The Karen Camp
Know Before You Go
Quick IntelEstimated Cost
Camping is approximately KSH 1,000 per person per night.
Best For
Perfect for overlanders, budget-conscious backpackers, and travelers looking for a low-key, green base in Karen.
Access & Logistics
The site is easily accessible by standard vehicles, and M-Pesa is the standard method for daily payments.
Operating Hours
Daily, 24 hours for residents and campers.
Editor's Review
The Karen Camp is a rustic, woodsy retreat tucked away in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi. It serves as a no-frills sanctuary for travelers who prefer a quiet, garden-centric environment over the sterile atmosphere of city hotels. While the facilities are basic and show signs of age, the property offers a secure, gated location that keeps you close to Karen's main attractions while providing a peaceful escape from the urban hustle.
If you find the camp's dining options lacking, you are perfectly positioned just a short drive from the Karen Crossroads and The Hub, where you can find a variety of high-quality restaurants, cafes, and well-stocked supermarkets to cater to your specific dietary needs.
The Cost: Camping is priced at approximately KSH 1,000 per person per night. Please note that management often requests payment on a daily basis, so ensure you have your M-Pesa ready to settle your bill each morning.
The Experience: This is a low-energy, relaxed destination. The terrain is mostly flat, grassy lawn space suitable for tents and overlanding vehicles. It is not a high-intensity activity site; rather, it is a place to rest, recharge, and enjoy the sounds of nature, including local birds and the occasional monkey visit.
What you can get: You can expect basic, functional camping amenities including potable water, electricity hookups for vehicles, and access to a popular but quiet evening bar. The property is home to friendly resident cats and dogs, creating a homely, informal atmosphere that is difficult to find in more commercialized hostels.
Overall, The Karen Camp is an honest, budget-friendly stopover. While it could benefit from some maintenance, its combination of a central location and affordable rates makes it a reliable choice for the practical traveler who prioritizes value over luxury.
More Details
Explorer Ken's Advice
"Request to use the hot showers inside the main building rather than the outdoor facilities for a much more comfortable experience."
Things to Consider
The food quality is inconsistent and basic, so it is safer to bring your own supplies or eat at nearby Karen malls.
Feedback
Top Google Reviews
Wambui Kinyua
Brilliant place to have a cheap snack in deep Karen... Beautiful garden
Darren
During the day a very peaceful place to stay with the only noises being from the Ibis and the odd monkey. 2 lovely dogs and 2 equally lovely cats. Great service from Boniface at the bar and the owner Githoni (excuse my spelling) is extremely attentive and always around to help. Nice place if you want to escape the city but still be close enough to visit the usual tourist attractions.
Craig Hoggarth
I stayed here a month, due to the severe flooding in Kenya at the time. The facilities for overlanders were limited, but accessible, I managed to maintain electric & and purify my own water. There is an evening bar, and basic rooms and amenities. Wifi and good rates
Nelly Byrd
Better value than other places. It's not great camping but it works. There's a good hot shower in the building that you can use as the outside one is either non functioning or just cold (we never tried it) water is potable they said. So a shower in the building is a plus. price is 1000pppn. There are sinks for washing up and a bar which is open and popular but not at all noisy. I think there was WiFi we never used it. The food we were told was not good and made them sick that night. They only had a burger so beware of that and get things well done! There's plenty of grass for tents it's level for cars and the gate is locked. It's near the supermarkets and malls. Overall I'd stay again for sure it could do with some sprucing up would be my residing comment. Manager is helpful but not a jolly fellow. Payment is asked for every day which should not be a problem. At 1000 it works, above that price (if they put it up above 1000) and in its current state I'd go elsewhere.
Theodore Zake
We camped at this site for 2 nights. We are overlanding and had our own facilities. Great camp site for overlanding. Amazing host and great bar. The best value for money close to Nairobi
Community Insights
Become a pioneer
Be the first community explorer to share an insight.