7 Things to Do Near Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages
Looking for things to do near Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages? If you’re staying at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of Nairobi’s most iconic, scenic, and cultural attractions, all within 5 to 30 minutes of your cottage. From feeding giraffes and browsing artisan markets to forest walks and museum visits, here’s your curated guide to what to do near Karen Blixen Coffee Garden.
1. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum
Distance: 5 minutes from the hotel. Explore the former home of author Karen Blixen, made famous by Out of Africa. Tour her preserved rooms, gardens, and antique collections, and step into colonial-era Nairobi.
Why go: It’s the most iconic stop in Karen ,and part of the estate’s real history
Pro tip: Book a private guide for richer stories and context.
2. Feed Giraffes at the Giraffe Centre (AFEW Kenya)
Distance: 10 minutes
Stand face-to-face with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes from an elevated feeding platform. Learn about conservation efforts in a family-friendly setting
Good to know: Open daily. Go early to avoid crowds.
Nearby café: Stop at The Hattons Lounge for lunch after your visit.
3. Watch Baby Elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Distance: 25 minutes (arrive by 10:30 AM for viewing)
Rescue meets love here. Witness orphaned elephants being fed and playing in the mud, an unforgettable experience that supports wildlife conservation.
Limited Entry: Visits are only allowed between 11AM–12PM daily.
Extra Tip: You can adopt an elephant and receive updates post-trip.
4. Unwind at Karen Country Club
Distance: 8 minutes
An exclusive golf club nestled in old-growth trees, with refined dining and a calm, colonial ambiance. Arrange access through concierge or partner bookings.
Activities: Golf, tennis, lunch, spa
5. Shop and Stroll at The Hub Karen
Distance: 10–12 minutes
A modern mall featuring high-end shopping, coffee shops, gourmet groceries, and open-air walkways. Perfect for errands or casual local discovery.
Fun Fact: One of Nairobi’s most eco-friendly malls.
Essentials nearby: Pharmacy, ATMs, restaurants, salons
6. Explore Oloolua Forest Nature Trail
Distance: 15–20 minutes
Go beyond the city with a walk through dense indigenous forest, waterfalls, and small caves. Monkeys overhead, birdsong everywhere.
What to bring: Sneakers, water, binoculars
Great for: Nature lovers, light hikers, photographers
7. Enjoy a Sunset Horse Ride at Ngong Hills
Distance: 30–40 minutes
For something truly special, ride horseback along the scenic Ngong Ridge, overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Denys Finch Hatton, Blixen’s muse, is buried here
Tip: Plan for a late afternoon ride. Bring layers.
FAQs
Is Karen Blixen Coffee Garden close to tourist attractions?
Yes! Major attractions like the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, and Kazuri Beads are all within a 5–15 minute drive.
Can I walk to any of the sights?
Some, like the Karen Blixen Museum, may be walkable. However, transport is recommended for safety and comfort.
Is Karen safe for tourists?
Karen is one of the safest and most upscale neighborhoods in Nairobi. Always use hotel-recommended transport for convenience.
What’s the best time to visit Karen Nairobi?
March–May and October–November offer jacaranda blooms, mild weather, and fewer crowds.
