Historic gardens in the heart of Karen
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages occupies part of the former Blixen coffee estate in Nairobi’s leafy Karen district. Its five acres of mature gardens and century-old trees create a peaceful base close to many of the attractions travellers typically want to visit before or after safari.
The reception is housed in historic Swedo House, a former hunting lodge dating from the early twentieth century, giving the property a stronger sense of place than a conventional city hotel.
Accommodation
Seven cottages contain a mixture of Classic Rooms, Junior Suites, Deluxe Rooms and a honeymoon cottage. Accommodation combines traditional styling with modern comforts and garden views, with larger categories providing more living space and, in the honeymoon suite, a private veranda and double fireplaces.
Dining
Dining is an important part of the property. The Garden Restaurant provides relaxed outdoor meals, while Hattons Lounge offers indoor and outdoor poolside dining. The estate’s multiple restaurant spaces make it equally useful for a quiet overnight stay or a longer pause in Nairobi.
Exploring Karen
The Karen Blixen Museum is only a short distance away. The Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairobi National Park are also readily accessible, allowing a full Nairobi programme without repeatedly crossing the city.
Wellness and gardens
The Body & Calm centre provides treatments, while the gardens and pool give guests somewhere genuinely pleasant to spend downtime between excursions.
Highlights
- Five-acre garden estate in Karen
- Historic connection with the former Blixen coffee farm
- Seven cottages with varied room and suite categories
- Pool and wellness centre
- Several dining settings
- Close to Nairobi’s principal Karen and Langata attractions
Why we like it
It offers a useful combination of history, gardens and location. For travellers who want to see Nairobi rather than simply sleep near an airport, Karen Blixen Coffee Garden makes an appealing base.
Private Hideaway Escapes can incorporate the property into a tailor-made Kenyan itinerary and arrange private transfers and excursions.
