Shop at these Unusual Markets in East Africa!
East Africa is not only known for its diverse wildlife, incredible islands, and stunning beaches, but it’s also a great place to go shopping for arts and crafts!
Shopping at a mall may be more comfortable, but a street-side market may be more exciting.
Shopping while travelling to other countries is an entirely different experience. It is not about necessity, wants, or desire, but an educational journey and experience to learn more about the local culture while stepping into the shoes of the locals. It provides a sense of belonging and a feeling of excitement as you browse through to find things that you may not find in your home country. Whether you are shopping for yourself or gifts, travel shopping is a unique experience on its own.
East Africa offers many iconic and unusual marketplaces that will kindle the shopper within us. The East African markets are filled with colours, handcrafted arts and jewelry, and everything else you can imagine. So, whether you are looking for mementos for your vacation or gifts for your loved ones, these are some of the most unusual markets you must visit while in East Africa.
Maasai Market, Nairobi-Kenya
The Maasai Market is a unique market because of the range of unique products you can find and because the market moves around the city. The market is open opens six days a week in different locations. You can find everything at the Maasai Market, ranging from local specialty sandals to handcrafted jewelry.
Kariokor Market, Nairobi – Kenya
The Kariokor Market is a famous market with over 200 stalls, where you can find a range of items, including leather goods, jewellery, footwear, and other items. All the items are available at very reasonable prices. It is a wholesale market so you can shop for products at the best prices.
Toi Market, Nairobi – Kenya
The Toi Market is a market where you can buy quality fashion products, including tops, dresses, jeans, and t-shirts. The flea market is known for its fashionable inventory and pocket-friendly prices.
Gikomba Market, Nairobi – Kenya
The Gikomba Market is like the Toi Market, offering fashionable products at much lower prices.
The Tanzanite Experience, Arusha – Tanzania
The Tanzanite Experience offers mesmerising collections of the semi-precious gemstone tanzanite. It also takes you through a tour of the gemstone’s journey, from digging up in the mine to the final product.
Mwenge Woodcarvers Market, Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
The Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is filled with unique, colourful wood carvings and figurines. You can find exquisite masks, sculptures, and many other wooden artifacts that you can take home
Darajani Bazaar, Stone Town Zanzibar – Tanzania
Stone Town is probably the most well-known market in the region. The Daranjani Bazaar (also known as the Estella Market) is one of the main markets of Stone Town. It is a food market where you can buy local spices, meats, fruits, seafood, and more. It has a unique aura and a redefining experience of shopping with the locals.
If this list hasn’t gotten you excited about your trip to East Africa, our Guide to Air Travel in Tanzania will put you over the edge!
