Karen Cottages

About Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages

The Historic Swedo House at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages, Ltd. was the original hunting lodge/farm house which was built around 1906 to 1908. It is located approximately a half mile from the Karen Blixen (Bogani House) museum, and is 15 minutes from downtown Nairobi. When the house was built, it was surrounded by indigenous forest (bush and grasslands), most which was cleared for use as agriculture, particularly coffee in the first quarter of the 20th century.

The old historic house has been renovated as a lounge where you can come enjoy breakfast or lunch, afternoon tea and cocktails and candlelight dinner or after dinner cocktails. Enjoy the historic, copper plated fire place and music playing on the old Gramophone while you listen to talks by “safari guides of golden days in Africa” and internationally known wildlife experts. Formal group “Out of Africa” dinners or receptions can be arranged by reservation.

The cottages have also been designed after the historic Swedo House. All elegantly appointed cottages have hi-beam ceilings with fireplaces, wood and mazeras stone floors. Each bedroom has a large bathroom with its own shower and bath and also contain robes, slippers and hairdryers. Satellite television, internet connections and telephones are available in all rooms.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in 13 en-suite cottages and can host as many as 30 guests. 6 one bedroom cottages, 3 family cottages and 1 honeymoon cottage. They can be configured into a single, double or twin. A baby cot can be provided on request.

The three family units have two bedrooms with a common large sitting room. The honeymoon cottage has a large bedroom and sitting room with a fireplace. All the well appointed cottages have mini bars, satellite TVs and internet connections have also been installed. Room service is also available.

Each bedroom has a large bathroom with its own shower and bath. Internet connections and phones are available in all rooms. Three cottages have two private suites with a separate dressing room. All cottages have a verandah for relaxing while enjoying the birds, butterflies and flowers of the garden.