Best Places To Find Masai Market In Nairobi
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Nairobi Day Tours Visiting Masai Market
Busy, popular Maasai Market is held every Tuesday on the ground near Slip Rd in town. Souvenirs on offer include beaded jewellery, gourds, baskets and other Maasai crafts, but you’ll have to bargain. The market is open from early morning to late evening.
Where Is Maasai Market In Nairobi?
Top 10 Best Masai Market Locations in Nairobi
1. Village Market (Fridays)
Masai Market Location: Gigiri, off Limuru Road
Market Days: Fridays
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.
2. Yaya Centre (Sundays)
Masai Market Location: Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani
Market Days: Sundays
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.
3. Nairobi High Court Parking Lot (Saturdays)
Masai Market Location: City Centre, off City Hall Way
Market Days: Saturdays
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.
4. Two Rivers Mall (Daily)
Masai Market Location: Two Rivers Mall, B1 level, off Limuru Road, Runda
Market Days: Daily
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.
5. Capital Centre (Wednesdays)
Masai Market Location: Mombasa Road, South C
Market Days: Wednesdays
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.
6. Lavington Mall (Thursdays)
Masai Market Location: Lavington, James Gichuru Road
Market Days: Daily
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.
7. Galleria Mall (Thursdays)
Masai Market Location: Lang’ata Road, Karen
Market Days: Thursdays
This family-friendly market sits conveniently near the Nairobi National Park and major tourist attractions like the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. It offers a mix of Maasai beadwork, shukas, leather items, and woven baskets.
8. Junction Mall (Fridays)
Masai Market Location: Ngong Road, Lavington area
Market Days: Fridays
Located on busy Ngong Road, the Junction Mall Masai Market offers a convenient option for those staying or working in the Kilimani and Lavington neighborhoods. It features leather sandals, shukas, baskets, and hand-painted art.
9. Westgate Mall (Saturdays)
Masai Market Location: Mwanzi Road, Westlands
Market Days: Saturdays
A polished and well-managed Masai Market held in the upmarket Westlands district, attracting both Nairobi residents and international visitors. Stalls offer premium beadwork, polished wooden décor, woven baskets, and paintings.
10. Adam’s Arcade (Mondays)
Masai Market Location: Ngong Road, Kilimani
Market Days: Mondays
A smaller, quieter weekday market ideal for avoiding weekend crowds. Vendors sell a curated mix of affordable Maasai beadwork, small curios, textiles, and home ornaments.
Top 6 Best Tourist Tips for Visiting Masai Markets
Below are expert tips about the Masai Markets in Nairobi, and how to make the most of your visit.
Bargaining: Haggling is expected at the Masai Markets, and prices are often initially set higher for tourists. Keep in mind that it is their livelihood if they really stick to “no” you probably have gone below a price where they can make any money from an item. 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.
Come With Cash: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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