanctuary forest. The en-suite facilities consist of a bathtub, shower and twin sinks. Guests can feed giraffes from Kelly’s window as they often come to visit this room in the early morning hours before breakfast.

The giraffe named Arlene was born in June 1994 and lived a peaceful life roaming the sanctuary before she passed away due to natural causes in April 2012. She was petite in size, but that did not deter her from sharing her affection with visitors. Arlene’s room is approximately 28 square-metres in size and is located on the upper floor of the Garden Manor. Its quirky-shaped bathroom with bathtub, shower and vintage toilet, along with its cosy feel, make it a favourite of the Giraffe Manor staff. The room has a king-sized four-poster bed, so it is ideal for couples. It enjoys a lovely outlook over the courtyard between the main house and the Garden Manor with views beyond to the sanctuary forest. Our Rothschild’s herd does not have access to Arlene, but the room offers wonderful views of the giraffes when they lope across the manor lawns to pay their daily breakfast visit.

Salma the giraffe was born here at Giraffe Manor in November 2011. She is Betty’s daughter and although she is friendly, she is also a bit shy and we attribute this to the fact that she was attacked by a lion that had wandered away from Nairobi National Park when she was only a year old. The Salma superior room is amongst the newest rooms at the manor having been recently built and added to the Garden Manor section of the property in April 2017. It is located on the top floor of the Garden Manor section of the property and enjoys south-facing views over the lunch courtyard and sanctuary forest beyond. The room is 35 square-metres and can be either a double or a twin. It also has a sofa which converts to a bed that is suitable for a child if needed. The en-suite facilities consist of a bathtub, shower and single sink. Salma has a private balcony with chairs and table from where guests can enjoy wonderful views of the giraffes approaching the manor in the early morning.

Edd-the-giraffe, son to Jock and Lynn, was born here at Giraffe Manor in July 2011 and is now the dominant male and father to all the young calves presently roaming the sanctuary grounds. Edd’s room was built in April 2017 as an addition to the Garden Manor section of the property. It is a ground floor room of 39 square-metres with striking stained-glass windows and an enormous super king-sized bed. There is also a sofa in the room which can pull out into a bed for a child if needed. The en-suite facilities consist of a corner bathtub, a large double shower and twin sinks. Although the giraffes do not have access to Edd’s room, guests can enjoy the room’s outdoor veranda area furnished with a private bar upon request.