The Safari Collection 1/4

4 beautiful and luxurious lodges dotted around Kenya make up the famous Safari Collection owned by the 4th generational Kenyans, Mikey & Tanya. With properties in Nairobi, Laikipia, Masai Mara and Samburu, the Safari Collection is firmly committed to deliver quality experiences to their clientele as well as participate in conservation activities that not only impact the environment and wildlife, but also the surrounding local communities. ??

We then zoom in our focus to the Nairobi lodge that has been making waves on the internet and is now a tourist hotspot. Formerly a Scottish hunting lodge, the vista was built in 1932 by Sir David of the Mackintosh Family, prominent toffee makers in Scotland. The property is the oldest in the Collection and was later acquired by the American family, Jock & Betty in 1972.

With a growing fondness and liking to giraffes, Betty quickly learnt about the plight of the endangered Rothschild giraffe, originally from the savannahs of Kenya and Uganda. Given the large stature of the long-necked creatures, Idi Amin, Uganda's 3rd President, would feed the giraffes to his armies and at the same time, their natural habitat was slowly being replaced by corn fields. The giraffe population would then dwindle to only 76 Rothschild in the region.

In a bid to preserve this breed of giraffes, Betty took in Daisy, a beautiful Rothschild giraffe, into the vista in the 1970s. Daisy was shortly then joined by Marlon, in a bid to promote conservation through breeding. Later on, more giraffes joined the family and would freely roam the premise. The vista has since changed hands and is currently owned by Tanya & Mikey. The duo has been committed to continuing with the noble works of Betty & Jock and raising awareness of the plight of the giraffe, given they are more endangered than the elephant!??

The presence of the long-legged counterparts in the vista's lawn has inherently birthed its name, The Giraffe Manor. The Manor has swiftly gained popularity, quickly becoming a favourite of the collection. Nestled in the Lang'ata suburb of Nairobi, Rongai, the Manor enjoys picturesque views of the Ngong Hills. Tourists, both international and local, enjoy the company of the giraffes, while savouring the sweet experience offered by the Safari Collection. It is rather awestrucking to catch a glimpse of the giraffes as they stretch their long necks through the windows to enjoy their fibre-rich pellets during breakfast. This is the signature experience at the Manor. ??

Did you enjoy the stories of the Manor? Let me know in the comments below!??