The Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi, Kenya

When you have caught the rhythm of Africa, you find out that it is the same in all her music. Karen Blixen

If you’ve ever watched the Oscar-winning film Out of Africa or read the classic memoir it was based on, you’ll already be familiar with the Danish author Karen Blixen and her deep connection to Kenya. What you may not know is that her former home – a charming farmhouse nestled in the serene suburb of Karen in Nairobi – is now a beautifully preserved museum open to the public.

The Karen Blixen Museum offers a rare window into colonial Kenya during the early 20th century and provides a fascinating contrast to the country’s better-known wildlife and beach attractions. If you’re curious about Kenya’s layered history, diverse influences, and literary legacy, this museum deserves a top spot on your Nairobi itinerary.

From Denmark to the Foot of the Ngong Hills

Karen Blixen moved to Kenya in 1914 to run a coffee farm with her husband, Baron Bror von Blixen. What was intended to be a dairy farm turned instead into a coffee plantation — a decision made unilaterally by the Baron and one that caused lasting frustration for Karen.

Her time in Kenya was marked by emotional highs and deep losses, including her separation from her husband, the tragic death of her lover Denys Finch Hatton, and the eventual collapse of the farm. She returned to Denmark in 1931, where she later wrote her famous memoir Out of Africa, published under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen.

A Visit to the Karen Blixen Museum

Located at the foot of the Ngong Hills, just off Karen Road in Lang’ata, the museum is set in a peaceful, flower-filled garden. Walking through the gates, you’ll feel instantly transported to the era of colonial Kenya. The setting is tranquil, and it looks remarkably similar to scenes depicted in the film adaptation of Out of Africa, much of which was actually filmed here.

Entry Fees (as of 2024):

• Non-residents: KSH 1,200 (approx. £6.50 / $8)

• Kenyan residents: KSH 200 (approx. £1 / $1.50)

• Children & Students: Reduced rates available

• Location: Karen Road, Lang’ata, Nairobi 00100, Kenya

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily, including public holidays

Top tip: The museum also allows photography inside the house (with a small extra fee), so bring your camera if you want to capture the vintage charm.

What to Expect

Inside the house, time seems to stand still. Each room is filled with original furnishings, photographs, books, and personal items that belonged to Karen Blixen — or are faithful restorations from the period. You’ll find her famous typewriter, a vintage clock, an old gramophone, and even the lantern she would hang on the veranda to signal her return home to Denys.

The dining room, featured prominently in the film, remains intact and is a particular highlight — it’s easy to imagine elegant dinner parties lit by candlelight taking place right there. Other parts of the home include the bedroom, a study, and a kitchen fitted with early 1900s cooking utensils and appliances.

Outside, you’ll find old farming equipment and a large coffee processing machine — a reminder of the ambition and eventual failure of the coffee venture.

A Few Surprises

If you’re lucky, you might meet one of the resident cats lounging in the garden or sunning itself on the veranda — they certainly add to the homey atmosphere. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, offering tours in English, French, German, and Swahili. Their insights into Blixen’s life and the socio-political context of the time help deepen the experience.

Combining Your Visit

The Karen Blixen Museum is located near several other key attractions, making it ideal for a day of cultural and wildlife exploration. Nearby, you’ll find:

• The Giraffe Centre – Meet and feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.

• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Visit rescued orphaned elephants and learn about conservation.

• ☕ Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages – Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in a colonial-style setting.

• ️ Matbronze Wildlife Art Gallery – Discover African art and sculptures just around the corner.

Why You Should Visit

Kenya is globally celebrated for its safaris and coastline, but its cultural and historical experiences are just as compelling. The Karen Blixen Museum reveals a complex story of colonial ambition, personal resilience, romance, and tragedy. Whether you’re a literature lover, history buff, or simply curious about Nairobi’s colonial past, this is a stop that will linger in your memory.

If you haven’t yet read Out of Africa or watched the film, add them to your list now  and let this story enrich your understanding of Kenya’s colonial legacy.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Karen Blixen Museum is more than just stepping into the past – it’s a reflection on how Kenya came to be the culturally rich, multifaceted country it is today. As someone whose own ancestors journeyed from India to Kenya during the colonial period, the experience left me deeply inspired to explore more of Kenya’s historical sites.

From the architecture to the artefacts and even the lingering presence of literary legend, every corner of this museum offers something special. Don’t miss it.

SaveSave