Meet Nairobi’s gentle giants at Giraffe Manor

More than just a place to stay, Giraffe Manor is an experience like no other. What makes this property so unique is not just its beautiful rooms, fine dining and 140 acres of surrounding gardens, but the giraffes, which roam the grounds freely. As a guest at the Manor, you are greeted by and encouraged to interact with their most famous residents, the Rothschild's giraffes. These gentle creatures are not only friendly but are genuinely curious and will pop up at breakfast for a snack. This is a truly exceptional experience and one that leaves even the most hardened traveller with a lump in their throat.

Located only 20 kilometres from Nairobi's city centre, this luxury boutique hotel is famous for its resident herd of Rothschild's giraffes. In 1974 the few remaining Rothschild's giraffes left in the wild were relocated here, starting a breeding centre which still operates today and has resulted in many giraffes being re-introduced back into the wild.

At Giraffe Manor you will stay as a treasured guest in one of the six suites in the Manor House, or in one of the elegant rooms in the new wing. Rooms are filled with authentic antique furniture and offer views across to the Ngong Hills.



Originally built in 1932 and modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge, Giraffe Manor offers a pleasing mixture of traditional and modern elegance. The Manor has an impressive two storey entrance hall and majestic staircase, along with immaculately furnished interiors. The 10 luxury double en suite bedrooms have large four-poster beds, antique furnishings, striking art decor and spacious bathrooms.



Within the main manor there are three room types available for accommodation. There are two standard rooms (Lynn and Marlon), six superior rooms (Jock, Betty, Arlene, Kelly, Helen and Daisy) and two superior suites which are ideal for families (Karen Blixen Suite and the Finch Hatton Suite).

This exclusive property is one of the most sought after properties in Africa. With only ten rooms, the Manor books out well in advance. Contact This is Africa on 1800 AFRICA (1800 237 422) or visit thisisafrica.com.au

Our new brochure is now available!

Packed with plenty of popular and innovative group tours and tailor made options, there is something to meet everyone’s interests, timeframe and budget in our new brochure. There’s more than 25 new properties, eight new tours and five new packages on offer. 

Highlights include new small group tours in south and east Africa, including three exclusive migration safaris. Plus five new South Africa packages, including a self-drive and honeymoon-focussed package. A new Cape Winelands and Garden Route section is included, as well as a Budgeting for Africa section to help you prepare for your African adventure. All products include a price guide based on 2016 low season prices.

To request a brochure visit thisisafrica.com.au or call 1800 AFRICA (1800 237 422).  

New entry requirements for South Africa

The South African government has changed its entry requirements for children travelling to and from South Africa. From 1 June 2015 any child under 18 years of age is required to provide additional documentation on entry depending on their circumstances. These requirements are in addition to visas (Australian passport holders do not require an entry visa).

Who does it affect?

All children under the age of 18 years who travel in or out of South Africa. 

What is required if a child/ren are travelling with both parents?

The following documents must be presented on exiting Australia (or whichever country the child departs from before arriving in South Africa), on arrival in South Africa, and on exiting and re-entering South Africa.

• The child’s passport
  
• The child’s original, unabridged birth certificate which states both names of the child’s parents.

What is required if a child is travelling with one parent only:

• An unabridged birth certificate stating both names of the parents. Either the original or a certified copy stating the copy is a true copy of the original is acceptable. The certified document must be signed by a public notary or commissioner of oaths and be less than three months old at the time of travel. (Justices of the Peace (JPs) in Australia are not permitted to witness documents for use in foreign countries).

 As well as a birth certificate, one of the following pieces of documentation is also required (as is applicable):

• Travelling separately: An affidavit from the absent parent confirming that they have given permission for the child to travel with the other parent. This must be signed by a public notary or commissioner of oaths and be less than three months old at the time of travel. (Justices of the Peace (JPs) in Australia are not permitted to witness documents for use in foreign countries). A copy of the identification and contact details of the absent parent must be available. The following link lists notary publics that can sign the affidavit http://www.notarylocator.com.au/

• Sole custody: Court papers giving parental rights to the parent travelling with the child.

• Deceased parent: a death certificate of the remaining parent named on the birth certificate of the child. 

For more information you can contact the South African High Commission in Canberra on 02) 6272 7300 or visit: http://www.sahc.org.au/.

WE ARE AFRICA CONFERENCE IN CAPE TOWN

WE ARE AFRICA CONFERENCE

The third annual ‘We are Africa’ conference took place in Cape Town recently. Over 250 exhibitors gathered to promote new luxury properties, property upgrades and advancements in conservation and anti-poaching techniques. Our managing director, Patrick, was invited to attend the conference and he met with over 60 exhibitors to discuss and source new properties and deals for our customers.

Tourist trends and infrastructure developments within the region were also discussed. Zimbabwe is experiencing renewed visitor interest in Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks. Hwange is known for its large elephant herds and Mana Pools has the country’s largest concentration of hippo and crocodile. In Victoria Falls USD$150 million is being spent on the airport to allow for larger planes. A second runway will mean more direct scheduled flights to places such as Kruger Nelspruit, Cape Town and possibly Nairobi, making travel around east and southern Africa easier and quicker.

 

 

The conference began with a conversation lab discussing the alarming growth in poaching and the new measures being implemented to combat this unthinkable practice. After lunch there was a series of interesting speakers including Levison Wood, an explorer, writer, photographer and former British military parachutist talk about his nine month journey walking the length of the Nile. 

In 2014 Wood became the first man to attempt to walk the length of the Nile, which saw him spend nine months travelling through rainforests, deserts, cities and even war zones in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt. In his documentary, 'Walking the Nile', you learn about his story of modern Africa, including the impact it had on him and the amazing people he met and the breathtaking places he saw along the way.