Karen Blixen - Isak Dinesen home

Question 69a: Denys Finch Hatton's grave preserved?

Q. Could you please tell me if Denys Finch Hatton's grave is still preserved as Karen Blixen would have wanted it?

A. Denys Finch Hatton's grave is very well cared for by the Kenyan farmer who owns the land. He grows flowers around the monument.

To reach the grave, you must stop at the police station in the town of Ngong and get a policeman to ride with you. He will be your guide. You will tip him a small amount; bandits prey upon tourists in this area.

The road is very interesting, traversing shambas in the Ngong Hills. It is not paved, so you shouldn't go there in the rainy season. It is preferable to have a Kenyan driver for your car. As it is, the narrow mud laterite road is grooved and pitted. If it is wet, your car slides easily.

You will climb through the hills, on the very red mud of the road, until you see a sign pointing up, to a smaller road with a steep grade. The farmer living there charges a few shillings for you to enter the grave area.

You may photograph the grave site, but politeness prevents taking photos of people along the road, and the laws of Kenya forbid it.

Copyright © 2003 by Linda Donelson. All rights reserved.

The road

The entrance

The monument

Link to photos of the surroundings