5 Luxury Stays Where Wildlife Comes To You, From Giraffe Manor To Diphlu River Lodge

Plenty of lodges promise wildlife, however, there’s a difference between having the wildlife at hand and being within the wildlife itself. When you are lodged within the heart of wildlife, it brings up unexpected encounters that are as photographable as they are memorable. To go out on your balcony and witness an elephant at eye-level is just as rare as being invited to a Buckingham Palace party. To that end, we have collated a list of properties from India and abroad that give you a taste of wildlife in the comfort of your room.

5 Best Luxury Wildlife Stays Around The World

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Built in 1932 in Nairobi's Lang'ata suburb, Giraffe Manor stands on 12 acres inside 140 acres of indigenous forest. A herd of Rothschild's giraffes, a subspecies once highly endangered, visits morning and evening and puts its heads through the windows for treats. The owner, The Safari Collection, runs a breeding programme that has increased wild numbers. It also operates the Giraffe Centre, a short walk away. Guests stay in the historic manor or the Garden Manor, added in 2011. Rates include meals, house drinks, laundry, transfers and Giraffe Centre entry. The hotel is often booked more than a year ahead, and a USD 150 per person supplement applies from December 23 to January 1.

Price per night: Approx. Rs 2,72,700 per person.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra, Australia

Jamala sits inside the National Zoo & Aquarium on Lady Denman Drive. Its Giraffe Treehouses, Jungle Bungalows (sun bears, a tiger and cheetahs) and Shark Grand Suite are built beside the animals' enclosures. The nightly rate covers high tea on arrival, a four-course dinner with all drinks, an à la carte breakfast and a guided zoo tour. Children must be four or older, and extra adults pay AUD 495 a night.

Price per night: Approx. Rs 1,22,960 per room, Lemur Room, Sunday to Thursday. Giraffe Treehouses start at AUD 2,550.

Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia

The lodge has 18 chalets around two lagoons inside South Luangwa National Park, about 45 minutes' drive from Mfuwe airport. Each November, a family herd of wild elephants walks through the open-air reception on its way to the wild mango trees beyond. Hippos, giraffe, buffalo, antelope and crocodile visit the lagoon. The Bushcamp Company runs the lodge as the gateway to its six walking camps in the southern park. Guests can swap the morning game drive for a guided walk. Rates are full board.

Price per night: Approx. Rs 1,09,050 per person.

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini, India

The resort is bordered on two sides by the Kabini River, which separates it from Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. Its thatched huts follow the design of Kadu Kuruba tribal villages. The Pool Hut and Safari Hut each have a private courtyard, and the Pool Reserve adds a heated pool and a star bed for sleeping outdoors. The Kuruba Grill restaurant overlooks the river. Kabini is known for large gatherings of Asian elephants, and tigers, leopards and wild dogs are all recorded there. In summer, herds collect on the riverbank near the lodge.

Price per night: Rs 36,000, entry rate on the all-inclusive plan.

Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga, India

Twelve air-conditioned bamboo-and-thatch cottages stand on stilts beside the Diphlu River, on the edge of Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Cottages 5 to 8 face the river. The park holds Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic wild water buffalo and tigers, along with more than 400 bird species. When monsoon floods raise the river, the lodge's higher ground serves as refuge for park animals. Elephant safaris run at dawn, most staff come from nearby villages, and rooms have no televisions.

Price per night: Rs 38,000 for twin sharing, taxes included.