Where is Maasai Market today?
Monday: Capital Centre, Mombasa 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. Entry is free, and opening hours vary by location, so go in the morning.
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.
Which days is the Maasai Market open, and where?
The market operates on most days but moves between locations. Published schedules disagree on some days, so treat the table as a guide and confirm before you go (ask your hotel or check local Facebook groups).
| Day | Usual location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Village Market (Gigiri), upper car park | The classic Friday venue; popular with expats and families |
| Saturday | High Court parking lot (CBD) | Long-standing, biggest and most famous location |
| Sunday | Yaya Centre (Hurlingham) | A frequently listed Sunday venue; some schedules list Ngong Road instead |
| Other days | Varies | Sites that appear in published schedules include Kijabe Street (CBD), Capital Centre (Mombasa Road), Nairobi Railway Station, Yaya Centre, Village Market, the Junction Mall area and Ngong Road |
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 a weekday or Friday at Village Market.
Locations can 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.
Opening hours vary by location and vendors pack up earlier if business is slow. Arrive in the morning to beat the midday heat and peak crowds.
What to Buy
You'll find beaded bracelets and necklaces, soapstone carvings, wood carvings, Maasai shukas, kikoys (sarongs), leather sandals and batik paintings. First asking prices are usually much higher than what you'll end up paying, so shop around before committing. Beadwork and soapstone are the best-value purchases.
How to Bargain Without Getting Ripped Off
Bargaining is expected and enjoyed. Start well below 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 (such as the 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 more comfortable option. It's in a mall environment with security, and is 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. 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 or Kazuri Beads (ceramic beads 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, south of Nairobi) or Kazuri Beads (hand-rolled ceramic beads in Karen). Both have fixed prices.
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 a great place in Nairobi to buy souvenirs. Variety is high and bargaining is part of the experience.
Go on Saturday morning if you want the full market spectacle. Go on another day 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.
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