Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi

For anyone with an interest in Karen Blixen's book Out of Africa or the subsequent film, this museum is a must see.  The author lived on a coffee estate in a house known as Bogani from 1914 until 1931. This area has now developed into the modern suburb of Karen on the outskirts of Nairobi. The house is now a National Museum, and is maintained for visitors in its original condition. Those who have read the book, or seen the film (which was filmed on location here) will recognize the house with its sprawling tropical garden and views of the nearby Ngong Hills. Efforts have been made to decorate all of the rooms of the house in their original style. The house itself is furnished with a mixture of original decor and props from the 1985 film production. The grounds contain displays of farming equipment from the plantation. The museum has excellent trained staff who are well versed in the history of the house and the life of Karen Blixen. They are available to answer queries and to give personally guided tours. The Museum is easily accessible from Nairobi, by taxi or bus.

 

Verreaux's Eagle-owl

Verreaux's Eagle-owl -also known as the Milky Eagle Owl, Giant Eagle Owl- is a member of the family Strigidae and is the largest African owl. This owl is claimed to be the world's third largest owl; after the Blakiston's Fish Owl and Eurasian Eagle Owl.

Verreaux's Eagle-owl ranges from 66–75 cm (26-30 in) in length. This species can attain a wingspan 2 m (6.5 ft) and weighs from 1600 to 3115 grams (equal to 3.5 to 7 pounds). In appearance, they are distinguished by a whitish oval disk face with a black border, pink eyelids, orange eyes and two feather tufts on their ears. Their feathers are dark brown on top and light grey below.

It is a nocturnal bird; it can be seen perching on exposed branches during the day. It often hunts in early evening and will wade into water to catch fish. Particularly partial to hedgehogs when nesting, it will take a wide variety of prey from moths to Great White Egrets, Grey Herons and apparently even Secretary Birds. At Lake Baringo Club the resident family has driven the White-faced Scops Owl from the grounds, having preyed on their chicks. They have also decimated the hotel's domestic cat population, the remaining cats are very cautious. Above all Verreaux's Eagle-Owls are opportunistic feeders which are quite happy scavenging for leftovers. You should watch out for them at lodges that engage in daily crocodile feeding.

The Carnivore.

Fancy nibbling on a bit of crocodile? Or, perhaps ostrich is more to your taste! Whether you’re meat lover or not, this restaurant just has to be on your itinerary while you’re in Nairobi Situated 4 kilometres from the city centre, The Carnivore opened its doors in September 1980 to instant success. The food, service and atmosphere are strikingly different from anything ever seen in Kenya. It’s just another one of those unique experiences in Kenya that you’re unlikely to get anywhere else in the world!

As soon as you set foot in the door, and enter the low lit, exotic interior you’ll see the massive open fire and tribal spears packed full of meat. If you visit for a lunch time meal, you will be more likely to eat in the restaurant’s beautiful gardens and soak up the fresh air and African sunshine.

You start your meal by indicating to the waiters that you want to try their delicacies! To do this you raise a small flag on your table and throughout the meal, the waiters walk around offering variety different kinds of meat. In the past, the Carnivore was famous for its exotic game meat; however, this isn't allowed anymore due to stricter laws. Farmed crocodile and ostrich is available now, together with a wide variety of conventional meats. Just in case you found the crocodile a little too chewy for your taste! There are plenty of other delicious offerings to temp you. If, meat is definitely not your thing, there is also an excellent selection of vegetarian options available and also a set menu, which also has a good selection of meals.

Carvers will slice the meat directly onto your plate alongside a healthy serving of traditional of salads, veggies and so on. But it doesn’t end there – it’s an all you can eat affair, and carvers will keep offering you their exotic delicacies throughout the meal until you eventually decide to surrender! When you finally do, you can lower the flag to signal your defeat. Until you’re ready for dessert, that is.

The Carnivore offers locals and tourists a great African eating experience, Twice voted amongst the world’s 50 best restaurants by an expert panel in ‘Restaurant ‘ magazine, the Carnivore is described as ‘amazing’

The Carnivore restaurant is only a part of this large conglomerate of entertainment venues. 

Entertainment and nightclub:
In the evening large open air concerts are sometimes held, with local and internationally known performers. These events are able to hold up to 20,000 people!
From Wednesday to Sunday the Carnivore nightclub operates, hosting themed nights to cater for fans of contemporary African music, rock, soul, jazz and the latest hits.

Business travelers & conferences:
For businesses and companies who are looking to host a large gathering, the large 450-seater Simba Salon, is able to organize such events.

Children’s activities:
the Simba Salon is a bar and burger style restaurant found to the side of the main Carnivore restaurant. There’s a fairly large and fun play area for children so they can swing, jump and climb while you relax with a drink!

Other activities 

Next door to this is a popular go-carting track and “Splash” which is a swimming pool with slides, camel rides.

The Carnivore and the Simba Saloon can be combined to create the most spectacular 'gala events like the Carnivore African Experience or Carnival parties for more than 1000 persons where the mood is one of complete fiesta complemented with bands, traditional entertainment, fire eaters, stilt walkers, food streets, or whatever the theme preference may be.

ETT- Kenya safaris desk

Etton travel and Tours