Hemingways Eden, nestled in the leafy suburbs of Karen, Langata, is a captivating fusion of a boutique hotel and private art gallery. Originally built by artists Tonio and Anna Trzebinski in 1992 as a family home, this unique establishment has been transformed into a hotel and art gallery and is now part of the distinguished Hemingways Collection since 2022.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Hemingways Eden is located in the peaceful suburb of Langata, on the south west side of Nairobi. Right next door to the AFEW Giraffe Sanctuary, the hotel sits within large wooded grounds where monkeys, warthogs and parrots roam freely.
Rooms
The Main House at Hemingways Eden comes with three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms: Tonio & Anna’s Room, Stas’s Room, and Lana & Tacha’s Room. Tonio & Anna’s Room is the wonderfully designed master bedroom, and includes a super-king size bed, a daybed, a walk-in wardrobe, and a private veranda. The two remaining rooms are smaller, though similarly beautiful, and include king size beds. Note that Stas’s Bedroom does not come with a bathtub, and that none of the rooms convert to twin.
Tonio’s Studio consists of three double-story studio lofts and two bedrooms. Lofts 1, 2 & 3 are located on the ground floor, include king-size beds and ensuite bathrooms with showers. The two bedrooms Garden View and Forest View come with king-size beds and ensuite bathrooms. The Lofts can be converted into twins, the bedrooms cannot. While it it unlikely that guests will stay in the Cottage, do note that it has a double bedroom with ensuite.
Communal Areas
Founded in 2021, a former family home, and described by the Financial Times as ‘equal parts hotel, urban sanctuary and artistic hub’, Hemingways Eden is a truly unique piece of accommodation. Built by the family in the early 1990s, and was for a short while hotel One Forty Eight, before being returned to – and entirely refurbished by – Trzebinski and her team during the pandemic.
Set within four acres of verdant gardens, it includes the Main House, Tonio’s Studio, and Artist-in-Residence Cottage, which combine to offer nine bedrooms, two shared areas, library, a restaurant and bar, media room, attic retreat, treatment room, and Trzebinski’s atelier and boutique. Marked by polished wooden floors, a mix of artisanal and Good Design furniture, and over 200 original artworks, the buildings’ 30-year old frames sit well with Trzebinski’s modernist sensibility. All have open-plan living areas, with the Main House’s veranda extending out into the trees, making it ideal for outdoors-dining. In keeping with its name, the garden’s replete with mature trees, peacock, monkey, warthog, and parrot.
Activities
Activities include meditation, spa treatment, walking the garden, and enjoying being immersed in the cultural experience that is Hemingways Eden. At the same time, it is the perfect base from which to explore Nairobi, either visit visiting the AFEW centre or Nairobi National Park, or taking a shopping excursions into the city. Cultural activities include artisanal workshop tours with Gladys Macharia and art studio visits with Olivia Constantine. Costs for these can be provided on request.
Bed & Breakfast
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense ‘long rains’ in March, April and May.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense ‘long rains’ in March, April and May.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
TRANSITION FROM DRY TO WET SEASON
The exact start of the rains is always a little uncertain, March can start well but it is worth bearing in mind that the weather will become more unpredictable as the month progresses.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, making travel to and from lodges potentially a little tricky at times. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, making travel to and from lodges potentially a little tricky at times. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
TRANSITION FROM WET TO DRY SEASON
By June the country should generally have moved into the dry season, which marks a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. The weather can however still be a little unpredictable, especially at the beginning of the month.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. All in all the perfect time to visit the vast majority of the country.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. All in all the perfect time to visit the vast majority of the country.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. All in all the perfect time to visit the vast majority of the country.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
A rather unpredictable time of the year with the occasional heavy shower or thunderstorm, but usually plenty of sunshine in between. While technically the wet season the rains are not as intense during this period as the ‘long rains’, it can therefore still be a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
A rather unpredictable time of the year with the occasional heavy shower or thunderstorm, but usually plenty of sunshine in between. While technically the wet season the rains are not as intense during this period as the ‘long rains’, it can therefore still be a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
