The Retreat sits 80 metres from Giraffe Manor on the same forested giraffe sanctuary and shares its views. It exists to solve the awkward hours of a safari: the early arrival, the late departure, the long gap between a morning flight and an evening one.

IMPORTANT: guests cannot stay overnight at The Retreat, and a Retreat booking does not give access to Giraffe Manor. Day Rooms check in from 10:00 and check out at 22:00 on the same day. The building closes daily from 22:00 to 06:00.

There are four first-floor en-suite bedrooms. Lily is the Day Room Suite and takes up to four guests with room for two more. Waridi and Nandi are Deluxe Day Rooms taking two guests with room for two more, and Alizeti is a Deluxe Day Room taking two with room for one more. All have large walk-in rain showers, balconies and space to reorganise luggage. Waridi and Nandi have open plan bathrooms with a separate toilet; Lily and Alizeti have doors separating the bathrooms. Extra guests are not given an extra bed.

Rates include arrival and departure transfers within the check-in and check-out window, all meals, a selection of house wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks, use of the wellness facilities and access to the Giraffe Centre. Spa treatments, cigars, excursions and access to Giraffe Manor are excluded.

Giraffes do not have access to the rooms or the dining areas at The Retreat, though direct contact is possible at the end of the pool when they choose to come.