Discover Karen: Five Reasons This Maybe Your New Favourite Spot!

As Nairobi continues to grow and develop, neighbourhoods that were once suburbs are becoming more and more a part of the city itself. While that’s certainly true of Karen, not everyone is aware of just how much this secret garden has to offer.

Some of the fascinating things you can do include:

The Giraffe Centre is dedicated to conservation education, and it certainly takes a hands-on approach! Visitors get to hand feed giraffes, and – for the bold – even hold the food in their mouths, snapping amazing photos as they get licked.

Kazuri Beads are beautiful in both a physical sense and in that the brand strives to employ disadvantaged members of Kenyan society. Their factory, which produces more than 5 million beads a year, is nestled in the heart of Karen and welcomes visitors for tours.

Karen Blixen’s Out of Africa and the film based on it immortalised Kenya’s beauty. Today, her beloved house is a museum dedicated to her time here, making it a wonderful stop for anyone interested in literature, history or beautiful views.

UniquEco, based at Marula Studios, has come up with clever and beautiful ways to recycle trashed flip flops, creating toys, sculptures jewellery and much more. Visit Marula Studios to see the magic happen and browse through their shop, and be sure to bring any recyclables you may have.

Managed by Karen’s Primate Research Centre, the Oloolua Nature Trail is an often overlooked treasure. But with a clearly marked trail and great scenery – including a beautiful waterfall – Oloolua is certainly worth the short trip for anyone looking to lose themselves in nature.

Of course, one of the best reasons to visit Karen is its unique and beautiful restaurants. Centrally located, The Talisman is an amazing destination in and of itself, with delicious meals and stunning grounds. For a perfect weekend plan, visit for lunch then stay in Karen to enjoy some of the activities above, soaking in this special neighbourhood’s ambience.