Karen Blixen Museum
Karen Road, Nairobi, Kenya
The Danish author ofOut of Africa lived in a coffee plantation farmhouse at the edge of Kenya’s beautiful Ngong Hills, where a small museum now celebrates her life and work. Since much of the original furniture has been preserved, it’s a fascinating glimpse into a colonial-era home and an interesting stop even if you haven’t read Blixen’s books.
The Basics
Tickets to the Karen Blixen Museum include a docent-led tour that lasts roughly 30 minutes, but it’s worth lingering for a walk around the scenic grounds. Since the Karen Blixen Museum is located near several top Nairobi attractions—including the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre, the Kazuri Beads Factory, and Bomas of Kenya—many tours combine two or more of the destinations to save time in transit.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Karen Blixen Museum is great for history buffs and book lovers.
Portions of the movieOut of Africa were filmed in the historic house.
To see more of Blixen’s former property, visit the nearby Karen Blixen Coffee Garden.
How to Get There
Located on Karen Road southwest of downtown Nairobi, the Karen Blixen Museum can be reached from the center by bus or taxi. To come by bus, take Matatu Route 24, which stops just outside the museum. If you’re hoping to visit more than one attraction in the area, guided tours can be a hassle-free alternative, and many provide round-trip transport from your accommodations.
When to Get There
The Karen Blixen Museum is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm, with the last admission at 5:30pm. Since the grounds are a highlight for many visitors, it’s worth visiting on a clear day to make the most of the trip. Mornings at the museum tend to be quiet, so come early if you’d like to enjoy the grounds crowd-free.
Where Else Can You See*Out of Africa* Locations?
The Karen Blixen Museum wasn’t the onlyOut of Africa filming site; the movie featured some of Kenya’s most beautiful places. To check out more locations, head to Muthaiga Country Club in Nairobi, Mombasa’s beautiful beaches, Karen Blixen Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve, and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!