GIRAFFE MANOR, KENYA

The flagship property within The Safari Collection portfolio, Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 and was modeled on a Scottish hunting lodge. The history of elegant-legged giraffes on its lawns dates back to the 1970s when Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville first adopted an orphaned Rothschild’s giraffe, Daisy.

Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley bought the manor in April 2000, and since then, it has become a globally recognized, iconic hotel. Having grown up in the neighborhood, Giraffe Manor has always played a significant role in Tanya Carr-Hartley’s life. As a child, she used to ride through the grounds on horseback and would occasionally have a cup of tea with Betty before returning home.

Tanya recalls that the horses did not like the smell of the giraffe, so it was always a quick one! To own Giraffe Manor was something of a childhood dream for her, and in April 2009, this dream came true when The Safari Collection’s flagship property was added to their portfolio.

With an injection of love and passion into this historical manor, Tanya and Mikey have turned this property into one of the most sought-after hotels in the world. While the interiors have been enhanced and rejuvenated, it was essential to the Carr-Hartley’s that the manor retained the original 1930s character and preserved its colorful and charming history.

Located on the outskirts of Nairobi in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest, Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings and number one on most travelers Instagram lists, including the herd of 12 resident Rothschild’s giraffe.