Tags
AFEW, Africa, African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, Betty Leslie-Melville, Carr-Hartley family, Elizabeth Fais, Giraffe Manor, giraffes, Jock Leslie-Melville, Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nairobi, Raising Daisy Rothschild, Rothschild giraffes, The Last Giraffe
The world’s only giraffe hotel rests in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Yes, giraffe hotel.
Officially called Giraffe Manor, the estate is located near Nairobi, Kenya. Every morning the resident giraffes stroll up to the house, poking their heads through the windows in search of treats.
Can you think of anything more amazing than waking up to giraffes poking their heads through your bedroom window, and then having giraffes join you for breakfast? Seriously. Sign me up!
The Makings of a Very Tall Tale
The original mansion was built in 1932 for a wealthy British family. But it wasn’t until 1974, when the property was purchased by Betty Leslie-Melville and her husband Jock, that the idea for a sanctuary dedicated to endangered Rothschild giraffes blossomed.
The first giraffe the Leslie-Melville’s took in was an 8-foot-tall (2.4 m), 450-pound baby they named Daisy, about whom Betty subsequently wrote the book Raising Daisy Rothschild that was later made into the film The Last Giraffe. So started the journey to protection for the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Giraffe Manor has been home to as many as 12 Rothschild giraffes at one time; currently there are eight in residence. The following image shows Betty Leslie-Melville having a quiet moment with Daisy Rothschild. [image: flicker.com]
In 1983, Betty’s son opened the Manor as a boutique hotel where guests could feed the giraffes from their breakfast table, through the front door, and from their bedroom windows. The Carr-Hartley family purchased Giraffe Manor in 1984 to continue the tradition of offering guests the rare opportunity to hang out with these gentle giants.
The hotel luxuriously caters to the resident giraffes and warthogs, as well the human guests who come from all over the world. A magical stay at Giraffe Manor is not cheap, but the one in a lifetime experience is priceless.
The proceeds generated by the hotel help to support a great cause: the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). Not only is Giraffe Manor a sanctuary for an endangered species, but they also participate in a breeding program which introduces breeding pairs back into the wild.
The Tallest Living Mammals
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is native to Africa, and is the tallest living terrestrial animal.
Fully grown giraffes are approximately 16–20 ft tall, with an average weight of 2,628 lb) for an adult male and 1,825 lb) for an adult female. Giraffes have a lifespan of up to 25 years in the wild. Because of their size, eyesight and powerful kicks, adult giraffes don’t have any predators, with the exception of man and lions.
There are nine subspecies of giraffe, each with variations in markings that make them distinctly unique. Rothschild giraffes (that live at Giraffe Manor), named for Walter Rothschild, are also known as the Baringo or Ugandan giraffe. This subspecies’ natural habitat range includes parts of Uganda and Kenya. Fewer than 700 are believed to remain in the wild. Their endangered status makes the work done at Giraffe Manor for their protection all the more important. [image: Wikipedia, Rothschild’s giraffes at Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya]
A Sneak Peak at Giraffe Manor
A real-life sneak peek…
Elizabeth Fais 
That is very cool. And it’s great to see the Manor supporting AFEW and doing its part to support African wildlife. I’ve seen giraffes in the zoo – but even there they’re impressive beasts.
I never would have discovered Giraffe Manor if it hadn’t been for a friend who is interested in giraffes. So cool what they are doing. I particularly like that they are actively participating in a breeding program that introduces mating pairs back into the wild. I was allowed to go back stage at the San Francisco Zoo once to feed the giraffes. The giraffe I fed, Chester, took a liking to me and reached down to give me a kiss after I’d fed him. Their saliva is antiseptic, but their tongues are sticky. Chester made me fall in love with giraffes. Though the keepers warned that they can kick something fierce.
Elizabeth, you are the best! What a range of subjects you cover! I always learn something and feel better about life when I am done reading your posts.
Thank you, Jenny! I like to write about all things that interest me. I have to be honest, though. I never would have discovered Giraffe Hotel if it weren’t for a friend that is interested in giraffes. I saw photos of giraffes sticking their heads through those windows, and so began the task of discovering *where* the heck that was. 🙂
Who knew? I love this place! and the warthogs are so cute 🙂
I know! It’s expensive, but I’m going to save my pennies and visit one day. I can justify the cost because of the work they do to introduce mated pairs back in to wild. Saving an endangered species is the most honorable of causes.
I’m going, Elizabeth, and I’m sending you the bill! LOL
Wow, what an adventure. I’m seriously keen on climbing Kilimanjaro, and this hotel seems as good as any place to acclimatize to the elevation pre-climb.
I stayed at Becker’s Chalets in Jasper several years ago and woke to elk families on the common grounds in the morning, so nice to sip coffee on the deck in the crisp mountain air and watch the babies frolic, but you can’t mix with the elk, they aren’t tame and they are, at the end of the day, parents protecting their babies.
This, however, is something else. I repeat, Wow.
I’ll time my trip to Giraffe Manor with your ascent up Kilimanjaro and cheer you on from below. You are amazing!
Are we still going to try for a writers’ retreat this coming winter? Not at Giraffe Manor though, too many distractions there. 🙂
Honey, we need to talk…