OUR SHOP, OUR FOOTPRINT, OUR FAMILY
Our online shop collection unites The Safari Collection family. Let us tell you a little bit about how Giraffe Manor Shop began.
We don’t just do safari adventures; we try to change lives too
It all started with a passion to share our wonderful world of safari. Kenya is bursting with immense artisanal skill, from the age-old crafts of beading, carving and weaving to incredible leather, textiles and glass creations. We wanted to celebrate the brilliant work of talented Kenyan designers who are taking local treasures and creating things that translate for the rest of the world. Our online collection grew out of the recognition of Giraffe Manor, in Nairobi Kenya. With so much to celebrate, the challenge soon became where do we start. Well, we started with our choice edits. Thinking long and hard about each and every product in our collection and how it aligns with our Footprint values…
Our Footprint
We firmly believe that the only footprints we should leave on our planet are those made by sandy toes. These are definitely the best kind. The Safari Collection’s Footprint Foundation underpins the ethos of our whole company by uniting epic safari adventures with conservation and communities. Our Footprint Foundation exists to ensure that tourism makes a positive impact on every environment and every community in which The Safari Collection operates. Wildlife must benefit. Kenya’s unique wilderness must benefit. Local people and cultures must benefit. You can visit our Footprint Foundation to discover the diverse range of conservation, health and education projects that we support throughout Kenya.
A thousand begins with one
— Swahili proverb
So how does this link to our shop? Well, every single product in our wonderful collection of handmade African goodies has been carefully selected and designed for its genuine sustainability and its positive impact. We’ve been to visit them all, just to make sure. Each item has its own little story. It also makes a difference to the community who produces it. You can meet many of the makers on our website, including Ubuntu Maker Mums and Kitengela’s glassblowers. Locally sourced materials, a fair wage, good working conditions and a low carbon footprint are a must. Many of our products are made to order to reduce wastage. Your items will make their way to you in a lightweight, locally made banana leaf box to be used and enjoyed for many years.
Our Collections
Because we commit to sourcing ethically made, high quality products which provide fair and sustainable wages to the people producing them, we cannot promise ‘factory consistency’. Nor do we want to. Most of our products are lovingly made by hand in small workshops and peoples’ homes, each coming with their own little story to tell. Everything we sell is one-of-a-kind. Wouldn’t it be boring if everything was the same? Imperfections are part and parcel of our authentic products, handcrafted by skilled artisans. Don’t worry though, this does not detract from the durability and quality of everything in our collection; we are passionate about sharing sustainable products, built to be cherished for years to come.
Many of the models featured on our website are either a member of our team or one of our friends. The whole Safari Collection family, from our Samburu guides to our interns, our partner pilots and our Operations Manager, has their own unique connection to our shop. Whether it’s through a cause close to their heart that one of our products supports or a celebration of their heritage - or maybe just looking great in front of the camera!
There are a multitude of social impact micro industries all over Africa doing great things. Being brave. Being creative. Having fun. And changing lives.
Start exploring the fabulous products in our online shop collection now, each one carefully hand-picked by us for its light footprint, positive social impact and utterly irresistible charm.
Shop our blog: AFRIDRILLE collection (here) /TWIGA AFRIDRILLE (here)
