I have been to Giraffe Manor twice, the first time in February 2008 and the second in January of this year. My first visit really blew me away. It's a simply amazing place, the giraffes are so gentle and you really get close to them. The staff, especially Cosmos, were truly special. The hosts then, I think it was David and his wife, were fabulous. We didn't feel as if we were staying in a hotel, they made us so welcome.
I returned this year with high expectations. Everything was still as fantastic apart from the new hosts, Rudy and his wife. I travelled alone this time and when I went down for lunch I went into the dining room where Rudy was reading a book. It took at least 2 minutes for him to acknowledge that I was there. His wife seemed to also ignore me which is not pleasant as a solo traveller. The previous visit David and his wife really made an effort to include a young woman on her own.
It's hard to describe what the problem was, they weren't actively rude to me, it just seemed that they thought themselves a bit above working in a hotel and it made me feel quite uncomfortable in such a small place. Don't let this put you off from going- it's an amazing place to stay, truly unique. I just feel that the owners should know that the new hosts let them down.

I loved my stay at Giraffe Manor. Being a solo traveller I couldn't have asked for any better hosts than what I found in Mari-anne and Rudi. I stayed in Daisy's Room and it was so comfortable and spacious with a beautiful view onto the back garden.
I was greeted on arrival by Mari-anne and Cosmos who also brought fresh passion juice and a hot towel (great for wiping the accumulated dust off my face after coming off an Overland Trip!) and given the safety tips for when out on the terrace around the giraffe.
As there were 2 available rooms, I was given the option between 2 either Daisy's Room (with ensuite) or the other with a bath and separate ensuite. What hotel gives you the option of rooms?! - I was already loving it!
As I was heading out for dinner with some friends, we got the first rain of the year (a blessing but it was pelting down!), Cosmos wouldn't let me leave without escorting me to my taxi with an umbrella and giving me one to take with me so I didn't get wet on return. It showed just how personal the service really was.
The only bad aspect was that in the mornings, I couldn't get the ht water working in the shower, I have a feeling it was me but if I hadn't become used to it, the staff would have been able to help I'm sure (even by putting on the electric water heater but I didn't see that as necessary...)
Another wonderful aspect of the stay was the fact that I (and my friends who weren't even staying at the Manor but dropped in to see my ever-talked about room before we headed out for the day) was able to get advice on where to go, how to get there and little tips and advice. It was very much appreciated.
I'd recommend having dinner with Mari-anne and Rudi during your stay, they have some wonderful stories to tell (just don't let Rudi know if you've seen a honey badger, he'll get very jealous, haha!) and the food is amazing. Dietary requirements are no problem at all either, just give them the heads up before hand.
And the reason everyone stays at Giraffe Manor - the giraffe! How wonderful, this alone is worth paying the money for! Kelly and I became very attached as I saw her every few hours including feeding her 3 times in 1 day as well as a few other times. Little DaisyIII is great to watch run around the paddock in the afternoon too. I hope all goes well for Adele's baby due in a few months (Jock's last) so you might be lucky enough to see that if you're there at the right time as she is very comfortable around the Manor.

Oh, how I loved Giraffe Manor! We were transported back in time, to 1930s Africa in a beautiful stone mansion. Marianne & Rudy are gracious and kind hosts. We felt like house guests. The staff is wonderful, 3 African men who are very attentive. The food is a gourmet’s delight. And our room was lovely – Jock’s Room, a spacious corner room facing the front lawn, with large private bath.

We got in late, close to midnight. Rudy was still awake to welcome us. The staff prepared a wonderful homemade tomato soup, with homemade croutons (I can still taste it). And graciously brought cold cuts and hot tea, too. The next morning, they were up to give us a private early breakfast, since we were leaving on a plane for the Mara. I fed Barney the giraffe from the broad windows in the lovely breakfast room – so exciting!

Then we came back a week later, to stay for about ¾ of a day before our plane departed. There are small buckets (and a great big one) of food pellets for the giraffes, who were lazily standing in the front yard, chewing on agave plants. The two comical warthogs were chasing each other. I put on a vintage 1930’s dress & shoes I’d brought especially to take pictures here (so glad I did). My giraffe friend Barney gave me kisses, when I held a pellet of food in my mouth! And happily ate from my hand.

Lunch was serene & delicious on the beautifully landscaped outdoor terrace, with friendly and interesting guests at other tables – from England, San Francisco and Laguna Beach. Rudy announced places to go sightseeing, and drove a van to take whoever wanted.

We went to the nearby Sheldrick Baby Elephant & Rhino Orphanage (we had our own car & driver). I will never forget the feeling of my adopted baby elephant, Mawenzi, sucking on my finger! The elephants are so cute, only waist high. Adoptive "parents" from all over the world were there. We adopted an adorable baby rhino, Shida (you can't touch the few rhino's). Only $50 USD per year to adopt any one, we did it online, so got to visit the Orphanage at a special time.

Later at Giraffe Manor, everyone gathered for cocktails by one of the massive fireplaces, followed by a sit-down dinner with silver and crystal. We missed that last bit, since we had to catch another plane, so were given another private gourmet dinner.

We will definitely return anytime we fly to Nairobi. Next time, we will stay for more than one full day, so we can enjoy the rhythm of Giraffe Manor along with everyone else.

An absolute joy!

Giraffe Manor is very close to Nairobi, so for those flying into the Kenyan capital, this is a great choice from which to start any safari adventure.

The house itself is beautifully constructed in the traditional Scottish style and is a welcome retreat from nearby Nairrobbery, er, Nairobi.

The staff are attentive, and breakfast time is an absolute hoot.

I can not think of a better way for anyone to start their holiday in Kenya.