Maasai Market — Local services in Nairobi

Tons of people selling everything you can imagine in a very tight space. If you're looking for souvenirs or decor for your house, this is a great place to find those things. If you're a parent that want to find some clothing for children of any age, lots of choices here! You will need to be able to negotiate. Nothing is marked with the price and when asked, merchants will start with the highest price. If you are obviously not a local, you're going to pay a much higher price for the same thing. If you're smart, take a local friend and split up. Let them know what you're interested in and send them around to negotiate for you. The price you will get is much better. I was told to be prepared to be harassed throughout the market. The Kenyan version of harassing is not what I would call harassing. People will ask you to look at their wares but they do so in such a gentle and respectful manner, it makes it even more difficult to say no. If you do say no, they will leave you alone. Out in the front of the market though is a different story. Once you leave through the gates, there are many mothers with babies and young children trying desperately to get you to give them money or buy whatever treats they are trying to sell. Maybe plan on bringing some small coins to give away but make sure you bring enough to give all of the mothers hanging around. Otherwise you are probably going to...

Disappointing Experience at Maasai Market, Nairobi

I was really looking forward to visiting the Maasai Market in Nairobi, but unfortunately, my experience today was frustrating and exhausting. As soon as we got out of the taxi, several aggressive brokers started following us—even before we entered the market. One of them stuck to us the entire time, claiming he would help us find whatever we wanted.

Instead of enjoying a cultural and artistic shopping experience, we ended up wasting a lot of time and energy just trying to bargain and avoid being manipulated. The broker quoted us outrageously high prices, and the whole process became overwhelming. I ended up leaving some items behind because the stress of bargaining was too much. It felt like I was being pressured and losing my sense of control.

In the end, my husband had to step in and take over. We ended up paying around $220 for only five items, which is far from a fair price considering local standards. I left the market feeling drained and disappointed.

I understand that bargaining is part of the experience, but this felt more like harassment than negotiation. I wish the market was better organized and that visitors could shop directly from artisans without being hounded by middlemen.

Tip for future visitors: Be very cautious, stay firm, and if possible, go with a local who knows the fair prices—or be ready...

I intentionally placed a five star rating for this native African market.

It is in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya.

This is a two day market sequences, taking place on Saturdays and Sundays and it's one place you can shop and get ALL African Kenyans crafts artworks.

All the visiting tourists in Kenya and here in Nairobi visit this crafts market It has rich African fabric materials.

The market stocks a huge variety of Massai tribe fabrics and artworks.

Massai is a tribe in Kenya that have over the years, retained their rich cultural heritage and have not missed any of it to effect of western civilization.

Get it right, Massai are educated and we'll civilized, but in the midst of their rich education, they strictly preserve their rich cultural heritage, passing it on from generation to generation.

That's it briefly, for Massai tribe in Kenya.

About the market again, it is a point where I met all humans across the world coming to shop, and all I could see is rich humanity at the intersection of arts, humanity and culture.

When next you are here in Nairobi Kenya, do plan to visit this market and you will be glad you did.

I am Bright Chimezie Irem, a Google Guide Expert, traveller, Blog content creator and a Fellow...