Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Centre are two of Nairobi’s most popular tourist destinations, located just a short distance from each other in the leafy suburb of Karen.
Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum is housed in the former farmhouse of Karen Blixen, a Danish author who lived in Kenya from 1917 to 1931. Blixen’s memoir, Out of Africa, chronicled her experiences living and working on a coffee farm in Kenya, and was later adapted into a successful film starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
Visitors to the Karen Blixen Museum can tour the farmhouse, which has been preserved to reflect its appearance during Blixen’s time. The museum also houses a collection of Blixen’s personal belongings, including furniture, books, and clothing.
Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the Rothschild’s giraffe, an endangered species. The centre was founded in 1979 by Jock Leslie-Melville, who wanted to create a safe haven for these gentle giants.
Visitors to the Giraffe Centre can feed and interact with the giraffes from a raised platform. The centre also offers educational tours and programs that teach visitors about the giraffes and their conservation.
Visiting Karen Blixen & Giraffe Centre
Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Centre are both open to the public daily. Visitors can purchase combination tickets that allow them to visit both attractions.
Tips for visiting Karen Blixen & Giraffe Centre
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring a camera to capture memories of your visit.
- Be respectful of the animals and the environment.
- Be patient, as there may be crowds at the attractions.
