![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/8d3508a4-7fb5-4f95-b1c3-a034ee629e24/Giraffe+manor.jpg)
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!
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!
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.
![Kenya Safari 15.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/9a793e05-eea6-4b38-94c3-8c178e363c02/Kenya+Safari+15.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 33.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/7d730524-d489-4d64-8423-ed3790eea1f2/Kenya+Safari+33.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 3.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/235f42a1-3761-43ee-9cc2-f4382a9d6997/Kenya+Safari+3.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 20.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/5b0538fb-f81a-4c0a-b556-eb81a7d9fb2d/Kenya+Safari+20.jpg)
Day 3
journey to the maasai mara
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!
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.
![Kenya Safari 2.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/1bbaa324-ff0f-4746-8f58-07f3a54f89a0/Kenya+Safari+2.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 10.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/4eb22bc0-ac0d-46a3-bcb2-f4424e483e54/Kenya+Safari+10.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 1.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/c5960f4d-2e0a-473e-8249-d48120bf6861/Kenya+Safari+1.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 7.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/3cc11ebe-dc5d-4873-908a-a81375fef1ca/Kenya+Safari+7.jpeg)
Day 5
GAME DRIVES & WATERFALL ADVENTURES
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!!!!
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
![Photo credit: Giraffe Manor - The Safari Collection](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/a7b02900-b06c-4feb-9068-ca25dd169524/Kenya+Safari+22.jpg)
Photo credit: Giraffe Manor - The Safari Collection
![Kenya Safari 25.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/9ac86b4c-086c-47d5-9207-a123a32bfac2/Kenya+Safari+25.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 29.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/16f36d36-7c22-471f-bf54-b0590ff75cd8/Kenya+Safari+29.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 24.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/e6cf8819-03f6-423b-af4c-402a3c209623/Kenya+Safari+24.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 21.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/2d051eb2-ee3a-4fe1-8df9-23b399c4b326/Kenya+Safari+21.jpg)
![Kenya Safari 27.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/406d76b6-9957-42f3-a683-d0d41831ef90/Kenya+Safari+27.jpg)
Day 7:
breakfast with giraffes before good-byes
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
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/635d79f6c6ec0406afb1bde8/1717357656145-H7CF3KUA6TZSWPUGPJZY/image-asset.jpeg)
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
FB: Lisa Miller Chambers
Questions? Please reach out to US at info@womenwhoexplore.com
-
$6,895 double occupancy, single occupancy is not available for this trip.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
-
• 2 nights at a beautiful 4-star luxury hotel in the heart of Nairobi with a swimming pool
• 3 nights in a premium secluded safari tents at the stunning and remote Instinct of The Mara Lodge. Tent includes a private en-suite bathroom and private veranda.
• 1 night at the famous, sought after, magical Giraffe Manor in the Garden Manor rooms
• Domestic flights from Nairobi to Mara and from Mara to Nairobi (2 one-hour flights)
• Private group airport transfers to and from Nairobi’s International Airport - Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) - for both international and domestic flights (both arrivals and departures)
• Half day tour of Nairobi visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Center and the Kazuri Beads Factory
• Game drive en-route from Mara airport to Instinct of Mara camp
• Personalized service at the Instinct of Mara camp from their concierge team, guides, chef, and drivers with the ability to design our group’s day-to-day itinerary to enjoy an epic safari experience
• 3 afternoon and 2 morning game drives in custom 4×4 vehicles with open roof hatches exploring different routes in the Olderkesi Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Private guide and driver for game drives during the stay at the Instinct of Mara and during your safari drives
• Enjoy picnic breakfasts and lunches in the bush during your game drives
• Enjoy guided bush walks, bird watching tours and visit a waterfall with a swimming hole during your free time at the Instinct of Mara camp
• Relax with sundowners where you are treated to drinks, appetizers and incredible sunset views
• Night game drives from sundowners on the way back camp
• Enjoy evenings relaxing by the fire pit overlooking a watering hole at your safari camp
• 3-hour breakfast experience at the Giraffe manor where you can feed and interact with the Rothschild’s giraffes
• Welcome and farewell dinners, all breakfasts along with all meals while at the Instinct of Mara camp and the Giraffe Manor; in total this includes 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners
• All drinks except champagne and premium wine and spirits.
• A donation to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to adopt and sponsor a baby elephant, baby rhino and baby giraffe on behalf of our group for 2025
• All park entrance fees, government taxes, and levies
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group.
• Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions.
• WWE Swag to sport on your adventure!
• Small group; maximum of 12 women + your trip host
-
• International Flights to/from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
• Gratuities for guides and drivers (at the discretion of the client)
• Airport transfers outside of designated times, dates, and meeting location
• Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Experience
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above. Premium alcohol and any additional meals, snacks, etc. not included in the full board at the resorts
• Spa services available at resorts
• Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary
• Visa if applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing
• Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
-
Sarova Panafric - Nairobi - A 4-star luxury offering a tranquil oasis in the heart of Nairobi, blending contemporary comfort with authentic African charm. Nestled amidst lush gardens, this elegant hotel provides a secluded retreat from the bustling city, the property offers an on-site swimming pool, fitness center, sauna and steam and spa.. With its warm hospitality, modern amenities, and rich cultural ambiance, Sarova Panafric promises a truly memorable stay to begin your African adventure! .
Instinct of Mara - Maasai Mara -A luxury, secluded safari camp tucked away on a corner of the 7,600 acre Olderkesi Conservancy which is part of the Maasai Mara. With only 9 tents on site, you’ll experience untouched nature during your stay in this beautiful, animal-rich area of Kenya. Not only will you enjoy the opportunity to see incredible wildlife, including the Big Five, you’ll also have time to enjoy the property's additional activities and hike to their private waterfall for a swim. You’ll be staying in a double occupancy premium safari tent with an en-suite bathroom and private veranda.
Giraffe Manor - Nairobi - One of the most unique places to stay in the world and known as the “most unforgettable bucket-list breakfast in the world”, a stay at the Giraffe Manor is an experience you don’t want to miss! You’ll be staying in one of the Garden Manor rooms located on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest where the resident Rothschild’s giraffes roam freely. The giraffes are known to visit mornings and evenings poking their long necks into windows in hope of a treat. On-site you will also be able to enjoy The Retreat’s amenities including a swimming pool, sauna and steam room, fitness center and spa.
-
All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
-
Welcome to the Garden Manor rooms at Giraffe Manor, exclusively reserved for our group's unforgettable stay. With a total of 6 cozy rooms, each offering a unique bed configuration, your comfort is our priority. As part of the extraordinary Giraffe Manor experience, 3 of these rooms boast open windows or doors, providing the rare opportunity to feed giraffes as they pass by. To ensure fairness and shared enjoyment, guests in these rooms will be required to kindly extend their hospitality by allowing access to fellow guests in rooms without direct giraffe access. While encounters with these gentle giants are not guaranteed, the Manor strives to orchestrate magical moments for all their guests to cherish.
The Rothschild’s giraffes are wild animals and the Manor cannot guarantee what sort of interaction you will have with them, if any at all. The Manor is a lovely old home full of old-world charm and history; the giraffes are the icing on the cake of what is already a very special experience. Although the Manor cannot guarantee how the giraffes will behave, it is highly unusual that guests would not experience some degree of interaction with them. The giraffes can be fed from some of the bedroom windows and they have become accustomed to feeding through the dining room windows at breakfast which they do more often than not. As the giraffes roam freely, encounters on the property can happen any time of the day at any locations on the property including the pool.
The conservancy is composed of over 140+ acres, which is the equivalent of approx. 113 football fields, of indigenous forest on which the giraffes browse for natural food sources as well. Typically the giraffes feed naturally more than they do on pellets as they each require approximately 65 kgs (143 lbs) of food per day. Only a few kilograms of pellets are used to feed the giraffes every day and they choose to visit the manor only when and if they want. As much as they enjoy the pellets, they only have access to them during 12 of every 24 hours and tend to wander off when they have had enough. The amount of pellets we use is strictly regulated as the giraffes’ health and ability to reproduce is everyone’s top priority.
Many of the giraffe that are born here are returned to the wild to repopulate areas where the species has already gone extinct. The giraffes are not here solely to interact with guests and have not been trained or domesticated in any way; it is simply a fortunate advantage of the breeding program that the giraffes enjoy being fed by visitors.
Whilst it is not possible for guests to reserve specific tables for breakfast, we can assure you that everyone will have the opportunity to feed the giraffes during the breakfast service and we always do our best to make sure all guests get the photographs they want. Our breakfast dining rooms are small and the giraffes come in far enough for everyone to have meaningful interactions. In general, guests who stay in the Main Manor will have breakfast in the Main Manor sunroom and guests who stay in the Garden Manor will have breakfast in the Garden Manor dining room.
-
This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).
-
Due to the nature of this trip, there is a special cancellation policy in place. The reservation is not changeable or refundable at 10 months out from the trip start date (August 5, 2024).
If this trip is not reach the minimum number of guests to be confirmed, your deposit and any payments will be 100% refundable or transferable.
Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description (see above).
-
Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
-
Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
-
Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.