Karen Blixen Museum Nairobi was founded by Karen Blixen, who was a renowned Danish author best known for her memoir Out of Africa. The museum is nestled at the foot of the Ngong Hills in the serene suburb of Karen, which was named after her and stands as a testament to Kenya’s colonial history and literary heritage. The Museum offers a captivating story of the life of this renowned Danish author while she lived in Kenya.
Karen Blixen arrived with her husband, Baron Bror Von Blixen-Finecke. They were set to start a coffee plantation. They settled in a farmhouse built in 1912 by a Swedish engineer, Eke Sjogren. In 1914, they separated, and Karen would go back to her Country of Denmark in 1931 after business got hard. It was her experience while living here that would encourage her to write a memoir named “Out of Africa“, which would then get adapted into an Oscar-winning film in 1985.
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The Karen Blixen Museum Nairobi
- Authentic interiors
The rooms in the Museum are still furnished with Blixen’s original furniture, including her study, kitchen, and dining room, giving an intimate look into her life. - Personal Artifacts
The museum showcases Blixens’ personal belongings, photographs, and memorabilia from the film, enriching the narrative of her life and work. - Historical Architecture
The museum is an original house designed as a traditional bungalow featuring spacious verandas and large windows that give a view of the Ngong hills.
- Lush Gardens
The surrounding gardens were maintained to reflect Blixen’s landscaping with various indigenous plant species, and she would spend time reflecting on her life.
Location and opening hours
It is located about 10 kilometers from Nairobi city center, a town in the suburb of Karen. It is open daily from 8:30 A.M to 6:00 P.M., including weekends and Public holidays.
Admission or entrance fees
- Kenyan Citizens pay KES 200 for adults, while children pay KES 100.
- Non-residents pay approximately USD 15 per person.
The Karen Blixen Museum tickets can easily be bought at the entrance during the day of visit. It is worth noting that once you pay the fees for the day of visit to the Museum, you cannot transfer the tickets to other people or even get a refund (it is not possible).
Guided Tours
There are guided tours available in English and Swahili offering in-depth insights into Blixen’s life and colonial Kenya.
Facilities
The Museum has a gift shop selling books, souvenirs, and local crafts. The grounds are also available for events such as weddings and other functions.
Other Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the Museum can enhance their experience by visiting other attractions in and around the area. These include such facilities as:
- Giraffe Centre:
At the Giraffe centre, Interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffe and feed them at close range in their natural environment. - David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust:
A sanctuary for orphaned elephants that are saved from dangerous situations in the wild. They receive care and protection until they are big enough to be taken back to the wild. - Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative:
A workshop for locally made ceramic jewelry that encourages women to be financially independent.
At the Karen Blixen Museum, visitors get a unique view into Kenya’s colonial past and the Life of one of the World’s greatest authors. If you love literature, history, or travelling, this Museum offers an enriching experience that is unforgettable in a lifetime. The museum has combined natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering an enriching experience.