Neighbourhood highlights
Welcome to the serene and leafy neighborhood of Karen, Nairobi! Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, this charming neighborhood offers a tranquil retreat for travelers seeking peace and relaxation.
A full Pdf. "Insider guide" is sent to all guests once their booking is confirmed. This includes all activities, restaurant recommendations, taxi numbers and shopping recommendations.
While staying in Karen, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful gardens, creating a calming atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of local attractions, including the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, and the Nairobi National Park, all of which offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors.
When it comes to dining and entertainment options, this area has plenty to offer. You'll find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars within easy reach, serving up delicious local and international cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. And for those who enjoy shopping, the neighborhood is home to a variety of artisanal and boutique stores, where you can find unique souvenirs and gifts to bring back home.
Transportation is also easy and convenient from Karen, with easy access major roads that connect you to the airports and other parts of the city.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating escape or an exciting adventure exploring Nairobi's attractions, Karen is the perfect choice. Book your stay now and discover all that this charming neighborhood has to offer!
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Set on the city’s southern outskirts, Nairobi National Park (at 117 sq km, it’s one of Africa’s smallest) has abundant wildlife which can, in places, be viewed against a backdrop of city skyscrapers and airliners coming in to land – it's the only national park on earth that borders a capital city. You will need your own car to drive around or you can organize a tour through a local company. Robert the taxi driver can arrange a car and driver to take you to the park. Early mornings and late afternoon are best for game viewing.
Location: About 20 mins from the Brandy Bus to the main gate
DAPHNE SHELDRICK ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
NB: You must now book this online in advance and slots fill up FAST!
Occupying a plot within Nairobi National Park, this non-profit trust was established in 1977, shortly after the death of David Sheldrick, who served as the anti-poaching warden of Tsavo National Park. Together with his wife Daphne, David pioneered techniques for raising orphaned black rhinos and elephants and reintroducing them back into the wild, and the trust retains close links with Tsavo for these and other projects. The centre is one of Nairobi's most popular attractions, and deservedly so.
After entering at 11am, visitors are escorted to a small viewing area centred on a muddy watering hole. A few moments later, much like a sports team marching out onto the field, the animal handlers come in alongside a dozen or so baby elephants. For the first part of the viewing, the handlers bottle-feed the baby elephants – a heartwarming sight.
Once the little guys have drunk their fill, they proceed to romp around like big babies. The elephants seem to take joy in misbehaving in front of their masters, so don’t be surprised if a few break rank and start rubbing up against your leg! The Trust is also home to a number of orphaned rhinos, many of which, like the baby elephants, mingle with wild herds in Nairobi National Park during the day.
Location: About 20 mins drive from the Brandy Bus
THE GIRAFFE CENTER
This center, which protects the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, combines serious conservation with enjoyable activities. You can observe, hand-feed or even kiss one of the giraffes from a raised wooden structure, which is quite an experience. You may also spot warthogs snuffling about in the mud, and there’s an interesting self-guided forest walk through the adjacent Gogo River Bird Sanctuary.
This is one of Kenya’s good-news conservation stories. In 1979 Jock Leslie-Melville (the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish earl) and his wife Betty began raising a baby giraffe in their Langata home. At the time, when their African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) was just getting off the ground, there were no more than 120 Rothschild’s giraffes (which differ from other giraffe subspecies in that there is no patterning below the knee) in the wild. Unlike the more common reticulated and Masai giraffes, the Rothschild’s giraffe had been pushed to the brink of extinction by severe habitat loss in Western Kenya.
Today, the population numbers more than 300, and the center has successfully released these charismatic creatures into Lake Nakuru National Park (home to around 45 giraffes), Mwea National Reserve, Ruma National Park and Nasalot National Reserve.
Location: About 10 mins drive from the Brandy Bus
KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM
If you loved Out of Africa, you'll love this place. This museum is the farmhouse where author Karen Blixen lived between 1914 and 1931. She left after a series of personal tragedies, but the lovely colonial house has been preserved as a museum. The museum is set in expansive gardens, and is an interesting place to wander around. That said, the movie was actually shot at a nearby location, so don’t be surprised if things don’t look entirely right!
Guides (non-mandatory, but useful) are included in the admission fee, but they do expect a tip.
Loaction: About 5 mins drive (or 15 mins walk) from the Brandy Bus
