Where Is The Maasai Market Location In Nairobi? Schedule and Days of the Market
When one comes from a Kenya safari, it is worth buying some souvenirs to remind them of the awesome experience they have had. Well, Kenya has such a market where you can buy beaded jewelry, artifacts, handicrafts, clothes, and shoes made from African fabrics, carvings, utensils, handbags, etc.
The market referred to as Maasai Market has specific days it operates in Nairobi. The Maasai Market days in Nairobi can vary during different seasons, most are not permanent.
The name came from the Maasai Tribe who are very popular for their rich culture and their firm beliefs and traditions. The Maasai live near most wildlife reserves and are very crafty producing hand-made artifacts.
Once they realized the tourists loved their crafts, they started making them for trade. They would bring them to Nairobi due to demand and that is how Maasai Market was formed.
Which are the Maasai Market Days and Maasai Market Locations to visit
The market moves around the city on different days of the week, typically operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at each location. But these Maasai Market schedules depend on a lot of factors including weather conditions.
Below is a day-to-day schedule of the Market from Tuesday to Friday and the location of each day.
Monday:
Maasai Market is not open on Monday but is open the rest of the week, from Tuesday to Sunday.
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, the market is in Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands (the upper car park) relocated to Kijabe Street opposite the Norfolk Hotel
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, the Market is at the Capital Centre on Mombasa Road just past Nyayo Stadium and Sarit Centre.
Thursday:
On Thursday, the Market can be found in Nakumatt Junction Shopping Mall on Ngong Road on your way to Karen and Sarit Centre Westlands
Friday:
On Friday, you can find the market in Village Market in Gigiri (the upper car park) along Limuru Road
Saturday:
On Saturday, the Market is located at The High Court parking lot in the city center (behind the Hilton Hotel) along the City Hall Way Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Sunday:
On Sunday, the Market is in Yaya Centre in Hurlingham along the Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi.
Please note:- Maasai Market is not open on Monday, but is open the rest of the week.
Bargaining Tips at Maasai Market when buying items
Just like any other shopping place in the city of Nairobi, you have to be aware of the way you look, how you are dressed, and how you talk, any of these factors might be the determining factor on how much you will be charged for the items you buy.
Some tourists cannot escape this as they don’t know as they are not from Africa, you have to bargain and act like you know what you want. You can buy all your souvenirs in one go but be prepared for some serious bargaining.
If you want to avoid attention, wait until the market gets busy, it becomes easy to move around and bargain for yourself.
It’s also important to note that too much bargaining can hurt the vendors, especially if they insist on not changing the price, in that case, you should just pay the amount they are asking for to make sure that you are not killing their business.
It mostly creates a balance and also keeps them at bay to remain operational.
Recommended Things to Buy at the Maasai Market for souvenirs or gifts or home decor
1 Maasai Sandals
Maasai leather and beaded sandals are to be found at most of the markets. Do not rush and buy, but rather take your time comparing different designs and prices across a few shops. Try them on before buying, as the sizes can differ between vendors.
2 Jewelry
Jewelry, especially local ones, is featured in most of the markets. You can find some cool stuff, ranging from brass to beads. Visitors usually buy bracelets beaded in the Kenyan national colors.
Note that many of the best artisans do not display their best-quality works for fear of competitors copying them. It is OK if you ask them if they have other products to show you other than the displayed ones.
3 Shukas or Masai Blankets
Shukas are Maasai blankets. They are gifts that most people will use so they are worth buying for your friends and family members. They are perfect to use in picnics or chilly weather.
4 Kiondos
The woven carryall bags are available in natural or colorful, striped varieties. They are perfect for carrying daily items. Besides, it is so beautifully colored and unique in design.
5- Artwork
Buy some artwork to hang on your walls, but don’t spend a fortune on them. If your budget is more flexible, you can check out some of Nairobi’s art galleries, like those at the Railway Museum or Kuona Trust.
You will also find a variety of wooden carvings, bowls, and baskets to add a little Kenyan vibe to your home.
Other Places you can Shop Souvenirs apart from Maasai Market
There are other Masai Markets you can explore and buy souvenirs, artifacts, and decorations from in Nairobi. These are just alternative options that you can take if in case Masai Market seems to be far, or closed, or even if you don’t want congested areas.
1. Toi Market
Toi market is located in the outskirts of Kibera slum and is the definition of one man’s trash is another man’s come-up. It is second-hand shopping at its best as any unique style person will easily find what they are looking for.
Mtumba (Swahili word for second hand) is the modern-day chatty vendor selling everything from vegetables, to designer clothes. 99% of their stuff is shipped from the west and mostly comes from Gikomba.
Toi Market is Located on Suna Rd along Ngong Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
2. Amani ya Juu
Amani ya Juu is a Swahili phrase that means “Peace from Above.” Amani ya Juu is a social economic enterprise committed to peace and reconciliation for women from many African nations and cultures. Amani ya Juu uses beautiful African materials to create high-quality fair-trade home goods and accessories.
Amani began in 1996 with four women sewing placemats together in Nairobi. Since then, Amani has grown to over 200 women representing diverse communities from all across Africa.
Amani ya Juu is on Ring Road in Riverside, near Prime Bank, Westlands Nairobi.
3. Spinners Web Kenya Ltd
Spinners Web Kenya is one of the best curio shops in Kenya. With over 450 creative artists all from different parts of Africa Best of Hand-made Products. Be amazed by the sheer workmanship and talent that is showcased within our shop.
Spinners Web Kenya is located on Kitisuru Road, off Peponi Road, Spring Valley, Nairobi. Apart from the amazing collections from Masai Mara, Spinners Web Kenya Ltd offers an amazing platform for creatives and lovers of creative designs who can come buy items and products.
4. Utamaduni
Utamaduni was originally set up as a unique house of crafts to appeal to tourists coming through Langata on their way to visit the game park or on their way back from the giraffe center and elephant orphanage.
An emporium of handcrafted artifacts, fashion, accessories, homeware, beauty products, antiques, and more. Utamaduni is a one-stop shop for exquisite products proudly made here in Kenya and across the African continent.
Utamaduni is located on Bogani East Road in Langata, Nairobi, Kenya.
5. Hilton Arcade Curio Shop
The oldest craft shop in town is located here. In addition to the low prices and one-price policy, there are several reasons to visit. You get a basket and walk through the shop filled with mesmerizing African crafts.
Beaded bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and animals, as well as wooden spoons, carved creatures, and Kitenge bags and purses, are all items to look out for. It is your standard Maasai Market merchandise at a great price.
Hilton Arcade Curio Shop is located at Hilton Arcade, on Mama Ngina Street, Nairobi
6. Kazuri Beads Factory
Kazuri was founded to employ local women who were struggling to find work or employment. Visit Kazuri and go on a factory tour to watch the work of famous beads being handcrafted. As well as selling jewelry made by women you can buy a packet of loose beads and make something wonderful for yourself.
Kazuri Beads Shop is located in Mbagathi Ridge, Karen-Nairobi.
7. Nairobi City Market
One of the city’s main souvenir businesses is concentrated in this covered market, which has dozens of stalls selling woodcarvings, drums, spears, shields, soapstone, Maasaijewellery and clothing.
It’s a hectic place and you’ll have to bargain, but there’s plenty of good stuff on offer. It’s an interesting place to wander around in its own right, though you generally need to be shopping to make the constant hassle worth the bother.
Nairobi City Market is located along Muindi Mbingu Street and Koinange Street in the Nairobi CBD.
8. Masai Market at Sarit Centre
The Sarit Maasai Market is held every Wednesday and Thursday at the Silo Parking -1M, offering a vibrant shopping experience right in the heart of Sarit.
Discover a diverse array of unique, handcrafted items, including jewelry, clothing, artwork, and more, all showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai community.
Whether you’re looking for a special gift or a one-of-a-kind piece to add to your collection, the Sarit Maasai Market has something for everyone.
Start Planning Your First Kenya Safari. Get In Touch With Us Now To Start Planning.
Cheetah Safaris has fantastic, experienced safari experts available and prepared to assist you in creating a once-in-a-lifetime beach holiday experience. Fill in Our Contact Form with the details you want or send us a WhatsApp text to reach us at +254704274590..
