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Karen Blixen Museum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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The Karen Blixen Museum is situated in the affluent suburb of Karen in Nairobi, occupying the former farmhouse of the renowned Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote under the pen name Isak Dinesen. Built in 1912 by Swedish settler Åke Sjögren, the house was purchased by Blixen and her husband, Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke, in 1917 as part of a 4,500-acre coffee plantation. Karen Blixen lived here until 1931, during which time she managed the farm and wrote the experiences that would later become the classic memoir Out of Africa. The architecture is a fine example of early 20th-century colonial design, featuring a broad veranda, high ceilings, and spacious rooms that have been restored to their original appearance. After the 1985 film adaptation of her book, the site gained international fame and was donated by the Danish government to the National Museums of Kenya. Today, the museum showcases original furniture, farm implements, and personal artifacts that illustrate the life of European settlers in Kenya during the colonial era.

Location: Kenya
Top sights: Karen Hub, Water Recycling · Ngong Road Forest Gate - Lower Dam Recreation Area · Sam Mburu Resort
Nearby: Ngong (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	24	24	22	21	20	20	21	22	23	23	23
Rain mm	53	36	83	138	96	37	23	31	33	56	76	71

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Karen Blixen Museum is the former home of the Danish author, now a public museum. The interiors and garden can be visited; the house is preserved with original furnishings.

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Typical hours

The museum usually has fixed opening hours, typically from morning to late afternoon, seven days a week. During peak season, hours may be extended; check the website before your visit.

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Photography

Photography inside the museum is allowed without flash. In the garden and on the exterior you can photograph freely, but some rooms may have restrictions.

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Time needed

Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the tour of the house and garden. Literature enthusiasts can easily spend 2 hours studying the exhibits and texts.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the nearby Nairobi National Park or the Kazuri Bead Centre. The Sheldrick Elephant Nursery is also a short drive away.

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Getting there

The museum is located in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, easily reachable by taxi or Uber. From the city centre, the drive takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

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Insider tip

Visit the museum in the morning to avoid crowds, then enjoy a drink at the garden café. It is worth asking for the audio guide, available in several languages.

Geography

Coordinates

-1.35300, 36.71400

Facts

Built in 1912 by the Swedish architect Åke Sjögren.
Home of the author Karen Blixen from 1917 to 1931.
Part of a 4,500-acre coffee farm named MBogani.
Donated to the National Museums of Kenya in 1985.
Site of the 1985 film Out of Africa production nearby.
Located 10 kilometers from Nairobi city center.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ngong6 km · SExplore →

Nairobi Safari Walk7 km · NWExplore →

Bomas of Kenya7 km · NExplore →

Fort Smith10 km · EExplore →

Kikuyu11 km · SEExplore →

Le'mac Towers11 km · NEExplore →

Prism Tower12 km · NEExplore →

Global Trade Centre Nairobi12 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Karen Blixen Museum (8)

Karen Hub, Water Recycling 🎡 recreation

This modern water recreation facility at the Karen Hub incorporates sustainable recycling technology.

Ngong Road Forest Gate - Lower Dam Recreation Area 📍 landmark

This serene recreation area is situated by the lower dam at the entrance to the lush Ngong Road Forest.

🌐 ngongroadforest.com

Sam Mburu Resort 📍 landmark

This local resort property features recreational facilities amidst the tranquil surroundings of the Karen suburb.

Institute of Primate Research 📍 landmark

This research facility focuses on biomedical and primatological studies using non-human primates.

Oloolua Nature Trail 🌿 nature

This peaceful forest trail winds through the Oloolua woods, passing a scenic waterfall.

Karen Blixen Museum 🏛 museum

Set in a colonial-era farmhouse at the foot of the Ngong Hills, this museum preserves the former home of the 'Out of Africa' author.

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Karen Village 🎭 culture

This creative hub in the Karen neighborhood hosts artist studios, workshops, and animated cultural exhibitions.

Wastah Villa 🎭 culture

This villa serves as a local arts and cultural center, providing a space for creative gatherings and exhibitions.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Karen Blixen?

She was a Danish author, famous for her book 'Out of Africa'.

How much is the entry fee?

Non-residents pay approximately 1200 KES for entry.

Is photography allowed inside the house?

Photography is usually not allowed inside the house, but permitted in the gardens.

Where is the museum located?

It is located in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, about 10 kilometers from the city center.

How long does a tour take?

A guided tour of the house takes about 45 to 60 minutes.

Karen Blixen Museum: where is it located?

Karen Blixen Museum is located in Kenya.

Karen Blixen Museum: what is there to see?

Highlights include Karen Hub, Water Recycling, Ngong Road Forest Gate - Lower Dam Recreation Area, Sam Mburu Resort.

Karen Blixen Museum: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Karen Blixen Museum: why is it worth visiting?

The Karen Blixen Museum is situated in the affluent suburb of Karen in Nairobi, occupying the former farmhouse of the renowned Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote under the pen name Isak Dinesen.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Karen Blixen Museum

Best time to visit & climate