Nairobi National museum and Karen Blixen museum
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This trip takes you to 2 attractions, Nairobi national museum, and The Karen Blixen museum.
Karen museum, at the foot of the Ngong Hills, 10 kilometers from Nairobi, lies a 19th-century bungalow named after renowned Danish author Karen Blixen. The building houses the Karen Blixen Museum.
With its serene environment, lush green lawns, and cool breeze, one cannot help but fall for its charm and promise of tranquillity.
Karen Blixen and her husband Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke bought the house built in 1912 by Swedish engineer Ake Sjogren. It served as a farmhouse on their 4,500-acre farm.
Ms. Blixen came to Kenya in 1914 to get married to Baron Fincke. The couple grew coffee, though it was not as profitable as they had expected.
Seven years later, Blixen’s marriage turned sour and she and her husband divorced in 1921, leaving her the sole manager of their farm. She later fell in love with a big-game hunter named Denys Finch Hatton.
Available options
Nairobi National museum and Karen Blixen museum
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Driver/Guide
Transportation
Hotel pick up/Drop off
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Nairobi National Museum is the flagship brand for the National Museums of Kenya. Located on Museum Hill, the museum showcases Kenya's rich Heritage with four distinct themes representing Kenya's Culture, Nature, History and Contemporary Art.Other attractions within the compound include the Snake Park and Botanical Gardens as well as a State of the Art Auditorium that occasionally hosts concerts, film shows and other events. There is Dining and shopping facilities as well.
After Nairobi national museum we proceed to Karen Blixen museum house were you will learn about karen Located in what was then British East Africa, the bungalow-style house which is now the Karen Blixen Museum was built in 1912 by the Swedish engineer Åke Sjögren,[2] The house and its attached property were bought in 1917 by Karen Blixen and her husband, Baron Brorvon Blixen-Finecke with the intention of operating a coffee plantation. After the Blixens separated in 1921, Karen Blixen continued to live at the house and run the plantation until she returned to Denmark 1931. Her life here is chronicled in her most famous book, Out of Africa, as well as in her book Shadows of the Grass.
What's not included
Souvenir photos(Available to purchase)
Food and Drinks (Available to Purchase)
Entry fee
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
3.5
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant city known for its rich wildlife, cultural diversity, and modern urban landscape. It's the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a unique blend of city life and nature.
Top Attractions
Nairobi National Park
This unique national park is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
Nature
Half day to full day
KES 400-1000
Karen Blixen Museum
This museum is dedicated to the Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in Kenya during the early 20th century. The museum is set in her former home and offers a glimpse into colonial life in Kenya.
Historical
2-3 hours
KES 500-1000
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that showcases the traditional music, dance, and acrobatics of Kenya's various ethnic groups. The center also features a museum and craft shops.
Cultural
2-3 hours
KES 500-1500
Must-Try Local Dishes
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat, typically goat or beef, seasoned with salt and sometimes spices. It's a popular dish often served with ugali and kachumbari.
Main Course
Contains meat
Ugali
A staple food made from maize flour, cooked with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. It's often served with stews or nyama choma.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Sukuma Wiki
Collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes other vegetables. It's a common side dish in Kenyan cuisine.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Coffee tasting
Spas
Picnics
Museum visits
Cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
June to October
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.
18-28°C
64-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Swahili
- Widely spoken: English, Swahili
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Nairobi is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Nairobi Railway Station
By bus
Nairobi Bus Station, Mombasa Road Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The NCBS is the main public transport system, with routes covering most of the city. Buses are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Westlands
Karen
Day trips
Lake Naivasha
90 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by scenic landscapes and wildlife. It's a popular spot for boat rides, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby Hell's Gate National Park.
Mount Longonot
80 km from Nairobi • Full day
Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano with a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the crater lake.
Lake Nakuru National Park
160 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its large population of flamingos and other wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park offers game drives and walking safaris.
Festivals
Nairobi International Trade Fair • July
Nairobi Film Festival • October
Kenyatta Day • June 1
Pro tips
- Visit the Nairobi National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing
- Try local dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and sukuma wiki for an authentic culinary experience
- Use app-based taxi services like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation
- Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact
- Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
