Karen Blixen Museum
Karen Blixen Museum
4
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This is the beautiful farmhouse where Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, lived between 1914 and 1931, until she left Kenya after a series of personal tragedies.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- Hans Erik HSoldarfjordur, Faroe Islands177 contributionsWorth knowingIt's been a long time since I've been here. This is a great trip with a very good guide. This is an interesting place to visit to see the surrounding mountains and hear the sea urns. Tíverri is not allowed to take pictures inside.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 February 2024
- Bev MissingSwellendam, South Africa23 contributionsHigh on nostalgia if you have seen Out Of Africa movieIt certainly was well worth a visit despite struggling to pay to enter because of a stupid system of paying via a QR code reader - which malfunctioned . Not user friendly AT ALL ! The guide was great but turned sullen when she never got a tip ! The entrance fee covered a free guided tour - so the sign said . The museum is well looked after with fresh flowers in all the rooms . I didn’t think the art seller in the garden right next to the house was appropriate - it spoilt the photosVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 March 2024
- BOBERG LUKASOslo, Norway26 contributionsA perfect visit to the Karen blixen museumToday we visited the Karen Blixen Museum, what an experience this was fantastic. I have always wanted to visit this house, having seen the movie several times before coming to this beautiful country. We are so excited to see and learn more about Karen's house and all about its rich history. Thanks also to our knowledgeable guide who guided us all though the walking adventure we loved the whole experience!! Thank you very much for a good job! An experience we recommend!!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 April 2024
- Fairy32Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates112 contributionsNice museum to visitTook my 9 year old son to the museum, after seeing a few days of animals wanted to do something different. The registration process was ridiculous to do it online with a passport number to which I said I don’t have mine - so they took cash!! Could have saved me a few minutes from the outset. It was lovely to sit and listen to the details of her life and then go into the house. There could have been more written down for us to read at our leisure and enjoy the space.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 April 2024
- TinaToronto, Canada4 contributionsMust VisitI have both read the book and watched the movie, so you can guess my experiences coming to this place. It's one of the few places where one can travel back in time and experience the old colonial Nairobi. While the extensive fields and wild plains that are so vividly described in the book are long gone, there is something for history and nature lovers to enjoy still. Kenya does have beautiful wildlife, but to learn and experience it's history and culture is a plus for any visitor. It was nice to learn of this from the guide whose passion for history and culture was as contagious as it was eye opening. It's places like this that make Nairobi so unique. The guide's name was Robert, and I whole heartedly recommend him. His contacts are rthuo541@gmail.com and +254725894994Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 May 2024
- bkwhite74 contributionsFascinating History Despite Payment FrustrationI recently visited the Karen Blixen Museum and overall, it was a rewarding experience. However, the initial process of purchasing admission was quite frustrating. The e-Citizen website required for payment is extremely buggy and, unfortunately, it didn't work for me. Fortunately, the friendly staff were very accommodating and allowed me to pay in cash, which was a relief. Once inside, I was able to fully appreciate the museum. Despite having no prior knowledge of Karen Blixen’s life or her work "Out of Africa," I left with a newfound understanding and appreciation, thanks to our extremely knowledgeable and genial guide, Daisy. She made the tour engaging and informative, sharing a wealth of information about Blixen's life and legacy.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 May 2024
- Dmag3 contributionsNice place but beware of the people selling ‘art’ on the lawn.Very interesting experience overall. The tour guide was incredibly helpful, and it's a nice place to visit, especially to learn about the history. The only downside is the aggressive salespeople outside on the lawn, pushing mass-produced 'art' into your hands and pressuring you to buy. According to my sister, who imports from China, the 'art' is clearly mass-produced. We ‘haggled’ prices and got them at 10-20%! Despite this, it was an enjoyable visit.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 June 2024
- CimmerianblokeRixensart, Belgium507 contributionsOverpriced, overdone.The place is the exact location where Karen Blixen lived, and when you travel to the place, you won't miss the Karen this and Karen that all other the place. Your first challenge will be to pay the hefty entry fee. No cash allowed, and if you're a tourist you'll need to register with the Kenyan government agency and pay through them. It took me 20 minutes, even though I had registered with the agency before my departure. Good luck if you arrive with 10 people to check in... Once that done, you'll be allocated a guide that will recite the whole story of the house and miss Blixen's life details, which you probably know all about if you read the book. Next is a small tour of the house, your chaperone will painfully detail every item of every room you visit. I know for sure, I eavesdropped another guide, their discourse was identical. Of course, you're not allowed to photograph anywhere inside the house. The house has been beautifully refurbished, most of the non original stuff has been left behind by the crew that shot the movie, the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic, you can imagine Karen Blixen emerging from one of the rooms at any moment. I was very moved and impressed by the soul and history that pours from the old walls but the guide ruined it for me. Maybe the best approach would have been to ask her to stay silent. Altogether a mix of feeling blessed to be in the rooms where the book stories took place and annoyed by the inelegance of the staff.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 7 June 2024
- Wil WesleyNew York City, New York13 contributionsA beautiful visit to the Karen Blixen museumMy girlfriend and I had a delightful visit to the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi. The beautiful gardens and views of the Ngong Hills set a nice scene for exploring the former home of the “Out of Africa” author. The knowledgeable guides made Blixen’s story come alive with fascinating stories. The preserved rooms and personal artifacts offered a glimpse into her life. It was a great experience for us.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 June 2024
- BreannaBrussels, Belgium7 contributionsOFF THE BUCKET LIST!Visiting the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi was like stepping into the pages of "Out of Africa." As someone who has always been fascinated by Karen Blixen and her works, I was thrilled to explore this charming farmhouse. The intimate glimpse into her life, from her study filled with personal items to the gardens she loved, made her stories come alive. The knowledgeable guides shared rich histories and captivating tales, including how even Ernest Hemingway himself believed she deserved the Nobel Prize. Although she never won, the museum truly honors her legacy, making it a must-visit for any literature lover or history enthusiast. Much appreciation to my agent Robert who went out of his way to ensure this visit was fun and seamless despite the many hurdles. Hit him up through rthuo541@gmail.com and +254725894994, I whole heartedly recommend him.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 16 June 2024
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4.0
2,312 reviews
Excellent
942
Very good
858
Average
392
Poor
79
Terrible
41
serina2000
London, UK184 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
The reasons why I rate the venue 4 instead of 3 is because I paid a residence rate (which is much lower than the tourist rate) and my local driver paid it for me (because the e-Citizen portal wasn't working).
Unless you are a fan of Out of Africa (which I have not watched), there is not much to see. The place is beautiful but simple. A free tour guide will explain the vehicles in the garden (eg tractor, ox cart), the small number of rooms inside the museum (where photos are not permitted), the kitchen (where photos are not permitted), and the large coffee machine in the forest. Then there are 3 vendors selling their items (eg paintings, masks, souvenirs) on-site.
There is also a cafe, which doesn't require you to pay the entrance fee.
Unless you are a fan of Out of Africa (which I have not watched), there is not much to see. The place is beautiful but simple. A free tour guide will explain the vehicles in the garden (eg tractor, ox cart), the small number of rooms inside the museum (where photos are not permitted), the kitchen (where photos are not permitted), and the large coffee machine in the forest. Then there are 3 vendors selling their items (eg paintings, masks, souvenirs) on-site.
There is also a cafe, which doesn't require you to pay the entrance fee.
Written 21 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas K
Copenhagen, Denmark1,478 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I have read some of her books and wanted to see her house. When you pay for the ticket you can ask for a guide who will tell you the story of Karen Blixen’s life. I was impressed by the house, such nice good size rooms. Great garden too. The museum also have a good giftshop with nice souvenirs, and souvenirs are sold in the garden too. Tour took 30 min and was well worth it.
They also talk about farming and coffee and why the farm failed.
No photo allowed in the house
They also talk about farming and coffee and why the farm failed.
No photo allowed in the house
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles S
Chester, UK91 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Fascinating Museum. Well worth a visit. The entry fee includes a guide to give you a walk and talk in the house. Very reasonably priced and full of interesting facts. Haven't found it elsewhere but we were also told about her second partner who is buried atop the Ngong hills.
Depending on your driver you will hear details of other important buildings in the area named Karen after a remarkable woman.
Depending on your driver you will hear details of other important buildings in the area named Karen after a remarkable woman.
Written 8 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan A
San Francisco, CA55 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
We tried to go to the museum but after 20 minutes of trying to buy tickets on the required ecitizen app, we gave up. You can't buy a ticket with cash or credit card. You must use the app. I had already registered with ecitizen for my Sheldrick Nursery tickets but still was unable to buy tickets even with the help of the ticket people at the museum. The wifi is terrible. Other people tried and left too. It's just outrageous that you can't buy tickets with a credit card and are dependent on crappy wifi. I hope the government changes that. We were really sorry to miss it, but the experience of trying to get in was completely unacceptable. If you want to go, get tickets in advance when you have good wifi.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald F
Edinburgh, UK653 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
This is the house where Karen Blixen lived - with lots of her artefacts. Played by Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa”
Nice grounds. Excellent tour guides - mandatory to use.
Worst issue is the need to pay on line when you arrive - little or no WiFi and Kenya Tourist website is slow or it crashes. We almost gave up! We had the same problem at National Museum - so just walked away. The payment system is not fit for purpose , just let tourists pay at the gate!!!
Nice grounds. Excellent tour guides - mandatory to use.
Worst issue is the need to pay on line when you arrive - little or no WiFi and Kenya Tourist website is slow or it crashes. We almost gave up! We had the same problem at National Museum - so just walked away. The payment system is not fit for purpose , just let tourists pay at the gate!!!
Written 11 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Collette W
5 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
My sister and I weren’t too sure we were interested in going to the Karen Blixen Museum but we had seen the movie Out Of Africa and thought why not? It’s only a few dollars to go and someone takes you all around and tells you the story. It was so interesting to see how she lived back then. We are glad we went!
Written 15 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NoosaKings
Noosa, Australia400 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We walked over from our accommodation, also in Karen suburb, but they told us not to walk back, so please be cautious about thefts in this area. The museum is fascinating. No photography is allowed inside. I've read a number of biographies about her life, and that of Finch-Hatton. I always wanted to see the location in person. For a small fee you are allowed entry without a time limit, so after our tour we wandered around the farm grounds and rested under the trees. The lady in the gift shop was lovely to chat to, we are both readers so exchanged quite a few titles to each other for future reading. Most fascinating were Karen's paintings. They are extremely well done. The house itself is lovely with preserved furniture , all the books she's written on display and you can feel a strong presence in the house.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
conny18
Darwin, Australia75 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
Absolutely ridicolous entry procedure! To buy a ticket is absurd! You need to downlod and register ecitzen Kenya where they want passport data etc. and then it maybe even do not work. What do they do with all that data? The ticket booth was open and the lady behind the desk was busy with her books instead of selling or at least informing customers about the process. Another gentleman tried to explain while at least other 5 people where sitting around having fun with stupid tourists annoyance — as more or less every visitor was stuck there! There was no chance of cash payment, there was no chance of direct MPESA payment, there was no option of buying tickets online by credit card. The gentleman offered us to find someone with a code (whatever that ment) where we could put down our credit card details to buy the tickets and repeatedly insisted on ‚please, you have to cooperate‘. As we were not willing to give our passport details or credit card details on someone elses phone just to enter a colonial house surrounded by green lawn for 1200 KES per person, we happily left. Whoever installed this form of payment, it is absurd. What just happened to easy cash or direct MPESA payment done in 2 minutes? If you really want to have ticket selling online so just put a machine there - which will be more efficient and less upsetting.
Written 25 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zakaria M
Frankfurt, Germany5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
I toured the Karen Blixen Museum and learned so much about her rich history while she lived in Kenya. Having always wanted to visit this museum after watching the movie "Out of Africa," I can confidently say it was worth every moment. The museum beautifully preserves her legacy, offering insights into her life, work, and the time she spent in Africa. The exhibits are well-curated, and the staff was incredibly knowledgeable, adding depth to the experience. From her personal artifacts to the beautiful grounds of her former home, every aspect of the visit was fascinating. This was an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history and culture, in Kenya.
Written 6 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter C
Worcestershire, UK19 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
The house and grounds were fascinating and Hilary, our guide, very knowledgeable. Hadn’t seen Out of Africa film but it’s now high on the must watch list. That said, the payment system is the most ridiculous I’ve ever seen. As a non-National and non resident you cannot pay at the ticket office, except by signing in on line and completing a wealth of personal details including passport number, email address and phone number. One couple just before us had actually paid twice in order to enter. We would have left had our driver not done the necessary and paid for us. Change this ludicrous system or at least make it clear on the website what is needed. Never seen anything as stupid in my long life.
Written 6 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do I get to see this with a guide without going on a longer tour?
Are there any guides to be hiring at the museum? :)
Written 17 June 2022
Do you train the guides about the ACTUAL history that this place? I totally disagreed with their historical knowledge of the place in relation to Karen blixen and how she related to Kenyans at that time...
Written 8 July 2019
I think it is relative to the guide you got. when you say "their", you refer to all but I guess it was only one guide who took you round. It could depend on number of months or experiences the intern may have had with them before your visit. Mine was quite knowledgeable about the place and Kenyan culture
Written 17 July 2019
I just want to visit the gift shop only to buy souvenir for a friend. Do I need to pay entrance fee?
Written 10 March 2019
Can anyone provide the contact details/website of the young, male artist who paints from the porch at Karen Blixen’s House?
Written 1 December 2018
No one was painting on the porch the day we visited. Have you contacted the museum and asked for the information you want? I’m sure they would know who is painting there.
Written 8 December 2018
Can I buy my ticket with US dollars? WhenI get there?
Written 7 October 2018
karenblixenmuseum
Nairobi, Kenya
Yes you can pay with euro,dollar or pond ...in a addition to the Kenyan shilling
Written 16 October 2018
Do you close over New Year? I might be arriving in Nairobi b/w 30th December 2018 and leaving Jan 2nd 2019. Are you open 7 days per week at other times? Thanks.
Written 1 May 2018
Suggest you contact the museum for specific hours of operation
Written 6 May 2018
Is it open on Sunday or weekends?
Written 6 April 2017
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