Twiga Magic in Nairobi

Twiga is the Swahili word for giraffe and they create magic as they stroll freely around Giraffe Manor, peacefully co-existing with the 10 warthogs and 3 dogs that have the run of the estate. Being there was like stepping into the film "Out of Africa.". Ironically, the woman who is the subject of the film, had a house not far from the Manor. If you remember at the end of the film, Karen Blixen gives all of her furniture to friends before leaving Africa. My room actually had furniture from her home as well as a large wood burning fireplace. Even though Nairobi is near the equator, the city is about 4,000 feet in altitude and this is their winter. The nights did get cool, but morning brought the giraffes to the windows to be hand- fed kibble. It was an incredible experience to feel a giraffe licking the kibble gently out of my hand and to meet them, up close and personal. Staying at the manor is also an opportunity to help preserve the Rothschild giraffe. They were almost extinct when the original residents of the house (Betty and Jock Leslie Melville), heard that the small band of exisiting giraffes was going to be wiped out. They managed to save one baby which they named Daisy, and Giraffe Manor began. They later rescued Marlon their second giraffe and now there are 10 at the Manor (7 adults and 3 babies). The mistress of the manner now is Betty's daughter-in-law Bryony who is a tad intimidating. She is one of those folks who have lived out the fantasy of actually being raised in Africa so in addition to her British accented English, Bryany speaks fluent Swahili. Also, Bryony looks like a model, has the sophistication of a life-long world traveler, and makes graciousness look like it's as natural as breathing.(just like Suzanne and Paul!) Bryany and her incredible staff; (Cosmos, Julius, George, and the other 7-8 folks who work at the manor) make every guest feel like a member of the family. You can't possibly stay there without getting caught up in the enchantment of it all. I embarassed myself by tearing up when I left. It felt like leaving home; a home that exists in dreams only......On to my last stop in Africa: Tanzania.....Happy Trails until then, Bwana Marion