After a seriously good nights sleep, we woke up SO excited for what would happen that morning.

Yep, it was time for us to eat breakfast with the giraffes! I had dreamt of doing this for so many years and it was finally happening. I couldn’t wait for those enormous faces to pop through the windows and eat from my table!

This tower of Rothschild giraffes have spent years visiting the manor, and over time have learned that visiting in the early hours of the morning will result in receiving a plentiful supply of tasty treats. Since the manor has become a hotel, this tradition has continued, and guests of the manor are provided with the unique opportunity to share a meal with some gorgeous gentle giants.

The nearby Giraffe Centre opens at 9, so the best time to see and interact with these goliath creatures is early in the morning. We were up at 5am, which is usually my idea of torture, but I certainly wasn’t complaining on this particular day!

The sun had barely risen above the horizon when we caught a glimpse of our first visitors, and it wasn’t long until they came to say hello.

I love this next photograph of Dan, the look of pure joy on his face really shows how exciting and delightful the experience really is.

Contrary to what it looks like on the ‘gram, these giraffes aren’t interested in your human breakfasts, they are simply seeking their pellets, and boy, they can’t get enough of them!

We sat down for breakfast, got as far as ordering our tea and coffee before we got totally sidetracked by our long-legged visitors. We were given menus, but I’d barely have time to read past the second option before an enormous head would swing around in search of snacks.

Of course, whenever they came seeking a snack, I was more than happy to oblige.

If I am completely honest, I must admit that the breakfast experience wasn’t exactly relaxing. The word ‘chaotic’ comes to mind! Pellets flying, heads swinging and constant exclamations of excitement made the morning loud and busy, which is definitely not a bad thing. The vibe was one of utter excitement and joy! However, after sneaking away to utilise the ladies room, I walked past the front door of the manor and saw a lone giraffe hanging out near the door!

There was only one other guest hanging out with this little bubba, which meant that I got to take a little break from the mania and have a play with a giraffe in a more relaxed environment, which was lovely.

Eventually I returned to the dining room and its gleeful hum of activity. As soon as I sat down, cheeky Kelly came to say hello, much to my delight!

Kelly is the largest female giraffe in the group, and it shows! The size of her head is truly unbelievable.

I couldn’t resist leaning in for a cheeky Kelly kiss!

After the dust had settled and most of the giraffes had left us in search of greener pastures (greener pastures being the promise of more pellets at the Giraffe Centre) we finally actually got time to consume something other than coffee and indulged in a lovely little brekkie.

Check out from the manor is strictly 10am, but many guests leave earlier in order to make international and domestic flights, so by about 9am we were some of the last guests remaining. As an added bonus, not all of the giraffes had left us, so our interaction wasn’t quite over.

Our last moments at the manor involved me getting absolutely covered in giraffe saliva during a rather slobbery giraffe smooch!

Our time at the manor was short but wonderful, expensive but so worth it and unique in every sense of the word. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I am so glad and so grateful that I could have.

It was the perfect way to spend our last morning in Africa.

THE  LOWDOWN

Getting to Nairobi: This international airport is one of the biggest hubs in Africa
Getting to Giraffe Manor: You can organise pick ups with the manor from anywhere in Nairobi
Giraffe Manor: One night in the smallest room (‘Lynn’) goes for $1240 USD and it is worth noting that these rooms book up very far in advance, so it is definitely best to plan ahead! Click here to learn more about Giraffe Manor!
Camera: Images captured with an Olympus OM-D E-M1 in conjunction with M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 and M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 lenses
Remember: The price may be on the steep side, but for a bucket list experience like this, it is totally worth it! Plus, the cost does include all transfers, all food, all alcohol and any laundry services.

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