Giraffe Manor: Nairobi, Kenya

Imagine waking up to a giraffe poking its head through the window of your suite as if to say good morning. Giraffe Manor is more than just a hotel, it’s an experience. Here, guests have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes, who are known to peek their heads into the manor’s large windows — and maybe even sneak a bite to eat — making for the best photos. 

Although the property looked great on social media, Julie-Anna Vogel, founding associate of Wells Luxury Travel in Vancouver, B.C, had to test it out for herself to make sure it was a good fit for her high-end clients. 

“It’s great for Instagram but was it too gimmicky for my clients? Well, it’s a gimmick, but what a great gimmick,” she tells Travel Courier. “The giraffes are incredible, as is staying here. The rooms are lovely, colonial style with everything you need. The food is good, classic, formal but friendly service. But none of that really matters. It is all about the giraffes. They are literally in your face and it is beyond cool. While I was having tea, a giraffe poked his head in the window and sipped from my cup. I was smitten! With him, with every other giraffe I interacted with, with the conservation efforts, with the entire experience. An at least once-in-a-lifetime must!”

Vogel says this unique property would appeal to any kind of clients, from families to seniors to honeymooners. 

“Anyone with a curiosity about nature, a love for animals or a quest for a thrill,” she says. “However, it is expensive and Kenya is far so it’s not good for someone on a tight budget.”

For travel advisors, she stresses the importance of booking in advance as the manor only has 12 rooms. Clients won’t want to miss out on such a cool way to stay when they’re in Kenya.