Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Nairobi Kenya & Where to Stay
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The global gifts novelty and souvenirs market size will increase by USD 11.88 billion from 2020 to 2025. It is growing at a CAGR of 3% during the forecast period. The market witnessed high sales through offline channels in 2021 in Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and MEA.
Kenya is a tourist treasure, blessed with a pleasant climate, great wildlife, diverse cultures, and exciting attractions. Visitors can bring souvenirs home to share the adventure with their family and friends while adding to the assured amazing time in Kenya. Finding ways to purchase special mementos from home helps Kenyans living abroad keep their roots alive.
So, what do you recall from your most recent visit to Kenya? What about this rich country do you miss? Here are 20 unique Kenyan souvenirs to relive your Kenyan experience when shopping in Nairobi Kenya. You can purchase these items in Nairobi or online.
Unable to find things to do in Nairobi city? But why Nairobi? Kenya’s capital, Nairobi serves as the economic hub of East Africa. It features thriving tourist markets with genuine Kenyan souvenirs from all across the country. Many craftsmen and business owners from Kenyan tribes can be found in the well-known Maasai markets. In Nairobi, there is Kariokor and an array of stores on Biashara Street. A few less popular souvenir stores in Nairobi focus on selling their rare treasures online as well. Click below for the best hotels in Nairobi or staycation in Nairobi.
Buy 12 Unique Things While Shopping in Nairobi Kenya
Confused about things to buy in Nairobi or the best hotel in Nairobi? Here is a list of what to buy while shopping in Nairobi Kenya and where to stay.
[Must Read: 10 Unique Date Ideas in Nairobi & Stay at Emara Ole Sereni]
1. Maasai Souvenirs
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The Maasai are famous for having graceful bodies decorated with clothing and body jewels. Kenyans right now consider the Maasai unique garment, the shuka, to be the country’s national attire. It replaced hide skin garments in the 1960s. It is made up of a thick cotton blanket with a check design in stripes of blue, red, black, green, or even yellow.
The Maasai decorate their shukas with complex pieces of jewelry such as long necklaces, chokers, bracelets, earrings, waistbands, and sandals made of handcrafted ceramic beads. The jewelry depicts love, power, and beauty. In addition, major fashion houses and jewelry designers like Louis Vuitton have modeled their clothes and jewelry lines after these Kenyan souvenirs and products.
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Where to go shopping in Nairobi Kenya? Looking for jewellery shops in Nairobi CBD? The Maasai Market, Maasai Curio Shop on Limuru Road, Kariokor, Kazuri Bead Factory on Mbagathi Ridge, and most of Nairobi’s craft stores and flea markets are places to buy Maasai items.
2. Kenyan Masks
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Beautiful hand-painted wooden carvings make up traditional Kenyan masks. Every work of art depicts a different subject or notable figure from Kenyan or African history. Think of statues of Turkana women, Maasai Moran warriors, and protectors.
Also, these Kenyan trinkets and goods are sold with handy strands for hanging them on a wall. Then get these lovely items to bring a little touch of Kenyan culture to your home. Maasai Market, Kenyan Curio Shop in Westlands, the Village Market, and a great deal of other craft stores are where you can go shopping in Nairobi Kenya.
3. Kitengela Glass
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Did you know this about shopping in Nairobi Kenya? Anselm Kitengela Hot Glass at Westgate Shopping Mall, Village Market, and Kitengela Hot Glass Ltd. are places to shop in Nairobi. Get some Kitengela glass souvenirs with an African flair if you love hand-blown artwork. These include trendy drinking glasses, lighting accessories, window-stained glass, garden jewelry, and even creative house fencing. Searching for a jewellery shop in Nairobi?
On the Kenyan Athi Kapiti plains, they display useful art made from reused scrap glass. Most of these Kenyan trinkets and goods are made locally on-site by craftsmen who are disabled. Visit the workspace near Nairobi National Park to watch glass-blowing shops in Nairobi Kenya. It is one of the best places to visit in Nairobi for couples.
4. Kazuri Beads
In Kenya, the word “tourist package” is identical to beads. Kazuri Beads offers you a wide variety of vibrant beads in the form of neckpieces, bracelets, and earrings to suit your mood. The Swahili word “Kazuri” means “small and lovely.” That is why you can use the specific meaning related to each color in your daily mantras. You may choose crimson for strength or courage, or green for riches.
Where to buy when shopping in Nairobi Kenya: Daisy Zoovenir Shop at the Giraffe Centre, Kazuri Bead Factory along Mbagathi Ridge, Fairmont The Kenya National Museum’s Crafts Caravan Ltd., and The Norfolk Hotel. These are some of the top places to visit in Nairobi on a budget. Looking for the best restaurants in Nairobi? Keep reading.
5. Visual Art
Image credit – Kuona Artists Collective
The many art centers located all around Kenya reflect how the Kenyan government supports a vibrant artistic culture. Also, Nairobi is home to venue spaces for live music, visual arts studios, GoDowns featuring artistic graffiti, and art galleries. Next, visit the Kuona Trust Art Centre, a thriving center for visual arts in the center of Kenya’s capital, if you wish to take in this culture when you are not in Kenya. You can find educational and fun modern art exhibits, multimedia displays, videos, and journals here. Ordering authentic paintings of tribal, modern, traditional, or abstract art is best.
Want to know about cultural activities in Kenya? The Kuona Artists Collective, the Centre for the Visual Arts, the Matbronze Art Gallery & Foundry, the Matbronze Wildlife Art, the Utamaduni Salon, the Nairobi Gallery, and others are places to buy art in Nairobi. Where can you find it online? Check out Saatchi Art when shopping in Nairobi Kenya.
6. Kisii Soapstone Carving
The Kisii tribe, known for its soapstone carving tradition, is located in the Kisii country and Tabaka region in western Kenya. The rich Tabaka Hills are where they mine soapstone. You can buy it online on Etsy as well.
Here, entire families carve beautiful works of art that stand out by the soapstone’s natural colors. The final product finds its way into worldwide markets and galleries and draws local and foreign buyers. Abstract sculptures, bowls, vases, baskets, paperweights, and many figures are some examples. Maasai Market, Kenyan Curio Shop in Westlands, and The Village Market are places to go shopping in Nairobi Kenya for Kisii carvings.
7. Akamba Wood Carvings
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Ebony carvings made by the prolific Akamba wood carvers are unique in the sub-Saharan area. Each work of art has a stunning appearance because of the unique two-toned grain of the ebony wood and the shiny, perfect polish. Get genuine Akamba wood carvings from one of Nairobi’s many souvenir stores to give your home a striking and opulent look.
Searching for interesting places to visit in Nairobi? Maasai Market, Kenyan Curio Shop in Westlands, The Village Market, and the majority of Nairobi’s craft stores are places to shop in Nairobi or purchase online at Akamba Handicraft.
8. African Batiks & Animal Sculptures
Are you looking for budget Kenyan souvenirs? If so, think about purchasing hand-carved wooden sculptures, paintings, and batiks from the Nairobi Railway Museum’s array of art galleries. These are exquisite works of art that were created all around the nation. We suggest classical statues of “The Big Five,” 10-foot-tall giraffe carvings, and human figures.
These pieces of art are made from ebony, mango, or neem wood. But African Blackwood Makonke carvings still sell for a high price. African batiks are sold in stores as wall hangings, hair ties, jewelry, or bone beads. Want to know about the best jewelry shop in Nairobi? Kuona Trust, Jigsaw Designs at Sarit Centre, and most Nairobi art galleries are places to purchase when shopping in Nairobi Kenya. It is one of the top things to do in Nairobi.
9. Kiondos
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The Kiondo is a crucial handwoven basket that is present in most homes in the Kikuyu and Kamba cultures. These are sisal baskets that were handcrafted in the Kamba or Kikuyu cultures. They are sold in a variety of hues and sizes and are useful for food shopping and wearing African clothing. Also, you can choose attractive kiondos with robust leather straps.
A useful cloth liner, pockets, and dividers come inside the Kiondo to help you organize and protect your small goods. Some baskets contain eye-catching weave beds or shell accents. Maasai Market, Kenyan Curio Shop in Westlands, The Village Market, and almost all of the other craft stores are places to buy kiondos when shopping in Nairobi Kenya.
10. Kenyan Fabrics
Genuine Kenyan fabrics worn by both men and women include kikoi, lesos, and kangas. These are vibrant, colorful, woven cotton wraps that resemble sarongs and are unique to Africa. Women were required to wear lesos in the Swahili coastal regions as a sign of respect. Men would also wear the Kikoi while they were out with their friends. While a lot of Kikois and Lesos are available at flea markets near the coast of Kenya, you can still find them in Nairobi.
Some dealers utilize the materials to create tablecloths, cushions, scarves, skirts, shirts, and blouses. Also, you can request that specific phrases be printed at the fabric’s bottom line while ordering lesos in advance from the trader at the textile store. These sayings honor birthdays, graduations, childbirths, etc. Where to buy? Maasai Market, Biashara Street, and Ngara Road. Now, you must be looking for the best places to eat in Nairobi. Keep reading.
11. Kenya Safari Chairs
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Outdoor chairs called Kenya Safari Chairs include a light wood frame with a canvas seat, back, and armrests that are water-resistant. The wood frame is protected by a tough finish that enables it to endure rough handling or weather. It can also be folded and packed into small bags for carrying. Still, there are chairs available that come set up with solid brass fittings. There are many safari chairs available for every price range and outdoor use. You can explore the Tarpo Building in the Industrial Area and Marco Polo at the Karen Shopping Centre.
12. Kenyan Wines & Beers
Kenya’s official beer is called Tusker Larger and you can easily buy it when shopping in Nairobi Kenya. Among the traditional beverages from the Kikuyu, Mijikenda, and Western groups are Muratina, Mnazi, and Chang’aa. The uniquely fruity handmade liquors are sipped at special family events. Since Tusker Larger is now available wherever you are, you can order traditional brews that are rarely found in major markets. Pilsner, Tusker Malt, Summit Lager, White Cap, Senator, Pilsner Ice, and Tusker Lite are more Kenyan beer brands.
Looking for top hotels in Nairobi or fine dining restaurants in Nairobi? Read till the end.
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Stay at Emara Ole Sereni for Best Shopping in Nairobi Kenya
Staying at Emara Ole Sereni for the best shopping experience in Nairobi Kenya is the best choice. Where is Ole Sereni located? Conveniently located close to Nairobi’s major shopping hubs, airports, and attractions, we offer amazing views of the Nairobi National Park. After a day of exploring the city and indulging in retail therapy, you can unwind and enjoy the Duma Spa & Salon. You can go for special massages or treatments or take a safari from Nairobi.
Going shopping in Nairobi Kenya? There are many shops in Nairobi airport. Also, Nairobi is renowned for its vibrant markets, modern shopping malls, and craft centers. By staying at Emara Ole Sereni, you’ll have easy access to popular shopping spots such as the Maasai Market, where you can find a wide range of traditional crafts, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. You can also explore upscale malls like The Village Market or Two Rivers Mall. These places offer many global and local brands, dining options, and more.
Being one of the best hotels near JKIA, our hotel’s luxury concierge services in Kenya can provide you with valuable information about the best shopping areas in Nairobi. Whether you’re interested in buying authentic African art, local fabrics, or unique handmade crafts, we will guide you to the most suitable places based on your desires.
After shopping, you can return to the hotel and enjoy its spacious rooms and suites with world-class amenities like Wi-Fi, Satellite TV, and more. Each room features minimal African decor. Want to know more about outdoor party venues in Nairobi? Read below.
Are you looking for the best date restaurants in Nairobi or rooftop restaurants in Nairobi? It’s the perfect place to relax and reflect on your shopping finds while savoring exquisite cuisines at Acacia Restaurant (one of the most romantic restaurants in Nairobi) and Karibu Cafe (the best cafe in Nairobi) and sipping refreshing drinks at Oasis Bar (one of the best bars in Nairobi).
You can also order in-room dining from the top Nairobi restaurants. Besides that, check out Sky Lounge Nairobi (one of the best lounges in Nairobi) and the indoor Maskaan Lounge which offers the best cocktails in Nairobi, Insta-worthy Nairobi National Park views, and savory bites.
Are you searching for wedding venues in Kenya or wedding packages in Nairobi? Are you shopping for a wedding or finding birthday venues in Nairobi? Or are you here on business and shopping for your family and friends back home? Imagine a fairytale wedding with the iconic scenery of Nairobi, where we take care of all the details. From delectable catering to stunning decor and the best wedding halls in Nairobi. We also provide the best conference facilities in Nairobi with the best event spaces to bring your meetings, events, and more to life.
Souvenir Shopping in Nairobi Kenya Is a Must
Which of our Kenyan souvenirs appeals to you? Take your time paying for the products when buying these unique finds from Nairobi’s flea markets. Instead, bargain for a lesser price. Further, because all of the items at shopping malls have fixed prices, you could have to spend more for something you might obtain for less at a flea market.
Even so, global credit cards are accepted at Kenya’s shopping centers, but you will need cash to purchase at the flea markets. Contact us to stay at the best five star hotel in Nairobi. While you enjoy the comfort and luxury, leave it to our concierge to plan the best shopping in Nairobi Kenya.
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