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Kenya Shopping

Shopping

Kenya is an East African treasure trove filled with bustling bazaars, mesmerising markets and world class shops. Travellers are sure to find plenty to take home. From the colourful array of indigenous cloth, precious stones, intricate wood carvings and compelling artworks, to the Kenya coffee and beaded jewellrey.
 

When entering the marketplace, bargaining is customary and encouraged. Kitted with this knowledge, travellers should cast their inhibitions to the wind and negotiate prices they feel comfortable with, as long they are still within the respectable boundaries of subsistence.
 

Amongst the many Kenya souvenirs found at the marketplace and curio shops, the distinct beadwork of the Masai people are highly sought after. Their trademark features include red bursts of colour and brass as part of their intricate decoration. The traditional Masai beadwork and jewellery has even been incorporated into fashionable items such as belts, shoes and even mobile phone covers! This fusion of traditional designs and contemporary items reflects a Kenya in sync with globalisation, but retaining a decidedly traditional grounding.
 

Journeys2Africa Shopping Tip:
Haggling in Africa is thirsty work! While out shopping be sure to pack plenty of bottled water, as being so close to the Equator, the East African sun is very intense.

Credit card facilities are not available at African markets. We recommend you use small denominations of cash when shopping. Safari hotels and game lodges may accept credit cards.
 

Gift Ideas
Wonderful gift giving ideas abound in a beautiful country such as Kenya where a traveller’s main problem is likely to be “How does one know when one has bought too many gifts?” and not “But what will I buy?” The answer to that of course is “there’s no such thing as too many gifts!”
 

Carvings
These are by far the most popular items to buy in Kenya. Beautifully handcrafted African furniture, ornate doors, inlaid chests and smaller jewellry boxes, little traditional dhows, dark ebony wood carving of animals. The best wood carvers are known to be located in Lamu and Eastern Kenya. However careful decisions should be made whether to purchase wood or stone carvings due to the vast deforestation of indigenous woods in Kenya.
Stone carvings may be slightly heavier, but they make durable and welcome gifts for a home. Unusually carved egg cups, drink coasters and chess boards are a few Kenya gift ideas; as are soapstone animal carvings of the Big-Five.
 

Traditional Cloth
Brightly striped Kikoy cloth with knotted tastles along the ends is most popular. Worn as a wrap by Kenyans on the Indian Ocean coastline, this cloth is a comfortably cool and fashionable sarong for visitors to Kenya. The Khanga cloth is larger and more elaborately patterned, often incorporated into clothing and table clothes.
The traditional Masai Shukka is a warm red and blue (or black) blanket, typically draped around the shoulders and body of the Masai people living in the open plains and in the hillsides. A Shukka or two are functional gifts to take home – and warm reminders of your Africa safari, crisp game drives, crackling log fires and romantic safari lodges in Kenya.
 

Jewellery
People in Kenya, including the Masai, are adorned in stunning handcrafted jewelry pieces. Interesting neckpieces, copper bracelets, beaded belts and earrings can be found in informal markets for a good bargaining price. Ethiopian silver jewelry is also often found at markets, their unusual designs setting them apart from traditional Kenya designs and craftsmanship.
 

Basketry
Weaving and basketry in Kenya is of the highest quality in Africa, often woven from grass in the Kikuya area. Skillfully woven Kiondoo handbags are fashionable gift items from Kenya.
 

Traditional African Artifacts
Traditional Masai and Samburu ethnic items are amongst the most popular to buy in Kenya, especially at informal markets. Shields, spears and traditional Simi swords are amongst the traditional Kenya artifacts sought by visitors.
 

Kenyan Musical Instruments
Musical instruments play a lively role in Kenya’s culture, especially traditional drums and the ornately carved wooden Siwa (flute).The Siwa is an intricately carved flute that is capped using the horn of a cow and can be found in Lamu, where the Siwa is an integral part of cultural celebrations in Kenya.