Giraffe Manor & Safari in Kenya

June 5-11, 2025

an unforgettable experience with Giraffes!

Embark on an unforgettable adventure starting in Nairobi, where you'll visit an elephant nursery, the enchanting Giraffe Centre, and the inspiring Kazuri Beads Factory, which supports single mothers from local villages. After two captivating nights in Nairobi, we'll fly to the renowned Maasai Mara for a three-night stay in luxurious safari tents. Here, you'll experience the thrill of morning and afternoon game drives, when the wildlife is at its most active. You can also choose to hike to a stunning waterfall or immerse yourself in the culture of a local village.

The pinnacle of our journey awaits on the final night with an exclusive stay at the iconic Giraffe Manor, a boutique hotel renowned for its unparalleled wildlife interactions and exquisite hospitality. Nestled within 12 acres of private land in a 140-acre indigenous forest, this historic manor is home to a resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes. These gentle giants often grace the manor with their presence, poking their long necks through the windows in search of treats, creating magical moments you'll cherish forever.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dine with giraffes and experience the perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and conservation. Don't miss out on this enchanting experience!

Day 1

Welcome to NAIRobi!

sunset from tent on safari in kenya

Welcome to Kenya! Meet your fellow travelers at the Nairobi airport where your private transportation will whisk you away to the comfort of the Sarova Panafric Hotel. 

Since most flights arrive late in the evening, we've left this day free for you to settle in and relax. If you arrive earlier in the day, you’ll be able to spend the day relaxing by the pool with a book or if you are feeling adventurous, head out to explore one of Naroibi’s markets or museums.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice this evening.

Day 2

nairobi exploration!

baby elephant walking along dusty road with handlers in backgroun

Rise and shine, it’s adventure time! After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, our adventure begins with a half-day tour exploring Nairobi.

Today we begin with a visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery. Their mission to protect wildlife and preserve their habitats in East Africa began over 45 years ago. They are best known for their Orphan’s Project, the first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. Today we will have the chance to visit their Nairobi Orphanage where we will learn about their conservation work and have an opportunity to watch their baby elephants enjoy a midday mud bath and milk feed. 

Next on today’s tour includes a special stop to visit a place that empowers single mothers and disadvantaged members of Kenyan society through employment, the Kazuri Beads Factory. Kazuri means “small and beautiful” and that’s exactly the kind of beads that are produced here. The mission of the factory is to provide sustainable jobs for local women and also contribute to the fair trade market. After a short tour, we will have some time to explore their shop filled with beautiful jewelry and ceramics to find the perfect piece to take home.

After we will make our way back to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy and relax. Later that evening we will enjoy a delightful welcome dinner at the hotel together.

Women Who Explore will be making a donation to the the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on behalf of the group and sponsoring a baby elephant, rhino and giraffe in the sanctuary.

baby elephant being bottle fed

Day 3

journey to the maasai mara

antelope herd in front of lone tree in africa

Oyawore or Good Morning! Today we have a BIG adventure waiting for you! 

After breakfast, our driver will take us to the airport where we will take a domestic flight to the iconic Masai Mara, where our great adventure awaits! Upon arrival we will be greeted by our private transfer where we will be taken to a magical place known as the Instinct of the Mara camp.

The Instinct of Mara camp is hidden in an unspoiled corner of the Olderkesi Conservancy in eastern Africa. The conservancy includes 7,600 acres in the secluded southeast of the Maasai Mara. It is far away from the crowds of the more frequented Mara region in the northwest making it incredibly rich in wildlife at any time of the year. 

The fun begins as soon as we begin our drive with opportunities to spot wildlife en-route to our stunning, secluded safari camp. Once we arrive, you have time to settle into your gorgeous premium safari tent and beautiful views from your veranda. 

We will gather at the mess tent to enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on our first official game drive this afternoon. On game drives we will encounter antelope, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs and more! The chance of seeing the Big Five in one day is particularly good here.

Our day ends with a delicious dinner and down time to relax at one of the cozy lounges or around the fire pit with spectacular views of the waterhole. When you’re ready, head back to your tent and snuggle in for some rest. Tomorrow we safari again!

Day 4

it’s safari time!

safari jeep viewing wildabeast in africa

Wake up to the sounds of the birds welcoming the day! Our morning begins early as we load up into our open roof jeeps for a day exploring the African bush. 

We will enjoy the early morning searching for Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. As our day unfolds, we will make stops to enjoy a picnic breakfast and lunch along the way. 

After our morning safari and exciting animal encounters, we will make our way back to camp where you’ll have the option to hike to a nearby waterfall to take a dip in the natural swimming hole.

The day ends with an afternoon game drive while we enjoy the evening sunset safari. All meals are included today and dinner will be served in the mess hall back at camp.

The rest of the evening is yours to relax in a cozy lounge or wind down by the fire pit before snuggling into bed.

Day 5

GAME DRIVES & WATERFALL ADVENTURES

lioness sleeping in tree

Wake up with the sun as it rises over the Maasai Mara and enjoy experiencing the sights and sounds of the wildlife as they begin their day with you. Today our safari experience continues.

Each day brings a new and exciting adventure with opportunities to discover wildlife thriving in its natural environment. On our drive today we will stop to enjoy a picnic breakfast and lunch in the bush, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife that call the Maasai Mara National Reserve home. With luck today we will spot the Big Five again and enjoy some up close encounters with other fun animals like giraffes, zebras and cheetahs!

The property also offers an opportunity to enjoy a guided bush walk or birding opportunities, take a dip at the waterfall, or take some down time to relax on the veranda.

Tonight you will enjoy dinner at the mess tent. After take a walk and enjoy a sundowner at a nearby hill offering splendid views of the Maasai land, wind down with a drink on your veranda, or enjoy the mysterious noises of the bush as you relax by the fire pit. When you're ready, snuggle into your bed as you enjoy a final night sleeping in an African savannah.

Day 6

giraffe manor!!!!

giraffe manor peaking through window of manor house

Get excited….today is a BIG BUCKETLIST day!! After breakfast at the camp, bid farewell to the Maasai Mara. You’ll be able to enjoy the views and wildlife on your transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi. 

Upon arrival you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to the iconic Giraffe Manor, yes that’s right we said THE GIRAFFE MANOR!!! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with these goofy, graceful beings up close on an incredible overnight experience. 

The Giraffe Manor its on 150 acres of indigenous forest where the giraffes roam freely. It’s where the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) began its efforts to save the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe back in 1970 when only an estimated 80 giraffes remained. At that time, the AFEW began a breeding program where the Manor is now located, and in the past 50 years the Rothschild’s population has increased to over 1000 giraffes.

Your stay at the Giraffe Manor includes one night shared accommodations in one of the charming rooms in the Garden Manor. The Garden Manor is the newest edition to the property. Built in 2011 it was constructed as a replica of the Giraffe Manor which it sits next to. Like the Giraffe Manor, the Garden Manor’s six rooms enjoy views overlooking the sanctuary offering the same giraffe experience.

Once we arrive at the Manor, you’ll have time to check into your room before we enjoy lunch on the terrace. For those who would like to visit the Giraffe Center, there will be an opportunity to learn about the wildlife conservation efforts of this amazing organization based in Nairobi. Here you can take a short walk on their nature trail along the Gogo River to an amazing viewpoint of the Ngong Hills. Back at the Giraffe Center, we’ll get up close and personal with our new tall friends, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a giraffe kiss! 

After we will head back where the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the Manor’s facilities including the swimming pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub and gym. Around 5 p.m. we will gather on the Manor’s terrace for afternoon tea and hopefully a visit from the resident giraffes as they like to visit in search of treats. You’ll also enjoy complimentary house drinks, wine and champagne during your stay at the Manor.

Tonight we will enjoy dinner together at the Garden Manor as we reminisce on the incredible adventure we’ve shared and the memories we have made the past week in Kenya.

Photo credit: Giraffe Manor - The Safari Collection

Day 7:

breakfast with giraffes before good-byes

giraffe near manor house by open windows

We know you'll be up bright and early today because the excitement rivals that of Christmas morning! 

Breakfast at Giraffe Manor is an MAGICAL experience, where guests are treated to the charming company of Rothschild's giraffes. As you enjoy your morning meal, these graceful giants peek through the windows, eagerly awaiting a treat and offering their gentle nuzzles in return. With intimate dining rooms designed to ensure everyone can interact with the giraffes, it's a magical and heartwarming encounter that will leave an indelible mark on your memory.

As check-out time approaches at 10 a.m., we bid farewell to Giraffe Manor, marking the end of our unforgettable journey. Gather with your fellow travelers for a group transfer to the airport, where your departure flights await. As we always say, this is not a farewell, but a "see you later." As you make your way home or on to your next destination, travel safely. We look forward to the opportunity to share another adventure together in the future!

Photo credit: Giraffe Manor - The Safari Collection

Trip Extension In The Works!

Come explore more of Africa’s beauty with us!

Meet Your Trip Host

Lisa Chambers

Lisa first became involved with Women Who Explore in 2018 on a leap of faith and a plane bound for Iceland. Since becoming an ambassador in 2020, she hasn’t looked back on encouraging all women to choose nature and seek adventure beyond their comfort zone. For as long as she can remember, the desire to spend time outdoors and travel to new places has always been rooted within her. Through the years, she’s grateful to have traveled to all 50 states and over 30 countries to date.

When she’s not exploring, Lisa calls the northwoods of Minnesota home residing not far from the lake cabin of her childhood. She feels most alive while in the outdoors hiking, chasing waterfalls, downhill skiing, mountain biking and curiously seeking the road less traveled.

IG: @lisabethchambers

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Questions? Please reach out to US at info@womenwhoexplore.com