Ever since I saw the movie Out of Africa as a child, I’ve been enthralled with Africa, storytelling, helping others, and traveling. Karen Blixen’s memoir and the movie adaptation profoundly shaped my imagination and aspirations. Visiting the Karen Blixen House in Kenya had been a long-standing dream, blending my love for history, literature, and Africa’s enchanting landscapes.
On a recent trip to Kenya, after taking our youngest son on a safari of a lifetime, I finally checked this off my bucket list. I insisted on making a half-day excursion to the Karen Blixen House, a charming and evocative piece of history hidden in the Karen suburb of Nairobi. My expectations were high, but the experience exceeded them in every way.
The Arrival
The Karen Blixen House in Kenya sits just 10 miles southwest of Nairobi, making it an easy 45-minute drive from the bustling city center. The drive itself is a transition from Nairobi’s lively streets to the serene, tree-lined roads of Karen, a district named after Blixen herself. The area is lush and tranquil, providing the perfect setting for this historic gem.
The house, now a museum, has been open to the public since 1986, shortly after the release of Out of Africa. Walking up the gravel path to the front porch, I felt an uncanny sense of stepping back in time. The house stands as a well-preserved relic of Blixen’s life in Kenya during the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into both her personal story and the colonial era in which she lived.
The front porch immediately captivated me, with its sturdy wooden beams and inviting wicker chairs. It was easy to imagine Karen sitting there, sipping tea and gazing out at the Ngong Hills in the distance. The veranda’s charm set the tone for the rest of the visit.
A Step Back in Time
Inside, the rooms are quaint and intimate, filled with period furniture and some artifacts from Blixen’s life. Open windows framed the surrounding greenery, and lace curtains fluttered gently in the breeze. Each room felt like a scene from her book brought to life, from the study where she might have written her letters and stories to the dining room where she entertained guests.
The back patio was another favorite spot of mine. It overlooked the expansive garden, filled with colorful flowers and maintained pathways. The view extended to the rolling green hills that Blixen described so vividly in her memoir. There was a peacefulness here, as if the land itself remembered her presence.
Karen Blixen and the Colonial Era
The museum’s guides were incredibly knowledgeable, sharing anecdotes about Karen’s life, her struggles, and her contributions to the community. Born in Denmark, Karen Blixen moved to Kenya in 1914 to run a coffee plantation with her husband, Bror Blixen. Though their marriage ended in divorce, Karen remained in Kenya, falling deeply in love with the land and its people. Her memoir, Out of Africa, recounts her experiences and reflections during her time there, capturing the beauty and complexity of colonial Kenya.
As a history teacher, I couldn’t ignore the colonial context of the house and its surroundings. The early 20th century was a time of profound inequality and exploitation in Africa, with European powers having carved up the continent for their own gain. Karen Blixen’s story is intertwined with this history, and while she admired and respected many of the local Kikuyu people, her life was still a product of the colonial system.
Lessons and Insights
Despite this, I found inspiration in Karen’s resilience and her deep connection to Kenya. She faced immense challenges, including personal loss, financial ruin, and health struggles, yet she poured her heart into her writing and her relationships with those around her. Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find beauty and meaning even in the face of adversity.
The Karen Blixen House is more than just a museum; it’s a portal into a bygone era. The artifacts on display include Karen’s typewriter, her books, and even some of her original furniture. These tangible pieces of her life made her story feel incredibly real, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
The Beauty of Africa
The garden was a highlight for me. It’s easy to see why Karen described this place as her sanctuary. The flowers, the chirping birds, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze created an atmosphere of serenity. Walking through the back patio, I felt a profound sense of connection to the land that Karen loved so deeply.
One of the most poignant moments of my visit was standing in front of the Ngong Hills, which are visible from the property. Karen famously wrote, “I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” Seeing those hills in person, with their distinctive silhouette, was like stepping into the pages of her memoir.
The house also features a small gift shop. I picked up a copy of Out of Africa as a keepsake, a reminder of this unforgettable experience.
For anyone planning a visit, I recommend setting aside at least two hours to fully explore the house and to admire the landscape surrounding it. The museum provides guided tours that are both informative and engaging, offering insights into Karen’s life and the history of the region. It’s a perfect excursion for history buffs, literature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Kenya’s rich cultural heritage.
Don’t Miss It – The Karen Blixen House in Kenya is Worth the Trip
Reflecting on my visit, I’m struck by how much Karen Blixen’s story continues to resonate with me. Her love for storytelling, her appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, and her determination to live authentically are values that I aspire to embody. The Karen Blixen House is more than just a tribute to a remarkable woman; it’s a place that inspires visitors to connect with their own dreams and passions.
If you find yourself in Nairobi, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this iconic landmark. It’s a journey into the heart of Kenya’s history and a celebration of a woman whose legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
If You Go
Although the distance from central Nairobi to the suburb of Karen is not too far, I highly recommend booking a driver or private transfer.
We recently stayed at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. It was clean, very comfortable, and provided great service for our two days in Nairobi after our safari.
There are so many things to do in Nairobi (most safaris have one or two days in the capital of Kenya before or after your safari experience). Click here to learn about more options while in this bustling city.
