How to Spend a Weekend in Karen : The Karen Blixen Experience
At the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages, we invite you to unwind into a rhythm of thoughtful luxury where every moment is curated with heritage, comfort, and grace. Nestled in one of Nairobi’s most serene neighborhoods, a weekend in Karen isn’t just an escape, it’s a return to self.
Friday or Saturday Arrival, your Sanctuary Awaits
Upon arrival in Nairobi, your weekend begins with check-in at our private cottages. Nestled within lush gardens and steeped in history, our cottages offer both comfort and seclusion. Mornings begin in the Hattons Lounge with our signature Karen Breakfast a spread of fresh tropical fruits, homemade pastries, organic eggs, and Kenyan coffee brewed to perfection.
Midmorning Feeding Rothschild Giraffes Up Close
A short drive takes you to the Giraffe Centre, where Kenya’s conservation efforts come alive. Here, you’ll meet the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe up close and personal. Interact, learn, and support a globally respected wildlife program. This is not a photo op it’s a graceful encounter with one of Africa’s most iconic species.
Lunch – Back to the Garden
Return to the peaceful surrounds of the Karen Blixen Garden for a seasonal farm-to-table lunch under the acacia trees. Each dish is crafted from locally sourced ingredients, prepared by our talented chefs with flavors that celebrate Kenyan culinary heritage.
An Afternoon Walk Through History
The Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the famed author of Out of Africa, is just moments away. Walk through preserved interiors and relics of a life both romantic and resilient. Our guided tours reveal lesser-known moments of her journey in Kenya, bringing her world vividly to life.
Evening Cocktails & Culinary Craftsmanship
Unwind at The Atrium Bar, where signature cocktails and a curated wine list offer the perfect prelude to dinner. As twilight sets in, settle into Babette’s Restaurant our culinary gem. The menu is a refined fusion of African inspiration and global technique. From slow-braised lamb to coconut saffron risotto, every plate is prepared with precision and heart.
Sunday Morning Safari in the City
Awaken early for an unforgettable game drive at Nairobi National Park. Just 30 minutes away, this is the only wildlife reserve on earth set against a capital skyline. Spot zebras, lions, buffalo, and rhinos in their natural habitat without ever leaving the city.
Late Morning, Light Fare, Fresh Air
Return for a leisurely lunch at our Garden Restaurant. Our recommendations? The signature grilled tilapia or the spinach and halloumi salad paired with chilled rosé. It’s a moment to relax, reflect, and reconnect
Afternoon – Artisans, Stories, and Keepsakes
Visit Kazuri Beads, a collective empowering over 300 women through ceramic jewelry making. Watch as raw clay becomes vibrant beads, hand-painted with care and fired on-site. The studio radiates joy, purpose, and possibility.
Before you depart, explore our Safari Souvenir Gift Shop. Here, we showcase hand-selected treasures from local artisans:
Mara Tatu woven baskets
Safari Bronze wildlife sculptures
Kazuri’s colorful beads
These aren’t just souvenirs they are keepsakes that carry stories, spirit, and soul.
