Karen is situated in the southwest suburbs of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. It is known as a relatively high-income and expat neighborhood, with many estates and villas nestled behind gated walls and bougainvillea. Nearby shopping centers and restaurants are well equipped to meet any traveler’s needs with a wide range of cuisine, groceries and shops. Depending on traffic, the sights and sounds of downtown Nairobi are not far away and best reached by using Uber or Taxify. Closer to home, you’ll find the Giraffe Center where the whole family can feed and even pet the friendly giraffes that live there. Take a look at these Airbnb vacation rentals for more ideas on where to stay.
1. Karen garden villa (from USD 30)
This immaculate villa is ideal for large groups or families as it can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. The interior boasts decor from Asian, Western and African cultures and has plenty of large communal spaces for dining and lounging in the gardens. It is situated near the Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen Museum, Elephant Orphanage and Mamba Village.
Karen Garden VillaNairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaAccommodates: 10
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
2nd: a beautifully appointed residence with numerous rooms allowing for private moments or very sociable timesCleanliness:
what a lovely quiet and clean placeit is beautiful spotless and uniquemonica also ensures it is incredibly cleanthe house is maintained well and we found it very cleanthe villa is clean comfortable and conveniently locatedHost:
nina is a great hostlovely house keeper and responsive hostnina was a wonderful host and was all the time available over emailnina was an awesome host and very helpfulnina was very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
central and ideal for familyconvenient secure location & great valuegreat house in a great locationthe house is located in a excellent part of town close to many attractionsclose to many fun things to do
2. An old-school bus in a quiet paradise (from USD 134)
There is nothing like staying in an old-school bus as your accommodation. This cozy bus can be found tucked away in the beautiful suburbs of Karen, a quiet paradise in Nairobi, which is why it is perfect for couples looking to enjoy a romantic escape or families looking to enjoy some quality time together. Two double beds and two single beds are available for six people. Absorb the tranquility of the surrounding in the outdoor area that comes with outdoor seating and fireplace.
★The Brandy Bus, Glamping In a Quiet ParadiseNairobi, KenyaSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
gorgeous fresh flowers colourful fabric cushions intricate details hot showergreat amenities like coffee water filter books the cd collection too everything was clean and comfortablethe kitchen was well supplied and we managed to warm up our christmas eve dinnerupstairs are two beds in which we slept very wellCleanliness:
very clean and well equippedunique charming fun clean comfortable go stayin the bathroom it is comfortable to shower and it was very cleansafe and secure clean and quietHost:
karen is a great host and is very quick to respond to any questionssuper responsive and the staff are very helpfulwell maintained and a very pleasant and open hostkaren is very kind and helpful with everything thingthe guard was very friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
easy to find locationthe bus is beautiful the location is serenethe bus is nicely decoratedfunky different wonderfulnsetting kids loved idea of a buslovely bus ~one hour to the airport~convient
3. Makena's Place Karen - Kichana & Gecko Room (from USD 25)
Makena’s Place offers three different rooms including the Kichana and Gecko Rooms which can sleep one person each. This Airbnb has a boutique vibe with African touches throughout the home. Breakfast is included and you are welcome to explore the surrounding gardens and take advantage of the living and dining spaces. You may even make some new friends, as Makena’s Place is home to two playful and sweet dogs. It is only a seven-minute walk to Karen shopping center or five minutes to the famous Talisman restaurant.
Makena's Place Karen - Kichana & Gecko RoomNairobi, KenyaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
having wifi was awesomeloved talking with chichi and enjoyed fresh breakfasts dailybreakfast is available each morning with great coffee and delicious tea with fresh ginger if you'd likealways a delicious breakfast preparedwe were made to feel very comfortable and treated chichi's place like our ownCleanliness:
the room and airbnb space was spacious clean comfortable and honestly perfectchichi is a great host clean quiet space - highly recommendedtheir home is quiet clean and comfortableit is neat and clean and chichi is a wonderful hostess with really good staffshe has amazing taste and her house was clean and invitingHost:
she is a great hostchichi was one of the best hosts you could imaginechichi and makena were wonderful hostschichi is a wonderful hostchichi is a caring welcoming and reliable hostRead more reviewsLocation:
i liked the location which is close to public transport and the shopping mallchichi’s place was beautiful and perfectly located in karenchichi's place is a paradiseit’s location is perfect making easy access to good restaurants and shopsthe hub shopping mall (arguably the best mall in kenya) is also a stones throw away
4. An Irish welcome in Karen - River Cottage One (from USD 60)
This self-catering log cottage has views of a private lake and large garden. The lounge, dining and kitchen area are equipped for all your needs. The two-bedroom home can sleep four guests comfortably. Upon request, the hosts can arrange to show you the local sites such as the Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage or Giraffe Center. Previous guests speak highly of the warm welcome by the hosts and the easily accessible location.
An Irish Welcome in Karen - River Cottage OneNairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaAccommodates: 7
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
key pointers for recommendation: fast wifi hot shower electric blanket friendly staff ready to helpthe kitchen is well equipped to handle about any fish you would like to whip upCleanliness:
place was spotless and atmosphere is fantasticthe space was clean and everything we needed for our short stay was availableHost:
they were very nice hostshosts were lovely would definitely recommendgreat host and great housegreat host very helpful and serene placei would have no qualms about booking an extended stay here and the hosts were amazingRead more reviewsLocation:
the place was well located and suited our needs wellreally relaxed place in a wonderful locationthe cottage is very nice and location is nice and close to karenif you need a place to get away relax or concentrateamazing place to stay at would definitely come back for another day
5. Spacious midcentury African home for ten guests in Karen (from USD 30)
Travelers to Nairobi, Kenya looking for a more local experience and more interaction with Karen’s locale can book a homestay at this private and secured garden villa at Karen. Huge groups of ten, can definitely make full use of this Asian, Western, and African indigenous-designed home, along with its amenities when in Karen. The lovely home is spacious and is fully equipped with access to a full kitchen with updated cooking appliances, a living room with flatscreen TV and Wifi access, and clean functional bathrooms with tubs. The home can accomodate ten guests in a king-sized bed, one double bed, and five single beds, along with an indoor fireplace, free parking, a patio, and a backyard garden.
Karen Garden VillaNairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaAccommodates: 10
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
2nd: a beautifully appointed residence with numerous rooms allowing for private moments or very sociable timesCleanliness:
what a lovely quiet and clean placeit is beautiful spotless and uniquemonica also ensures it is incredibly cleanthe house is maintained well and we found it very cleanthe villa is clean comfortable and conveniently locatedHost:
nina is a great hostlovely house keeper and responsive hostnina was a wonderful host and was all the time available over emailnina was an awesome host and very helpfulnina was very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
central and ideal for familyconvenient secure location & great valuegreat house in a great locationthe house is located in a excellent part of town close to many attractionsclose to many fun things to do
6. Romantic getaway in Windy Ridge
Perfect for a romantic getaway, this home in Karen is an affordable, but elegant, option for couples. Enjoy a glass of wine on the twilight lit veranda, or take a dip in the outdoor pool. Driver, laundry and chef services are available upon request. The interior is stylishly decorated, and accented by stunning wooden vaulted ceilings and skylights. Despite being in a quiet neighborhood, it’s a short trip to The Hub shopping center and restaurants offering many different cuisines.
Charming Getaway on Windy Ridge, Karen, NairobiNairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
amazing garden and view around the pool houseand fresh flowers in different rooms was lovelythe amenities were fantastic swimming pool steam room & bath tub made us super relaxedwe enjoyed fires in the fireplaces and lunch by the beautiful pool (which is not heated fyi)we loved the steamroom and the jacuzzi and the fireplace in every room was just awesome lCleanliness:
the pool house was clean and ready when i arrivedthere is good security and the place is very cleanthe pictures were very misleading if the pool was cleaned out on the sunny dayswe booked the cottage as a place to rest & clean up before our flight home from nairobiHost:
the hosts were very responsivethe staff were very helpful and welcomingthe staff are very respectful and friendlythe host was responsive at all timesthe staff were quite friendly understanding and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great and peaceful location in the karen area close to the hub shopping mallthe location is perfect quiet and away from hustle and bustle of the citygreat stay and a beautiful locationit was the perfect getaway locationand it’s close to a huge mall and a lot of dining options available
7. Bungalow in beautiful garden in Karen
A cozy, four-bedroom bungalow is a great option for families visiting Nairobi. It is surrounded by nine acres of lush property and local shops and restaurants at The Hub aren’t far. The interior is warmly decorated to make you feel at home. Special touches like the claw-foot bathtub make you feel as if you’re splurging on a luxurious getaway. The Nairobi National Game Park, Giraffe Center, Daphne Sheldricks Orphan Elephants and local markets are also nearby.
4 bedroom bungalow in beautiful garden in KarenNairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaTop guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and very spaciousthe beds were comfortable and the house was very cleanthe house is spacious and super cleanthe house is kept cleansuper clean and large indoor and outdoor space in karen near to the karen hubHost:
very helpful staffmonica was very helpful and got us settledvery quick responses from the host (tina) as wellmonica was very friendly and helpfultina and monica were very helpful and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
convenient easy to find locationthe location is very easy to get to and close to grocery stores and restaurantsspacious house at good location in karengorgeous family home close to all the main attractions in karenthe house is close to a very nice shopping mall with grocery and restaurants
8. The Shire in Karen
This quiet and peaceful home overlooks the Mwitu forest and will allow you to relax after a long day in the city. It is located only 45 minutes from the airport and eight minutes from dining and shopping options in Karen. The bedroom itself can sleep two people and it is surrounded by large windows that let in plenty of light and let you take in the scenery. Shared access to the garden and kitchen are welcome, and you also get a parking space.
The Shire in Karen :)
9. Peaceful retreat in Karen
This home was recently custom built in the colonial style, with a modern interior to let in natural light and create spacious living areas. The two double rooms can host up to five guests, and have access to the shared lounge and veranda. Your hosts welcome you to enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the courtyard while taking in the beautiful sunshine. Nearby restaurants and shops are a short drive away, and your host is more than happy to help you arrange transportation.
Peaceful Retreat in Karen
10. Private double room in beautiful Karen home
This private room is a very affordable and well cared for option for solo or business travelers. Each bedroom has its own private entrance and access to the garden, kitchenette and bathroom. If needed, a taxi can be arranged for pick up and drop off. This Airbnb is conveniently close to sites such as the Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Center, The Carnivore and the city center.
Private Double Room in Beautiful Karen HomeNairobi, KenyaTop guest reviews
Host:
teresa and her family were really nice hoststeresa is a very friendly & welcoming host that likes to make sure her guests are comfortablenot to mention teresa's hospitality and friendly natureteresa is a fantastic host and her place is in the perfect spotteresa was very welcoming and friendly she was there when i arrived and gave me a warm welcomeRead more reviewsLocation:
close to the hub but most of all peaceful ambianceit is safe and quiet and a 1 mile walk to the karen hub
11. British family home in leafy Karen
A modern and quiet residence, this private room can accommodate four guests and it has a private bathroom. The hosts provide an English breakfast as per your request and they are known to give helpful suggestions on visiting the area. Both Wilson and JKI airports are easily accessible. Local attractions include Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen Museum and the Swedo House.
British family home in leafy KarenNairobi, KenyaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful home and gardens cozy rooms lots of hot water delicious and generous breakfast (great coffee) warm stafflovely sitting room with fireplace for those chilly eveningslovely full english breakfast every morning and even helped us out with dinner for the kidswe had a very enjoyable and comfortable stayevery morning i was greeted with a smile and a delicious breakfast was prepared without hesitationCleanliness:
the rooms were comfortable and clean as wellcomfortable your own private bathroom spotlessthe beds were very comfortable & the rooms were cleanthe guest rooms and bathroom were very comfortable and spotlessthe property is spotlessly clean the beds very comfortable and the breakfast a perfect start to the dayHost:
jane was a friendly & helpful host mary and other staff were always attentive & supportivestyle comfort and friendly reception in a delightful family homejane was an amazing host very welcoming friendly and helpfulmary made us an excellent breakfast every morning and she was also very friendly and helpfuljane was an excellent host and i enjoyed my stayRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and beautiful homegreat location great location amazing stafflocation is perfect for karen and the hub shopping centrethis location was even better than what we expected both home and areathe location is beautiful and very peaceful
12. Cate's House
Only 45 minutes from the airport, this beautiful home is located in a quiet neighborhood. Take your morning cup of coffee onto the veranda, listen to the songbirds and take in the view of the river. This room is very spacious and includes its own en-suite bathroom and shower. If you happen to visit on a cooler day, there’s a log burning fireplace in the sitting room that would be perfect to curl up next to with a book. Accessing the city center is simple using the new bypass, and plenty of dining and shopping is nearby at the Hub and Karen shopping centers.
CATES HOUSE 1 x bed/bath en-suite per night £55Nairobi, Nairobi County, KenyaAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
my room was spacious with a comfortable large bed and a very large bathroomCleanliness:
cate's house is very beautiful and serene with tasteful styling and impeccable cleanlinessHost:
she was very friendly and welcoming from the moment i arrivedcate is a wonderful host her house is lovely and welcomingcate’s house is great and she is an amazing hostgreat spot with good garden for kids to explore and 4 friendly dogsRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful location and beautiful spacious housefrom the location to the lovely interior this was above and beyond all expectationswhat makes the place so special is cate herselfperfect place if you need to stop in nairobi for a few days
Lush and quiet retreat in Nairobi suburbs
Whether you are in town on business or visiting Nairobi for pleasure, the neighborhood of Karen provides a quiet respite from the hubbub of downtown. There are a plethora of restaurants with outdoor dining, shopping centers and groceries nearby. These homes offer spacious and elegant alternatives to your standard hotel, so keep them in mind for your next visit.
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