While the image of a giraffe peeking through your breakfast window is what made Giraffe Manor famous, the story of this Nairobi icon runs much deeper. Beyond the Instagram moments lies a rich history of conservation, serendipity, and unique details that even the most avid travelers might not know. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Giraffe Manor that will make you appreciate your stay even more.

1. It Was a Childhood Dream Come True

The current owner, Tanya Carr-Hartley, didn't just buy a hotel; she bought a piece of her childhood. Having grown up in the neighborhood, she would ride her horse through the manor's grounds as a young girl and occasionally stop for a cup of tea with Betty Leslie-Melville, the original "Giraffe Lady." Purchasing the manor in 2009 was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

2. The Suite Has a Piece of Karen Blixen's History

The Karen Blixen Suite isn't just named after the famous author; it contains actual pieces of her history. The wardrobe and dressing table in the suite were originally from Karen Blixen's guest bedroom. They were given as a parting gift to the mother of Jock Leslie-Melville (who bought the manor in the 1970s) when Blixen returned to Denmark in 1931.

3. One Giraffe Survived a Lion Attack

Salma, one of the resident giraffes and Betty's daughter, is a true survivor. When she was just a year old, a lion that had wandered from Nairobi National Park attacked her. She still bears the scars from this encounter and has since sadly also survived the loss of two calves, showcasing her incredible resilience.

4. Your Workout Powers the Grid

The well-equipped gym at The Retreat isn't just for keeping fit. The state-of-the-art SportsArt equipment is eco-friendly, converting your kinetic energy into usable electricity that feeds back into the property's power grid. So, you can burn calories while helping to reduce the carbon footprint.

5. There's a Secret Orchid Haven

Tucked away on the property is a fragrant Orchid House, home to over 150 orchids. This hidden gem grew from the owners' shared passion and offers guests a serene escape for reading, meditation, or even a private, candlelit dinner surrounded by the beautiful flowers.

6. A Giraffe Was Named After Marlon Brando

The room named "Marlon" honors one of the manor's original giraffes. Her namesake was the legendary actor Marlon Brando, who was a close friend of the previous owners and a frequent admirer of the conservation work being done at the property.

7. It's Home to a "Head-Butting" Giraffe

Each giraffe has a unique personality. Kelly, nicknamed Grace Kelly for her aloof and graceful nature, is also infamous as the resident "head-butter." Guests are gently reminded to always stay in front of her to avoid a playful (but powerful) nudge.

8. The Bathrooms Are Preserved Art Deco Gems

In rooms like Betty's, the bathrooms have been intentionally kept in their original 1930s Art Deco style. The hotel decided against modernizing them to protect the building's heritage and offer a genuine glimpse into Kenya's architectural past, which few other places provide.

9. The Giraffes Have a Vast Sanctuary to Roam

The giraffes are not confined to the manor's lawns. They have free rein over 150 acres of indigenous forest sanctuary—the equivalent of about 113 football fields—where they spend most of their time foraging for natural food before choosing to visit the manor for treats.

10. It Helped Save a Species from the Brink

The manor's story is one of the greatest conservation success stories. When the founders started their program in the 1970s, there were fewer than 100 Rothschild's giraffes left in Kenya. Today, thanks in large part to their efforts, the population has soared to over 1,000, many of which were born and raised at the manor before being reintroduced into national parks.

From its incredible conservation impact to its deeply personal history, Giraffe Manor is so much more than a photo opportunity. It's a place where passion, history, and wildlife intersect to create a truly magical experience. Ready to see it for yourself? Start planning your visit with our complete guide to Giraffe Manor.

Photo courtesy of Giraffe Manor.