A Base Before or After Karura Forest, Honestly Not Next Door
Karura Forest is on the north side of Nairobi, roughly 40-60 minutes from Karen depending on traffic. We'd rather say that plainly than call ourselves “near” when we're not.
Check availability & bookQuestions? WhatsApp us →- Check-in from 12:00
- Check-out by 10:00
- Breakfast 7:00–10:30
- 24/7 front desk
- Card & M-PESA
- Free parking
Why guests like you choose Karen Plains Hotel
- If Karura is one stop on a wider Nairobi trip, Karen Plains Hotel works well as your calmer base for the rest of it.
- If a forest or green space near the hotel is really what you're after, the Nairobi Arboretum and the Ngong Hills are both much closer.
- A terrace of our own, if a shorter walk closer to the hotel suits you better.
- Free parking for self-drive guests.
Best rooms for your stay
A bathtub to unwind after a day across town.
from about US$62 room only · check live rates
Add to your stay
| JKIA airport transfer (sedan) | US$55 per vehicle |
| Wilson Airport transfer (sedan) | US$45 per vehicle |
| Laundry: wash, dry and fold | US$20 per bag |
Good to know before you book
Traffic between Karen and Karura can be heavy at peak hours, allow extra time either way.
It's usually easier to visit Karura earlier in a Nairobi trip and treat Karen as your calmer final base, rather than a day trip from here.
Entry and trail rules at Karura are set by the Kenya Forest Service, not the hotel, so check their current information before you go.
What guests say
“The staff were incredibly friendly and always available to assist with any needs. […] the security provided gave me complete peace of mind.”Olly, Rwanda · Booking.com
Frequently asked questions
Is the hotel close to Karura Forest?
No, honestly, it is about 40-60 minutes away depending on traffic. We wanted to say that plainly rather than imply otherwise.
Why would I stay here if the forest is far?
If Karura is one stop on a bigger Nairobi trip, Karen Plains Hotel works well as a calm base for the rest of it.
What's actually close to the hotel?
The Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park and Bomas of Kenya are all a short drive away, much closer than Karura.
Can you arrange a transfer?
Yes, airport transfers are available, and the front desk can help with local transport too.
Ready to book?
Book direct for our best available rate and a complimentary welcome drink on arrival.
Check availability & bookPrefer to ask first? WhatsApp +254 796 989 928 or email info@karenplainshotel.com. Our front desk is open 24/7.
Cancellation and prepayment terms depend on the rate you choose and are shown before you pay. See our cancellation and refund policy.
More for your trip: Hotel near Giraffe Centre · Hotel near Nairobi National Park · Hotel near Bomas of Kenya · Karen neighbourhood guide
Karen Plains Hotel · Karen Plains Arcade, Karen Plains Road, Karen, Nairobi · a few steps from The Waterfront Karen