Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi (must see)

The Karen Blixen Museum, located in the upscale Nairobi suburb of "Karen," is a historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the renowned Danish author Karen Blixen, best known for her books "Out of Africa" and "Shadows of the Grass." The museum is housed in a bungalow-style house that was originally built in 1912 by the Swedish engineer Åke Sjögren. In 1917, Karen Blixen and her then-husband, Baron Bror von Blixen Fincke, purchased the house.

Karen Blixen lived in the house while she resided in what was then British East Africa. During her time there, she managed a large coffee plantation on the grounds. The experiences and stories from this period of her life were chronicled in her famous book "Out of Africa." She later separated from her husband in 1921 and eventually returned to Denmark in 1931. Her second book, "Shadows of the Grass," also draws from her time in Kenya.

In 1964, the house was donated by the Danish government to the newly independent Kenyan government as a symbol of friendship and cooperation. Recognizing the historical significance of the house, it was opened to the public in 1986 as one of Kenya's national museums. The popularity of the 1985 film adaptation of "Out of Africa" contributed to the increased interest in visiting the museum.

The Karen Blixen Museum offers guided tours of the house, allowing visitors to explore the rooms that retain their original decor and others that are designed with props from the 1985 film. This immersive experience allows visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Karen Blixen's life and the setting of her literary works. The museum's grounds also feature original equipment used in the coffee farm, providing insights into the agricultural practices of the time.

To complete their visit, guests can explore the museum's gift shop, which offers a range of souvenirs, books, and memorabilia related to Karen Blixen and her works.