Often considered as one of the most quality golf courses built in the early 20th century, the golf course in the Kenyan capital has kept one of the most hidden secrets about the white settlement in Africa. The golf course established in 1937 has parts of the expansive 18 holes course built in a former coffee estate owned by Karen Blixen a Danish settler whose love and sto tragedy is the inspiration behind the book and the movie out of Africa. The Karen Blixen museum is one of the colonial relics that best defines the Kenya long path to modern civilization and keep the legacy of colonization.
Despite being one of the oldest golf courses in Kenya, Karen golf course remains one of the best choices you can have in the Kenyan capital. The course has a resident team of manual workers tasked to primarily maintain the green to PGA standards. Due to its superb maintanence Karen country club is one of the only two golf courses in Kenya that host the annual Kenya open golf challenge tournaments which were held in the golf course in the year. In addition, the golf course hosts several local golf tournaments amongst them Barclays Kenya open which was hosted in the course for the past 3 years running. The course layout presents a moderately challenging experience with fascinating water features found in the 12th, 14th and 18th hole. The course design is ideal for golfers interested in both the modern and traditional layout with the course largely remaining the way it was 30 years ago with a few readjustments to fit the interests of the young professional golfers. Here most of the holes are treelined each of the hole presenting a unique challenge.
The golf course is one of the most affordable options within the capital. Here to play as a visitor it will cost Ksh 5000 and Ksh 3000 to play on weekdays for the 18 holes and 9 holes respectively. If you are lucky to be signed in by a member ( guest); you will not be charged to play 9 holes on weekday and you will only pay Ksh 2800 to play 18 holes. To play on weekends you will pay Ksh 4000 for both 9 holes and 18 holes. Notably, you can only be signed two times a month as a guest. A member can only sign in 3 guest where he/she have to play with them.
Why Karen golf club should be your choice for your golf safari
1. It is in one of the most serene places you can stay within the capital
Perched in a pleasant forested area at the back drop of the freely standing moist shrouded gong hills, the golf club offer the best place to escape the noisy and ever-busy capital. Here, the course itself is flourishing flora and fauna that gives the natural touch you deserve as hit the shots.
2. Quality golf course
The Karen golf course is superbly maintained with well designed fairways and an automated water system. There is a well fitted drainage system and the management ensure the weeds are cleared on regular bases. The clubhouse is well furnished with golf equipment and other accessories.
3. Accommodation on site
Overlooking the second hole is the residence at Karen hotel a glamorous piece of architecture built in the old colonial design. The residence is one of the homely places you can hold on for a prolonged period at an affordable rates.
4. Allow visitors to play in the course
Though the golf course is largely a membership club, there are no restrictions for non members seeking to play in the golf field. we recommend that you book early to guarantee a slot…(check the residence). Visitors playing in the golf course are required to provide a handicap certificate to play in the golf course during weekend.
Beyond the golf course
After spending long days in the golf course you will need to break the day engaging in other activities within the golf course or in the neighbourhood. Some of the options include:
- City tour. Karen country club neighbours Karen Bllixen museum which is one of the places you shouldn’t miss out during your visit in the capital. The museum established in 1960s gives the best insight of the rights and thewrongs of colonization in Africa. Less than 20 minutes from the golf course is the giraffe centre which is part of Kenya oldest and most famous giraffe sanctuary. Here, you will have the opportunity to feed the long necked animals with grass pallets while standing in one of the sanctuary feeding towers. Sheldrick elephant orphanage another attraction found les than 20 minutes from the course is the only handed opportunity for you to adopt an animal. Other places you can visit include: going for an all out game drive at Nairobi National park, visit the national museum and the snake park or go for a natural trail in the Karura forest enchanting tropical woodlands that breath a natural touch into the capital.
- Other sports and recreations in the golf club. The golf club has a spacious, elegant swimming pool with a coach attached. Here, you can choose to go for the swimming lessons or relax in a Miami side bed where you will unwind and relax from the long hours spent in the golf swing. The pool area is also an ideal spot for children parties, company cocktail and BBQ. The Imara spa, another recreational amenities, offers a personalized treatment to guests with wide range of therapies that will enable you relax and truly indulge the mind, body and soul. In addition, the golf club has up to standard tennis courts totaling to nine. Some of the local competitions are held here. Other sports facilities include: two well maintained squashes, a beautiful green bowling field with its own clubhouse and a snooker room with two snookers.
