Nairobi cultural souvenir shopping tour with a local
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This is a carefully crafted experience that provides both character and quality. Between unfair exploitation in un-regulated open markets and the prevalence of low-quality goods, souvenir shopping in Kenya can be a minefield. Navigate it with ease on this door-to-door private tour, with your driver/guide on hand to translate, carry heavy items, and advise if required. A typical tour includes stops at four high-caliber stores: Kobe Beads Factory, Utamaduni Crafts Centre, Golden eagle art gallery and Aqeeq Galleria. Our tour is specially crafted to afford you the opportunity at your pleasure the chance to acquire a precious stone, with our visit to the gemstone store. The gemstones range from Tanzanite garnet, Amethyst, Rubies, Red Garnets, and Aquamarine which yes, are all mined in Kenya & East Africa. Souvenirs are a memorable way to remember your travel experience as these objects hold a sentimental value to yourself, friends & loved ones.
Available options
Nairobi cultural souvenir shopping tour with a local
Pickup included
What's included
Maasai market collections Karen
professional tour guide
Pick up and drop off at your hotel/residence
Exclusive tour with private transport
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Start of at Kobe Tough Beads and Leather. This is a pottery company that makes one of the world most beautiful beads. You will be shown firsthand all the stages from the start to the finish. It’s also a unique factory as it employs single mother parents from the poor neighborhood who earn a living to support their families. It's a women empowerment center for the community. The center was started by women who formerly worked for Kazuri beads factory when it shut down during the pandemic. This was reprieve for them as they could continue to provide for their families.
2
After exciting beads factory tour, we will continue to utamaduni crafts center. The best African craft shop in Nairobi, Utamaduni is a must to drop into on the way to some of the exciting venues in Nairobi's green suburb of Karen/Langata, known for the famous writer, Karen Blixen's original farm with beautiful views of the Ngong hills. Incorporate a visit to this unique house of crafts on the day of your visit Nairobi.
The shop, a converted Kikuyu house with 18 shops, is a treasure trove of African crafts, antiques and art, with friendly staff to assist and help pack or ship if needed.
After shopping stop and have refreshments in the large beautiful garden restaurant and if you are a bird watcher the many exotic birds will keep you entertained.
Make sure you make Utamaduni a part of your Kenya holiday itinerary.
3
This is a Kenyan community-based art gallery with the goal of providing customers artistic products, promote and encourage creative and authentic artwork. They offer paintings and drawings, jewelry, African attire, crafts and carvings, antiquities, malachite, soapstone and much more.
4
This is an exclusive store based in Mombasa and Nairobi, the 2 largest cities in Kenya. They deal in authentic sustainably sourced gemstones and jewelry in both precious and semi-precious. They offer an array of massive selection of gemstones. Some of them include Tanzanite garnet, Amethyst, Rubies, Red Garnets, and Aquamarine which yes, are all mined in Kenya & East Africa.
5
Quality bronze work from small jewelry pieces to giant monstrosities you have to see to believe. The bronze art is handmade by the founder and artist, Denis Mathews.Denis' daughter, Esenya, has started our 'silver range' (called SAFARIA) - an elegant selection of handmade,
pure silver jewelry, as well as our bronze art mixed with a silver touch. Alongside the gallery and foundry, there's also restaurant.
What's not included
Tips & gratuities
Lunch available for purchase
Available languages
Written guide
DE
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
5.0
11 reviews
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant city known for its rich wildlife, cultural diversity, and modern urban landscape. It's the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a unique blend of city life and nature.
Top Attractions
Nairobi National Park
This unique national park is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
Nature
Half day to full day
KES 400-1000
Karen Blixen Museum
This museum is dedicated to the Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in Kenya during the early 20th century. The museum is set in her former home and offers a glimpse into colonial life in Kenya.
Historical
2-3 hours
KES 500-1000
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that showcases the traditional music, dance, and acrobatics of Kenya's various ethnic groups. The center also features a museum and craft shops.
Cultural
2-3 hours
KES 500-1500
Must-Try Local Dishes
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat, typically goat or beef, seasoned with salt and sometimes spices. It's a popular dish often served with ugali and kachumbari.
Main Course
Contains meat
Ugali
A staple food made from maize flour, cooked with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. It's often served with stews or nyama choma.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Sukuma Wiki
Collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes other vegetables. It's a common side dish in Kenyan cuisine.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, Vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Coffee tasting
Spas
Picnics
Museum visits
Cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
June to October
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.
18-28°C
64-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Swahili
- Widely spoken: English, Swahili
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Nairobi is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Nairobi Railway Station
By bus
Nairobi Bus Station, Mombasa Road Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The NCBS is the main public transport system, with routes covering most of the city. Buses are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Westlands
Karen
Day trips
Lake Naivasha
90 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by scenic landscapes and wildlife. It's a popular spot for boat rides, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby Hell's Gate National Park.
Mount Longonot
80 km from Nairobi • Full day
Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano with a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the crater lake.
Lake Nakuru National Park
160 km from Nairobi • Full day
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its large population of flamingos and other wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park offers game drives and walking safaris.
Festivals
Nairobi International Trade Fair • July
Nairobi Film Festival • October
Kenyatta Day • June 1
Pro tips
- Visit the Nairobi National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing
- Try local dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and sukuma wiki for an authentic culinary experience
- Use app-based taxi services like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation
- Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact
- Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
