The Story of Karen Blixen Museum: A Timeless Piece of Nairobi’s Colonial Past

Nestled at the foot of the Ngong Hills, just a short drive from central Nairobi, stands a colonial-era farmhouse that once belonged to Karen Blixen, the famed Danish author of Out of Africa. Today, it serves as the Karen Blixen Museum ,a beautifully preserved window into Kenya’s colonial past and one of Nairobi’s most popular cultural attractions.

Whether you’re a lover of history, literature, or simply looking to explore Nairobi’s hidden gems, here’s the story of how this iconic museum came to be and why it deserves a spot on your safari.

Who Was Karen Blixen?

Karen Blixen, also known by her pen name Isak Dinesen, was a Danish author who lived in Kenya (then British East Africa) from 1914 to 1931. She managed a coffee plantation on the outskirts of Nairobi and later chronicled her experiences in the bestselling memoir Out of Africa, published in 1937.

Her vivid storytelling immortalized colonial Kenya, its landscapes, and its people  and her home became the backdrop of a personal and historical narrative that continues to captivate readers and moviegoers alike.

 The Farmhouse That Became a Museum

The house, built in 1912, was part of the Karen Coffee Company estate, which Blixen and her husband Bror von Blixen bought after moving to Kenya. After their divorce and the failure of the coffee plantation, Karen remained on the property until she returned to Denmark in 1931.

In 1985, following the success of the Oscar-winning film adaptation of Out of Africa, the Kenyan government converted the farmhouse into a museum. The Karen Blixen Museum was officially opened to the public  and today, it stands as a beautifully curated testament to colonial life and literary history.

 Out of Africa – From Memoir to Movie

The museum gained international fame after the release of the 1985 film Out of Africa, starring Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen and Robert Redford as Denys Finch Hatton. Many scenes were filmed on location in and around Nairobi, and the museum became a pilgrimage site for fans of the story.

You’ll find original furnishings, period photographs, and personal items that bring the film  and Blixen’s real life  into vivid focus.

What to See at the Karen Blixen Museum

A visit to the Karen Blixen Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century life in Kenya. Highlights include:

• Blixen’s original writing desk

• Antique furniture and decor from the colonial era

• Kitchen and servant quarters preserved in original style

• A gift shop offering books, crafts, and souvenirs

• Stunning gardens with views of the Ngong Hills

 Where Is the Karen Blixen Museum Located?

Located in the Karen suburb of Nairobi (named after Blixen herself), the museum is easily accessible from the city center and pairs perfectly with nearby attractions like:

• Giraffe Centre

• David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

• Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative

 When to Visit

The Karen Blixen Museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and holidays.. Tip: Visit in the morning for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and cooler weather.

 Why the Karen Blixen Museum Is a Must-Visit in Nairobi

• A deep dive into Kenya’s colonial history

• Connects literature, film, and real-life events

• One of Nairobi’s most scenic and serene locations

• A great addition to any cultural or safari itinerary

 Plan Your Visit with Cross Wild Safaris

Want to explore the Karen Blixen Museum and other top Nairobi attractions with a knowledgeable local guide? Combine your cultural tour with a custom safari across Kenya’s most breathtaking parks and reserves.

 From the stories of colonial Kenya to the roar of lions in the Maasai Mara , experience it all with us.  Book your Nairobi day tour or Kenya safari with us today and let us create a journey filled with history, wildlife, and unforgettable moments.