Kazuri Beads Factory

The basics

The bead factory offers a tour of the premises and the chance to catch a live demonstration of how beads are made from start to finish, including hand-sculpting the clay and glazing. The bead workshop is located on what was once part of the estate of Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote Out of Africa, under the pseudonym of Isak Dinesen.

Because of their close proximity, many people visit both attractions together. Many full-day guided tours of Nairobi include a quick stop at the Kazuri Beads Factory alongside other popular attractions such as the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and the Karen Blixen Museum.

Things to know before you go

• If you’re not sure what piece to buy, you can browse the Kazuri Beads Factory catalog online ahead of your visit. No two items are the same, since everything is hand-made.

• Plan on spending anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour here, depending on whether you’re meeting artisans or just making a quick shopping run.

• There’s no charge for the factory tour, but donations are welcome and go toward supporting local craftswomen in need. Reservations for the tour are not required; visitors can simply show up.

How to get there

From the Central Business District, the trip out to Kazuri Beads Factory in Karen takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. You can arrange a taxi through your hotel or use one of the many ridesharing options available in Nairobi. Most private and group tours include round-trip transport.

When to get there

There’s no real wrong time to visit Nairobi, as the city is blessed with mild temperatures year-round thanks to its elevation. But there’s a reason Karen is so lush and green—and that’s the precipitation. There are two rainy seasons per year, one from early spring until June and a shorter season from October through December. The best weather windows are from July to October or in January and February.

Karen Blixen’s lush estate at the foot of the Ngong Hills

Just around the corner from the Kazuri Beads Factory, the one-time home and farm of the author Isak Dinesen is a must-see. Whether or not you’re familiar with the writer’s books (or have seen the famous film adaptation of Out of Africa starring Meryl Streep), the simple 1912 house and its rustic furnishings are a fascinating window into a bygone era of colonial history. The estate is surrounded by tranquil greenery and there’s also a small exhibit on the life of Karen Blixen.