10 Masai Markets in Nairobi

The Masai Markets in Nairobi are an essential part of the city’s cultural and shopping experience, offering a vibrant collection of handcrafted items, souvenirs, and traditional Maasai art. These markets provide both locals and tourists with the opportunity to purchase unique African crafts, textiles, jewelry, and artwork, often directly from the artisans who create them. With a rich selection of Maasai-inspired goods, visiting a Masai Market is a great way to support local artisans while bringing home authentic Kenyan pieces.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Masai Markets in Nairobi, from what to expect, where to find them, and expert tips on how to make the most of your visit.

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What to Expect at Masai Markets

The Masai Markets are bustling open-air markets that feature a diverse range of goods, including:

• Beaded Jewelry: One of the signature items of the Maasai people, beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and belts are available in a wide variety of colors and intricate designs. Each piece of jewelry often carries cultural significance, symbolizing status, age, or achievements within the Maasai community.
• Textiles and Shukas: The Maasai shuka (traditional cloth) is a popular item found in the markets. These brightly colored, checkered wraps are worn by the Maasai people and have become a symbol of Kenyan culture. Other textiles include hand-woven scarves, table runners, and kikoys (light cotton wraps).
• Carvings and Woodwork: Hand-carved wooden items such as animals, masks, and figurines are abundant at the market. These carvings often depict the iconic wildlife of Kenya, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
• Art and Paintings: Local artists sell paintings that reflect Kenya’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture. These paintings, often done in vibrant colors, make for perfect souvenirs or décor for your home.
• Leather Goods: You’ll find a range of leather products, from sandals and belts to bags and wallets, all made by local craftsmen using traditional techniques.
• Curios and Souvenirs: The markets are a treasure trove of other curios, such as Maasai shields, spears, drums, and pottery, as well as small souvenirs like keychains and magnets.

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Best Masai Markets in Nairobi

1. Village Market (Fridays)

• Location: Gigiri, off Limuru Road
• Market Days: Fridays
• Overview: One of the most popular and upscale markets, Village Market offers a relaxed shopping experience with a wide selection of Maasai crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It’s particularly popular among expatriates and tourists due to its location near the UN offices and many embassies.
• Why Visit: The atmosphere is more laid-back, making it easy to browse without the typical hustle and bustle of Nairobi markets. Ideal for tourists who prefer a quieter shopping experience.

2. Yaya Centre (Sundays)

• Location: Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani
• Market Days: Sundays
• Overview: This market is conveniently located in the heart of Nairobi’s Kilimani district, next to the Yaya shopping mall. It is one of the busiest Masai Markets, offering a vast range of products from different artisans.
• Why Visit: Yaya Centre’s Masai Market offers an extensive variety of crafts and curios. It’s a great place for tourists and locals looking for unique, hand-made items in a central location.

3. Nairobi High Court Parking Lot (Saturdays)

• Location: City Centre, off City Hall Way
• Market Days: Saturdays
• Overview: One of the oldest and most established Masai Markets, this one is held at the parking lot of the High Court. The market features a wide array of products from hundreds of vendors, making it a bustling and vibrant place.
• Why Visit: The High Court Masai Market is a fantastic place to find authentic Kenyan crafts at affordable prices, but be prepared to haggle. It’s one of the busiest markets, so it’s a good idea to arrive early.

4. Two Rivers Mall (Tuesdays)

• Location: Limuru Road, Runda
• Market Days: Tuesdays
• Overview: Located at Nairobi’s largest mall, this market caters to visitors looking for a more relaxed and organized shopping experience. It’s slightly smaller than other Masai Markets but still offers a good selection of crafts and souvenirs.
• Why Visit: With a convenient location in a modern mall setting, the Two Rivers market is ideal for those who want to combine shopping for local crafts with other activities like dining or entertainment.

5. Capital Centre (Wednesdays)

• Location: Mombasa Road, South C
• Market Days: Wednesdays
• Overview: The Masai Market at Capital Centre is known for being slightly less crowded, offering a quieter shopping experience for those who want to avoid the larger crowds of the weekend markets.
• Why Visit: It’s a great spot for travelers staying near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or those looking to shop in a calmer, less chaotic environment.

6. Lavington Mall (Thursdays)

• Location: Lavington, James Gichuru Road
• Market Days: Thursdays
• Overview: A smaller market located at Lavington Mall, this market is perfect for those living or staying in the Lavington area. It has a more relaxed vibe and is ideal for picking up Maasai crafts without the hassle of bargaining.
• Why Visit: The atmosphere is quieter and more intimate, making it easy to browse without feeling rushed. It’s perfect for those who prefer a less hectic market experience.

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Expert Tips for Visiting Masai Markets

1. Bargaining: Haggling is expected at the Masai Markets, and prices are often initially set higher for tourists. Be polite but firm when negotiating, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the price doesn’t feel right. As a rule of thumb, you can usually start by offering half the quoted price and negotiate from there.
2. Cash is King: Most vendors at the Masai Markets prefer cash, especially in Kenyan Shillings (KES). While some may accept mobile payments like M-Pesa, having cash on hand will make the transaction smoother.
3. Arrive Early: To avoid the biggest crowds and get the first pick of items, it’s best to arrive early in the day. Many markets start setting up by mid-morning, and you’ll have more space and time to browse without the pressure of other shoppers.
4. Stay Aware of Your Belongings: As with any busy market, keep your valuables secure. Use a crossbody bag or keep your belongings in front of you to avoid pickpocketing.
5. Cultural Respect: While photographing the vibrant markets and crafts is tempting, always ask permission before taking photos of vendors or their products, as some may request a small fee.
6. Support Local Artisans: Whenever possible, try to buy directly from the artisans themselves, rather than middlemen. This helps support local communities and ensures that the profits go to those who created the goods.

Here’s a comprehensive table of all the major Masai Markets in Nairobi, including their days of operation and market highlights:

Market	Days of Operation	Location	Highlights
Village Market	Fridays	Gigiri, off Limuru Road	Upscale market, relaxed atmosphere, great for tourists and expatriates. Wide range of Maasai crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs in a modern mall setting.
Yaya Centre	Sundays	Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani	Central location with a vast selection of Maasai beadwork, carvings, and textiles. Busy market with a diverse range of artisans and products.
Nairobi High Court	Saturdays	City Centre, off City Hall Way	One of the busiest and largest markets, with hundreds of vendors. Great for bargain hunting and authentic Kenyan crafts. Popular for wood carvings and textiles.
Two Rivers Mall	Tuesdays	Limuru Road, Runda	Convenient, quieter market at Nairobi’s largest mall. Good selection of curios and handicrafts in a relaxed environment.
Capital Centre	Wednesdays	Mombasa Road, South C	Quieter market with fewer crowds, making it ideal for those who want to browse at leisure. Good variety of Maasai crafts, jewelry, and textiles.
Lavington Mall	Thursdays	James Gichuru Road, Lavington	Small, intimate market with fewer vendors. Offers a more relaxed and quieter shopping experience. Great for beadwork, kikoys, and baskets.
Galleria Mall	Thursdays	Lang’ata Road, Karen	Smaller, family-friendly market located near the Nairobi National Park. Great for finding unique, local crafts and souvenirs, including beaded jewelry and textiles.
Junction Mall	Fridays	Ngong Road, Lavington	Mid-sized market with a good variety of handcrafted goods, including leather items, Maasai shukas, and wood carvings. Perfect for shoppers in the Ngong Road area.
Westgate Mall	Saturdays	Mwanzi Road, Westlands	Popular among tourists and expatriates, offering a range of Maasai crafts, home décor, and jewelry in an upscale shopping environment.
Adam’s Arcade	Mondays	Ngong Road, Kilimani	Smaller and less crowded market. Great for affordable Maasai crafts, beaded jewelry, and curios. Ideal for those looking for a quieter shopping experience.

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Market Highlights Summary:

• Village Market (Fridays): Upscale, relaxed shopping experience in a modern setting.
• Yaya Centre (Sundays): Busy, central location with a wide variety of authentic crafts.
• Nairobi High Court (Saturdays): Large, bustling market perfect for bargain hunters.
• Two Rivers Mall (Tuesdays): Quieter market in the largest mall, great for tourists.
• Capital Centre (Wednesdays): Less crowded, good for browsing Maasai crafts at leisure.
• Lavington Mall (Thursdays): Intimate, smaller market with high-quality items.
• Galleria Mall (Thursdays): Family-friendly, close to Nairobi National Park, great for unique finds.
• Junction Mall (Fridays): Convenient for those near Ngong Road, with a range of handmade goods.
• Westgate Mall (Saturdays): Upscale shopping with high-quality Maasai crafts.
• Adam’s Arcade (Mondays): Quiet, affordable market ideal for avoiding large crowds.

These markets offer a variety of authentic Kenyan items, making each market day a great opportunity to explore different areas of Nairobi and pick up unique souvenirs.

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Sustainable Shopping at Masai Markets

Shopping at Masai Markets is not only a great way to find beautiful souvenirs but also an opportunity to support sustainable tourism. Many of the items are made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, such as glass beads, repurposed metals, and organic cotton. Buying from these markets helps promote the local economy and encourages the preservation of traditional Maasai craftsmanship.