The "Maasai Market" is not a fixed place: it is an open-air craft market that moves around Nairobi, in car parks and shopping centres, depending on the day of the week. You will find beaded jewellery, blankets and shawls (shukas), wood and soapstone carvings, baskets and home decoration. Bargaining is part of the game, and it is the easiest place to buy souvenirs after a safari.
Highlights
The jewellery and bead stalls
Colourful beaded necklaces, bracelets and belts, often assembled in front of you. Compare several stalls before buying and ask who made the piece.
The Village Market Maasai Market
On the rooftop of the Village Market mall in Gigiri, it is held on Fridays according to guides: one of the calmer versions, with wider aisles.
Blankets and shukas
The red and blue checked cloths worn by the Maasai; they work as a throw, a tablecloth or a shawl.
Carvings and soapstone
Animals carved from wood or soft Kisii stone. Make sure nothing is ivory or an animal product: selling and exporting it is illegal.
Practical info
Tips
- Locations change and are unofficial; according to guides the market is held on Tuesday (Kijabe Street, near the Norfolk Hotel), Wednesday (Capital Centre, Mombasa Road), Thursday (The Junction, Ngong Road), Friday (Village Market, Gigiri), Saturday (High Court car park, city centre) and Sunday (Yaya Centre, Hurlingham), with little or no activity on Monday. This varies from season to season: confirm the day with your hotel or the mall. There are no price tags: offer about half the first price, stay friendly and walk away if you are not convinced; sellers often call you back. Bring small Kenyan shilling notes (see money and tipping in Kenya) and keep your belongings in a closed bag, as in any crowd (see scams and safety in Kenya). For fixed-price crafts, try Utamaduni Craft Centre.
How to get there
By taxi or ride-hailing app (Uber, Bolt) from the centre or your accommodation, depending on the day. Village Market is in Gigiri, in the north of the city; Yaya Centre is in Hurlingham. Avoid walking there with cash on show. See also Nairobi in one day.
Opening hours
Nearby
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