Maasai Market Days In Nairobi 2024

In this article, we will discuss where the Maasai Market will be in Nairobi in 2024, as well as the best days to visit. The Maasai Market is a popular open-air market in Nairobi, Kenya, offering a diverse selection of traditional Kenyan crafts, artefacts, and souvenirs. While on safari or a beach vacation in Kenya, the Maasai Market is the best place to shop for souvenirs. It sells a wide range of products, including African pots and pans, artwork, jewellery, shoes, purses, clothing, and utensils. The market is well-known for its lively atmosphere and the presence of Maasai tribespeople selling their handcrafted goods.

Where is the Maasai Market today in Nairobi?

The Maasai Market rotates around the city each day of the week. However, the most popular Maasai Market among many locals is located in the city behind the Hilton Hotel in the high court parking lot. It is always open on Saturdays. If Saturdays are not convenient for you, you can visit the Maasai market on the other days of the week in different locations. Traditionally, it was held once a week in different parts of the city, but in recent years, it has become more frequent and expanded to multiple locations. Here is a general schedule of Maasai Market days in Nairobi.

Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands (the upper car park) relocated to Kijabe Street, opposite the Norfolk Hotel
Wednesday:
Capital Centre on Mombasa Road, near the airport
Thursday:
Nakumatt Junction Shopping Mall on Ngong Road
Friday:
Village Market in Gigiri (the upper car park)
Saturday:
The High Court parking lot in the city centre (behind the Hilton)
Sunday:
Yaya Centre along Argwings Kodhek Road in Hurlingham

What to Buy at the Maasai Market in Nairobi?

1. Artwork and Carvings

The Maasai market is always full of great art, and most of it has an African feel. You can get some decent items for a reasonable price in the market, but if you want something more distinctive, you can visit one of Nairobi’s art galleries. The market also has a good selection of wooden carvings, bowls, baskets, and dolls to bring Kenyan culture into your home.

2. Maasai Sandals

The Maasai market is brimming with Maasai leather and beaded sandals. They come in various designs and colours, so take your time looking for a pair you like. These sandals are quality and are perfect for a beach holiday. They are a must-have.

3. Kiondos

Kiondos are also nice souvenirs that should be grabbed from the Maasai market. These are good to carry items daily with the most blissful designs and fashions. These handwoven bags can be made from indigenous vegetable twine with leather trimmings.

4. Shukas

Shukas from Kenya are mostly liked, even in the Maasai markets, but they are mostly easily imported from Kenya to other countries. But if it happens to go to the Maasai market where you can make your right choice of the Maasai blankets and shukas, mostly at a higher extent, these are mostly bought by the travellers to be gifted to family members or friends when you’re going to traveller back to your country and mostly the shukas are used in picnics or any chilly moments.

5. Maasai blankets

Masai blankets, also known as Maasai Shukas or Kikois, come in various vibrant colours. The shukas, which carry the Maasai culture, are one of the most incredible ways to remember your trip to Kenya. They can also be used as a bed cover, a picnic blanket, or an extra blanket on a cold day.

6. Jewelry

The Maasai market is famous for its variety of jewelry, from earrings to bracelets and necklaces, all of which are usually vibrant and come in various colours. You may discover some great and unique products for a reasonable price here. Popular pieces are bracelets adorned with beads in Kenya’s official colours

Tips for visiting the Masai Market in Nairobi

Just like any other market, the Maasai Market might be overwhelming. Unfortunately, it can be a little too much with the hordes of customers, vendors calling you from every corner, and hawkers stopping you from checking out what they have to sell. Here are some tips to help in your visit to the Maasai market.

1. Bargaining and language

Bargaining is a fun part of the Maasai market shopping experience, but if you are not a local, you should expect to be charged a much higher price and be prepared to bargain firmly and respectfully. But, again, knowing a little Swahili will help you come across as someone who knows what they’re talking about and does not want to be taken advantage of.

2. Have local currency

When shopping in any city worldwide, changing your money to the local currency is essential. Additionally, it will also be cheaper when you shop using Kenyan currency. There are numerous foreign exchange bureaus in the city centre, but you may also exchange money at the airport or any of the city’s banks.

3. Avoid crowded market days

Shopping can be stressful when too many people are jammed into the market’s tight alleys. On crowded market days, it is tough to navigate, and you can miss out on some of the most attractive items. As a result, if you have the option, go shopping in the evening or inquire which day and place are less busy to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.

4. Explore as many vendors as possible

The Maasai market has many vendors, and If one is not careful, one may buy Everything from one person. It is not a wrong decision to buy all your items from one vendor; however, in that process, you miss out on the many options available from other vendors. The Maasai market is all about exploring to get your unique souvenir to take home. We advise you to walk around the market to check what is available and then buy what you like. It is also essential to shop with a local; it can be your tour guide or a Kenyan friend to help you navigate the market.

5. Be mindful of your surroundings

It is always essential to be aware of your surroundings in any place you visit. For example, the Maasai market may have pickpockets like any other market. Therefore, always hold your purse/bag safely as you walk around the market. Additionally, do not go around flashing costly jewelry or even handbags, as you may draw the wrong attention.