Where is Maasai Market today?
Thursday: Junction Mall, Ngong Road · 9am–6pm
Full weekly schedule below ↓
Nairobi's Maasai Market is a rotating open-air craft market that moves to a different location every day of the week. It's the best place to buy Kenyan souvenirs directly from artisans and traders.
You'll find beadwork, soapstone carvings, wood sculptures, Maasai shukas, kikoys, and more. Quality varies enormously from genuinely handmade to mass-produced imports. The market is famous for three things: incredible variety, rock-bottom prices after bargaining, and the need to know which location to visit on which day.
Weekly Schedule: Where to Go When
The market operates every day but at different locations. As of early 2026, here's the weekly rotation:
| Day | Location | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Capital Centre (Mombasa Road) | 9am–6pm | Smaller setup |
| Tuesday | Kijabe Street (CBD) | 9am–5pm | One of the largest and most accessible |
| Wednesday | Village Market (Gigiri) | 9am–6pm | Mall setting, safe |
| Thursday | Junction Mall (Ngong Road) | 9am–6pm | Moderate size |
| Friday | Village Market (Gigiri) | 9am–6pm | Popular with expats and families |
| Saturday | High Court parking lot (CBD) | 7am–6pm | Biggest and most famous location |
| Sunday | Law Courts / Yaya Centre | 10am–5pm | Good weekend option |
Saturday at the High Court is the classic Maasai Market experience. It's the largest setup with the most vendors, but it's also the most crowded. If you want a quieter experience, try Tuesday at Kijabe Street or Friday at Village Market.
Locations can occasionally shift. Confirm with your hotel or check local Facebook groups before you go.
Entry Fees and Hours
Entry is free. You pay only for what you buy.
Most locations open around 9am and run until 5-6pm. Some vendors pack up earlier if business is slow. Arrive between 9-11am to beat the midday heat and peak crowds.
What to Buy and Fair Prices
All prices below are in KES and reflect what you should pay after bargaining, as of early 2026. First asking prices will be 2-3x higher.
| Item | Price (KES) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Beaded bracelets | 200–500 | Quick, affordable gifts |
| Beaded necklaces | 500–1,500 | Statement jewelry |
| Soapstone carvings | 500–3,000 | Home decor, authentic Kisii craft |
| Maasai shukas | 500–1,000 | Wearable souvenirs |
| Wood carvings | 500–1,500+ | Decorative pieces |
| Kikoys (sarongs) | 400–800 | Beach/travel essential |
| Kenyan AA coffee (250g) | 500–800 | Foodie gifts |
| Leather sandals | 800–2,500 | Handmade Maasai footwear |
| Batik paintings | 1,000–3,000 | Wall art |
Beadwork and soapstone are the best-value purchases. Prices for the same item can vary wildly between vendors, so shop around before committing.
How to Bargain Without Getting Ripped Off
Bargaining is expected and enjoyed. Start at 40-50% of the asking price. The vendor will counter. You go back and forth until you meet in the middle.
Be friendly but firm. Smile. Make eye contact. If the price doesn't work, walk away. Vendors will often call you back with a better offer.
Compare prices across 2-3 stalls before buying. You'll quickly learn what's reasonable. Don't bargain for something you don't intend to buy. It's a waste of everyone's time.
If you're buying multiple items from one vendor, bundle them and ask for a discount. Vendors appreciate bulk purchases and will lower the per-item price.
Handmade vs Mass-Produced: How to Tell
Some items are genuinely handmade by Maasai and Kenyan artisans. Others are factory-produced imports sold as "handmade."
Handmade beadwork has slight irregularities in the pattern and bead spacing. Mass-produced beadwork is perfectly uniform. Soapstone from Kisii is generally authentic; Kenya is one of the world's main sources. Wood carvings vary widely. Cheap, lightweight carvings are often mass-produced. Heavier pieces with visible tool marks are more likely to be handmade.
Ask vendors where items come from. Many are honest if you ask directly. If supporting local artisans matters to you, look for slight imperfections. They're a sign of hand craftsmanship.
Safety and Practical Tips
Pickpockets operate at busy markets, especially the CBD locations (Kijabe Street and High Court). Keep your phone in a front pocket. Don't flash large amounts of cash. Carry only what you need.
The Village Market location in Gigiri is the safest option. It's in a controlled mall environment with security. It's also smaller and easier to navigate.
Go with a friend if you're visiting CBD locations. There's safety in numbers, and it's more fun to bargain with backup.
Bring small bills (KES 100, 200, 500 notes). Vendors often claim they don't have change for large bills. Whether that's true or a negotiating tactic, having small denominations avoids the issue.
Bring a reusable bag or backpack for your purchases. Vendors don't provide bags.
Who Should Visit, Who Should Skip
Visit if you want authentic Kenyan souvenirs and enjoy market culture. The Maasai Market is a rite of passage for visitors to Nairobi. It's colorful, chaotic, and filled with one-of-a-kind finds.
Skip if you dislike bargaining or crowds. If you prefer fixed prices, visit Utamaduni Craft Centre in Karen (curated selection, no bargaining) or Kazuri Beads (fair-trade ceramics and jewelry, also in Karen).
The market is family-friendly, but keep a close eye on children in the busier CBD locations.
Beyond the Market: Nairobi's Best Souvenirs
If you're looking for higher-end Kenyan crafts, try Kitengela Glass (recycled glass art in Kitengela, 30km south of Nairobi) or Kazuri Beads (hand-rolled ceramic beads made by local women, Karen). Both have fixed prices and support fair-trade artisans.
For coffee, buy directly from Kenyan roasters like Dormans, Java House, or Artcaffe. You'll pay slightly more than at the market but the quality is guaranteed.
Final Thoughts
The Maasai Market is the best place in Nairobi to buy souvenirs, full stop. Prices are low, variety is high, and bargaining is part of the experience.
Go on Saturday morning if you want the full market spectacle. Go on a weekday if you prefer a quieter experience. Either way, bring cash, bring patience, and be ready to bargain.
Browse more Nairobi guides on BestKenya, or fuel your shopping trip with our Where to Eat in Nairobi guide. For first-time visitors, check out Is Kenya Safe? and Kenya Quick Facts. Planning a night out? See our Nairobi Nightlife Guide.
Explore More on BestKenya
Related guides:
Plan Your Kenya Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Found this useful? Share it
More from Travel Planning
View all
Digital Nomad Guide to Nairobi: Work, Live, Explore
Nairobi has faster average coworking Wi-Fi speeds than many European capitals, a cost of living well below Lisbon or Bali, and a coffee shop scene that rivals any remote-work hotspot on the planet.
Best Airbnbs in Nairobi: Neighborhoods, Prices & Tips
Nairobi's Airbnb market has matured fast — you can now get a fully-staffed villa in Karen for less than a mid-range hotel room, if you know which neighborhoods to target.
Best Airport Hotels in Nairobi Near JKIA (2026)
The Crowne Plaza and Four Points by Sheraton sit inside the JKIA compound itself — yet neither is walkable from the terminal. Here's exactly what each airport hotel costs, what the shuttle situation is, and which one to book based on your flight time.