Giraffe Manor: Where Giraffe’s have No Boundaries
 Imagine taking your family or loved one to a destination where traditional English breakfast is served with curious giraffes popping in through the open sunroom windows for an occasional petting. Where animals indigenous to eastern Africa roam freely and where comfort and personalized service is a constant—a destination where every day is a new experience full of enriching sights, sounds, and adventures. With an elegant ambiance, trained and highly-attentive staff, luxurious suites, and a wildlife-inviting atmosphere, Giraffe Manor uniquely fuses luxury with the outdoors for the ultimate Kenyan experience.
As one of the world’s most interactive and highly unique hotels, Giraffe Manor is home to resident Rothschild giraffe that add beauty and grace to the manicured grounds of an already stunning and exclusive hotel. In addition to its giraffe herd, Giraffe Manor’s 140 acre forest is also home to playful warthogs, bush buck, and an eclectic mix of bird species, and offers astonishing views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Ngong Hills.
 The Rothschild giraffe, characterized by their gentle nudges, friendly eyes, and curious demeanor, is an astounding creature—not only to observe, but also to interact with. Unlike any other place in the world, Giraffe Manor allows you to get closer to these animals than you ever imagined. Whether you’re eager to pet the giraffes at the hotel entrance, feed them at breakfast, or photograph them as they peak through the sunroom, you’ll feel truly rewarded by the mere sight of these magnificent animals and have a new appreciation for the wildlife of eastern Africa.
Staying at the Giraffe Manor:
Located a few miles outside of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, the Giraffe Manor provides an intimate setting for families and honeymooners alike who are looking for the ultimate private retreat. Tastefully decorated with antique furnishings, fine linens, grandiose beds, and spacious bathrooms, the Manor’s 5 double bedroom suites and larger suite offer an exceptionally comfortable stay for all visitors.
 Rates at the Giraffe Manor include all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, alcoholic beverages (sans champagne), laundry services, sightseeing vehicle, and admission to The Giraffe Centre.
Historical Roots:
Built in 1932 and modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge, the Manor reflects its historical European roots and exudes an old-world charm with its ivy-covered façade. Although this quaint hotel has changed hands several times over the years, its traditional ambiance and exterior structure has remained intact. One thing that has changed is the use of this countryside masterpiece.
Once a home for Jock and Betty Melville, this estate began its transformation toward helping giraffes survive and avoid extinction. In 1974, the Rothschild giraffe species was faced with extinction as their natural habitat was being destroyed. Jock and Betty provided a home for two giraffes during this year, which marked the beginning of their efforts toward saving this beautiful species.
 One of Jock and Betty’s greatest contributions to the environment and local community was the establishment of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), which helped to fund The Giraffe Centre. This Giraffe Centre was built on Jock and Betty’s property for Kenyan school children to learn about ecology and conservation efforts while interacting with the giraffes. Today, you can visit the Centre where admission fee proceeds are donated to projects throughout Kenya. Or, you can choose to stay overnight in comfort and luxury at the Giraffe Manor.
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With the onslaught of this blistering cold January, my African bones are aching for a hot sunny day back home. These cold days remind me of a July safari in an open land rover on a winter morning in the Kalahari sands of Hwange, where the daily temperate ranges from freezing at sunrise to the mid 70s by mid-morning. (Boy the camp’s fire felt good when we got home for a big English breakfast of egg, sausage, fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, baked beans.) There is something special about the morning light in winter there, it has such a blue quality to it, making the air look so clean. Of course it was a great time to be out in the field as we often saw the big cats lying out in the sun warming up after a long night's hunting. 
We have Maria’s family from New Jersey with us this week and we are having a battle over the thermostat, as they are trying to create the illusion that the South is still warm and I am trying to cut down the electricity bills by making everyone wear jackets in doors (I am losing as Maria is on their side). I asked my 2-year-old son Max if he wanted to go to the playground on Sunday and he put his arms around himself and said “too cold”. 
Trip Name: Kruger Safari and Beaches of Mozambique
Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari tours.