Karen Blixen Cottages

traditional Camp | Nairobi, Kenya

(3.60)
| Read Reviews | Write a Review

Karen Blixen Cottages, old school double twin bed with white canopy hanging down and deep red wood floors in Kenya, Africa luxury safarisKaren Blixen Cottages, old school double twin bed with white canopy hanging down and black wire frame, Kenya, Africa luxury safarisKaren Blixen Cottages, outdoor view of the quaint old secluded safari lodge complete with cute windows and green roof in Kenya, Africa safarisKaren Blixen Cottages, en suite bathroom with modern stylings and dual vanity sinks along with a walk in shower and sleek design, Kenya, AfricaKaren Blixen Cottages, view of the central pool and relaxation area with table seen through the window of a guet's room in Kenya, Africa safarisKaren Blixen Cottages, formal garden relaxation area with multiple lounge chairs and a table for dining in the middle of a green lawn, Kenya safarisKaren Blixen Cottages, central blue pool with several lawn chairs next to it and the safari lodge in the background in Kenya, Africa safarisThumb_map
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Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages are situated in a peaceful, upscale suburb of Nairobi about 20 minutes from the city center and a half-hour from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The cottages are set within one of the oldest formal gardens in Kenya, and adjacent to historic Swedo House, the original Edwardian hunting lodge/farmhouse made famous in Blixen’s Out of Africa.

The Hotel | Facilities & Amenities | Wildlife Viewing & Activities | Safari Itineraries | Climate | Camp Reviews
Photo of Rick Guthke

Our Expert Says

A great way to avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown Nairobi is to choose this wonderfully quaint property, just 20 minutes outside of the city in the suburb of Karen. The open space, hospitality and extensive blooming gardens make this a charming option for those wishing to avoid the commotion of the center city.

– Rick Guthke

Karen Blixen Cottages, formal garden relaxation area with multiple lounge chairs and a table for dining in the middle of a green lawn, Kenya safaris

The Hotel

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Number of Cottages: 12

Important Note: This property is Traditional in nature, but falls into a Distinctive pricing level because of its name and its excellent bar.

A stay at the Karen Blixen Cottages is a journey back to a romantic time. Twelve cottages are located within formal gardens containing huge jacaranda, candelabra, cactus and bottlebrush trees. Over 200 types of flowers bloom through the year and numerous bird feeders attract hundreds of varieties of birds for close-up views. Eight of the 12 cottages have individual suites while three have 2-bedroom suites with a large sitting room. The honeymoon cottage has a large bedroom and sitting room, each with a separate fireplace. Cottages are designed after the historic Swedo House, evoking the early 20th-century ambience of colonial Kenya. All have high beamed ceilings, fireplaces, and wood and stone floors, but include modern conveniences as well such as mini bars, satellite TVs and Internet access. Cottages have large en suite baths and a veranda for enjoying the birds, butterflies and blooming flowers. Also on the premises are a swimming pool and garden bar, inviting relaxation and refreshment.

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Karen Blixen Cottages, central blue pool with several lawn chairs next to it and the safari lodge in the background in Kenya, Africa safaris

Facilities & Amenities

  • En suite bathroom with tub and shower
  • Fireplace
  • Mini bar
  • Central pool
  • Spa (extra cost)
  • Fitness center
  • Wi-Fi
  • Laundry (extra cost)
  • Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard)

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Nairobi is most often a gateway into Kenya's wildlife-rich areas, but Nairobi National Park can be a great introduction to the wildlife of East Africa. The below chart shows typical sightings of major species, while other possible sightings may include hartebeest, ostrich and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on weather and wildlife movements.

Country Park/Reserve
Black Rhino
Buffalo
Eland
Giraffe
Hippo
Hyena
Leopard
Lion
White Rhino
Zebra
Kenya Nairobi
Usually viewed
Frequently viewed
Occasionally viewed
Sporadically viewed
Rarely to never viewed

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Climate

Month Max Min Rainfall
January 80° F 56° F 2.06 in
26° C 13° C 52 mm
February 82° F 56° F 2.33 in
27° C 13° C 59 mm
March 82° F 58° F 3.24 in
27° C 14° C 82 mm
April 78° F 59° F 4.73 in
25° C 15° C 120 mm
May 76° F 58° F 4.34 in
24° C 14° C 110 mm
June 75° F 54° F 0.83 in
23° C 12° C 21 mm
July 73° F 53° F 0.48 in
22° C 11° C 12 mm
August 74° F 53° F 0.95 in
23° C 11° C 24 mm
September 78° F 54° F 0.76 in
25° C 12° C 19 mm
October 80° F 56° F 1.37 in
26° C 13° C 35 mm
November 77° F 58° F 4.66 in
25° C 14° C 118 mm
December 77° F 57° F 3.2 in
25° C 13° C 81 mm

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Reviews for Karen Blixen Cottages

(3.60)

Review Karen Blixen Cottages
Month of travel: August
"The place is really quaint, the rooms great and clean and comfortable. A little noisy at night from the bar area and the fireplace blew smoke into our room all night. That was a shame because the property is beautiful and authentic and the people who work there are fantastic."
- C. Jack
Month of travel: August
"I was here for a pre-safari night and found the rooms and grounds quite charming. I also liked the fact that locals frequent both the restaurant and bar. If you are looking for a safe, place to kick back and read a book while unwinding after a long international flight, this is a good choice."
- H. Leffler
Month of travel: August
"I am very particular about safety and cleanliness. This lodge met my expectations and beyond. It reminds one of the early days of gracious lodging in a lovely setting. It is a perfect location for a restful transit stopover between adventures or flights. Delightful dining room and friendly staff. The nearby giraffe farm is very worthwhile. Don't take the organized tour with transportation-excessively expensive. Just arrange a taxi for both directions. "
- J. Plum
Month of travel: June
"We stayed here one night before taking our morning flight into the bush. It is nothing special (unlike the amazing Safari camps we later stayed at - that's why only 3 stars) but plenty adequate as a transit hotel - clean and comfortable with large rooms and WiFi. Some nearby activities that we enjoyed was a Bead Factory tour (doesn't sound interesting, but it really was) and the Daphne Sheldrick Orphanage - my wife got to pet a baby elephant and they also have Warthogs running around plus a Rhino."
- D. Botsford
Month of travel: July
"This is a popular choice in the Karen suburb of Nairobi. Rooms are spacious and the bathrooms are oversize and nicely done. Our room had a lounge area as well with couches and a fireplace. We stayed here on a Friday night, the restaurant and bar area was filled with locals and gave us a chance to socailize and meet others. The location was good for our early morning flight out the following day from Wilson airport."
- J. Toy

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