If you have a morning or an afternoon and you’re looking for things to do, then Karen is a good place to be. In just a few hours, you can feed a giraffe, walk through a museum, stretch your legs on a short trail, or sit down for a wholesome meal. There is plenty that Karen offers, but here are two simple itineraries you can play around with to make your time there worthwhile.
Morning Plan: Giraffes, History & Brunch
9:00–10:30 a.m. at the Giraffe Centre
Nothing wakes you up like being eye-to-eye with a giraffe. At the Giraffe Centre, you will meet the Rothschild’s giraffes, and if you are bold enough, you can take the famous “giraffe kiss” by placing a pellet between your lips. This is a once-in-a-lifetime photo moment.
The centre recommends spending at least 1.5 to 2 hours here. That gives you time not just to feed and interact with the giraffes but also to attend an educational talk about them, walk through the nature sanctuary, and maybe sit down for a tea or snack at their on-site Tea House.
- Entry fee: KSh 400 ($3) for Kenyan adults, KSh 200 ($1.5) for children. Non-residents pay KSh 1,500 ($12) for adults and KSh 750 ($6) for children. Children under three enter for free.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Karen Blixen Museum
A short drive takes you to the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the “Out of Africa” author. The house still feels like a storybook, with furniture and artifacts from the early 1900s, and the gardens give you a view of the Ngong Hills that Blixen herself once wrote about. It’s a short, relaxed visit but full of history.
- Entry fee: KSh 200 ($1.5) for Kenyan adults, KSh 100 ($0.8) for children. Non-residents pay about KSh 1,200 ($9) for adults and KSh 600 ($4.5) for children.
- Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
12:45–1:45 p.m.: Brunch at the Tin Roof Café
End your morning at Tin Roof Café, a cozy garden spot with open-air seating, rustic wooden tables, and lots of greenery. The café is big on healthy, wholesome food like fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, juices, and vegetarian options. There’s also a little corner shop selling home goods and organic products, so you can browse while you wait for your meal.
Afternoon Plan: Nature, Craft, and Sundowners
2:00–3:15 p.m. at the Oloolua Nature Trail
If you are in the mood for fresh air, head to Oloolua Nature Trail. This 5-km stretch of forest is home to a 20-foot waterfall, bamboo groves, caves once used by the Mau Mau fighters, and plenty of shady walking paths. What makes it a must-visit is the mix of history, adventure, and calm. You can come here to stretch your legs, spot birds, or just sit by the waterfall and listen.
- Entry fee: Residents KSh 400 ($3) adults, KSh 200 ($1.5) children. Non-residents KSh 600 ($5) adults, KSh 300 ($2.5) children.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
3:30–4:15 p.m. at the Kazuri Beads Workshop
This is one of Karen’s gems. Kazuri, which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, started in 1975 as a small workshop making hand-crafted beads. Today, it employs over 300 women, many of them single mothers, who create colorful, handmade ceramic beads and pottery. Walking through the workshop, you will see the full process: clay shaping, painting, and firing. Each bead carries a personal story of resilience and artistry. And yes, the shop is impossible to leave empty-handed.
4:30–6:00 p.m.: Sundowner or Dinner at The Talisman
Finish your half-day at The Talisman, one of Nairobi’s most beloved restaurants. Its leafy garden and cozy vibe make it perfect for cocktails or a proper meal. The menu balances international and Kenyan flavors, and the service has a reputation for being spot-on.
Practical Tips
- Parking: Available at most sites (around KSh 200 / $1.5 at Karen Blixen or Oloolua).
- Travel time: From Nairobi CBD, expect 30–45 minutes to Karen, depending on traffic.
- Payments: Most places accept MPESA and cards, but carry a bit of cash for places that do not offer electronic payment options.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and of course, a camera.
For more unique Nairobi experiences and itineraries, visit visitnairobikenya.com. our city guide to art, culture, and unforgettable adventures.