Nikki's Guidebook
Neighbourhoods
Karen is a leafy suburb of Nairobi, with many delicious restaurants and fun activities.
Back in the day it was farmland outside Nairobi, partly forested and some of the beautiful old trees still exist.
Karen was named after Karen Blixen, a pioneer lady farmer who ran her coffee farm with views over the Ngong hills.
Take a moment to watch the film 'Out of Africa' to get you in the mood for Karen!
Much has changed of course, but when the sun sets over the Ngong hills and ice is clinking in your glasses the romance can be conjured up!
Visit the world class restaurants, see the wild animals in Nairobi park, walk in the Oloolua forest, cycle in the beautiful Ngong forest with a guide and enjoy the stylish shopping at House of treasures and Langata Link.
There is more to do and you will enjoy visiting again and again.
14 locals recommend
Karen
Karen is a leafy suburb of Nairobi, with many delicious restaurants and fun activities.
Back in the day it was farmland outside Nairobi, partly forested and some of the beautiful old trees still exist.
Karen was named after Karen Blixen, a pioneer lady farmer who ran her coffee farm with views over the Ngong hills.
Take a moment to watch the film 'Out of Africa' to get you in the mood for Karen!
Much has changed of course, but when the sun sets over the Ngong hills and ice is clinking in your glasses the romance can be conjured up!
Visit the world class restaurants, see the wild animals in Nairobi park, walk in the Oloolua forest, cycle in the beautiful Ngong forest with a guide and enjoy the stylish shopping at House of treasures and Langata Link.
There is more to do and you will enjoy visiting again and again.
Activities
What is there to do in Karen
This is a 10 minute drive away, and a lovely place to walk or cycle.
35 locals recommend
Oloolua Nature Trail
Karen RoadThis is a 10 minute drive away, and a lovely place to walk or cycle.
Paintball Fury - Kenya
Maji Magic
Langata RoadHire bicycles (book with Steve 0720 458 225) or walk in this beautiful indigenous forest with a guide.
14 locals recommend
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary
Ngong RoadHire bicycles (book with Steve 0720 458 225) or walk in this beautiful indigenous forest with a guide.
Karen Country Club
Karen RdGolf Park
Ngong RoadYou can drive to the Ngong hills, park under the windmills and have a really good walk into the hills.
64 locals recommend
Ngong Hills
You can drive to the Ngong hills, park under the windmills and have a really good walk into the hills.
Sightseeing
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Giraffe Centre
Duma Road
Nairobi National Park
Animal Orphanage RoadNairobi Animal Orphanage
Langata RoadKaren Blixen Museum
Karen Road
City Market
Muindi Mbingu StreetA must see, quirky building and a great choice of curios, beadwork, jewellery and west African artefacts.
Ask to buy west African beads to be lead deeper into the world of trade beads.
13 locals recommend
City Market
Muindi Mbingu StreetA must see, quirky building and a great choice of curios, beadwork, jewellery and west African artefacts.
Ask to buy west African beads to be lead deeper into the world of trade beads.
Shopping
House of Treasure
NO 70 Dagoretti RdKaren Village
Ngong RoadLangata Link Shops
You will find the famous small but sweet KPS supermarket for your every need, Brood Bread, the best bakery ever, a post office and so on.
Excellent Pizza can be found at Que Pasa bar & Bistro and J's Karen Rooftop is sophisticated and fun.
There is a small Maasai Market for souvenirs, Kangas, Kikois, chukas, beaded belts and dog collars and Masai jewelry.
Also, a clothes Mtumba market where you too can pick up designer RM Williams and Ugg boots, North Face jackets and much more.
There is a small Maasai Market for souvenirs, Kansas, Kikois and chukas, beaded belts and dog collars and Masai jewelry.
19 locals recommend
Karen Provision Store
You will find the famous small but sweet KPS supermarket for your every need, Brood Bread, the best bakery ever, a post office and so on.
Excellent Pizza can be found at Que Pasa bar & Bistro and J's Karen Rooftop is sophisticated and fun.
There is a small Maasai Market for souvenirs, Kangas, Kikois, chukas, beaded belts and dog collars and Masai jewelry.
Also, a clothes Mtumba market where you too can pick up designer RM Williams and Ugg boots, North Face jackets and much more.
There is a small Maasai Market for souvenirs, Kansas, Kikois and chukas, beaded belts and dog collars and Masai jewelry.
The Hub Karen
Dagoretti RoadThe Waterfront
The waterpark is great fun for kids and adults alike!
Java coffee house is a place for lunch before you shop behind Adam’s Arcade to buy top quality clothing, shoes, bed linen etc, often with designer labels. Mtumba is the second hand import market bringing things to Africa from the West.
Vendors are friendly, prices vary but I do highly recommend a visit to stock up on some good items at good prices.
7 locals recommend
Adams Arcade Total
Ngong RoadJava coffee house is a place for lunch before you shop behind Adam’s Arcade to buy top quality clothing, shoes, bed linen etc, often with designer labels. Mtumba is the second hand import market bringing things to Africa from the West.
Vendors are friendly, prices vary but I do highly recommend a visit to stock up on some good items at good prices.
Food scene
Tinroof Cafe Langata
Langata South RoadThere is also a Tin Roof Cafe at House of Treasures, a short walk from us.
This is really excellent cuisine, and a wonderful atmosphere. Their own vegetable garden supplies the kitchen, they always have an art exhibition in the restaurant and the bar is fun and happening. There used to be a Friday, disco so cross fingers that comes back soon!
90 locals recommend
Talisman
Ngong RoadThis is really excellent cuisine, and a wonderful atmosphere. Their own vegetable garden supplies the kitchen, they always have an art exhibition in the restaurant and the bar is fun and happening. There used to be a Friday, disco so cross fingers that comes back soon!
Open House Karen
Langata RoadDelicious Indian Cuisine, they deliver takeout
Haru Restaurant
Karen RoadWonderful Sushi and sashimi, they deliver takeout.
Dominos Pizza The hub
They will deliver
Roast by Carnivore
Langata RoadIf a meat fest and delicious cocktails is what you'd like!
Eagle Peak Spur Steak Ranch
13 Dagoretti RoadKFC KUKU FOODS, THE HUB
Dagoretti RoadLa Cascina
Dagoretti RoadElegant Italian dining in the Piazza, at the Hub.
Mama Rocks Burgers Karen
Que Pasa Bar And Bistro
CloseDelicious Pizza and a fun bar.
Js Fresh Bar & Kitchen
Ngong RoadFunky and stylish high on a roof top. Worth a visit
Traveler advice
Getting around
Uber is best or a pet taxi; Alex 0726688385
Visit House of Treasures; stylish shopping, coffee & gourmet burgers!
What to pack
What to wear
Karen can be chilly at night so dress warmly but stylishly! Cool clothes in the day.
Don't miss
Saturday Organic Market
From 10am Saturday, on Langata Road. A great choice of vegetables, home produce and gifts.
Traveling with kids
Best to do with Children
Tin Roof cafe with its outdoor space, Giraffe Centre, picnic in Nairobi Park, the Waterpark at The Waterfront Shopping Centre.
Don't miss
Visit David Marrian the artist in his studio.
David takes commissions